【Saga Prefecture】 【Saga Prefecture】 “Inherited beauty. Autumn passed down through generations.” National Place of Scenic Beauty “Kunen-an” Opens to the Public in Autumn
Saga Prefecture Press Release: October 24, 2025 [Saga Prefecture] “Inherited beauty. Autumn passed down through generations.” National Place of Scenic Beauty “Kunen-an” opens to the public this fall. The autumn public opening, which was previously limited to nine days each year, has been significantly expanded to 16 days! In addition, a new route has been opened, including a spot where you can view the building from above! Kunen-an, a nationally designated scenic spot, is a garden with outstanding views of Kanzaki City, the Chikugo Plain, and the Ariake Sea. It is an important cultural asset for Saga Prefecture. Kunenan’s autumn public opening, which is usually limited to nine days from November 15th to November 23rd, will be extended to 16 days this year, from November 15th (Saturday) to November 30th (Sunday), so that more people can enjoy it. The autumn foliage season in November creates a beautiful contrast between the crimson of the maple leaves, the green of the moss, and the warmth of the thatched roofs, making it a symbol of autumn in Saga. Following the forestry area, which was first opened to the public last year, this year we will be opening a new route, including a spot where you can view the buildings from above. During the event, we will also be offering free Ureshino tea, holding concerts, and hosting food booths. Kunenan Official Website “Kunenan” Official X
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-9c149e50e94614584c163444e7b96777-3010×1392.jpg The Armonia Orchestra, founded in Saga in 2002, spreads the joy of music to a wide audience through classical performances and local events. ○Flute performance [November 16th (Sunday)] Cast: Mitsusuke Mochizuki
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-eed5e7b32a83ec7c9c45cfbb0a134de6-1802×2700.jpg Originating in Chiba Prefecture, he graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and completed his graduate studies. He inherits classical performing arts and collaborates with artists from other fields. Since moving to Takeo in 2019, he has appeared in numerous concerts and events. ○Satsuma Biwa Performance [Saturday, November 22nd] Cast: Kanako Kitahara
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-3c858159e612d48c65e6602866265f44-590×394.jpg Originally from Saga City. Studied Satsuma Biwa at Waseda University and won first place overall at the All Japan Traditional Music Competition. He has also produced CDs and is actively performing both in Japan and abroad. ○Shamisen performance [November 23rd (Sunday)] Cast: Hirotoshi Takahashi
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-708caf1c62f11e766678b7067310aaef-512×768.jpg Born in Saga City. Studied folk songs from a young age and became a disciple of the Takahashi school of Tsugaru shamisen. Has won numerous awards at national competitions and currently performs energetically, mainly in Kyushu. ○JAZZ [November 24th (Monday/Holiday)] Performer: Saga Modern Jazz Orchestra
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-86d358041f78da0149124cf78f393a64-1920×1396.jpg This is a long-established jazz orchestra representing Saga. Its members range in age from 79 to 26, and throughout the year they perform at events such as the Big Band Live and the Saga City Arts Festival. ○ Bandoneon Performance [Saturday, November 29th] Cast: Yukie Kawanami
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-c8562ee77b2a5055b9aa4b00c7b39956-1082×1514.jpg Born in Munakata City. Winner of the World Bandoneon Championships. Performed overseas over 20 times. Appeared on stage and formed the group Tango Three Sisters . Winner of international competitions. ○ Shinobue performance [November 30th (Sunday)] Cast: Kazuya Sato
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-5d71e70769b531d190c4b4f8fbee4019-3900×2600.jpg Born in Karatsu City in 1981. Flute player and composer. Entered the world of shinobue after receiving a flute from Yakushiji Temple. His original compositions have won the Japan Record Award, and he has appeared in numerous films and TV dramas. “Free Ureshino Tea” We’ll be serving 1,500 cups of Ureshino tea per day. Enjoy a relaxing moment with some of Saga’s famous sweets. Admire the autumn leaves at Kunenan and take a break with a cup of the famous Ureshino tea. We’ll be serving 1,500 cups of Ureshino tea per day. In addition, we’ll be serving a rotating selection of Japanese sweets from long-established shops, crafted by Saga’s proud artisans. Enjoy a leisurely autumn moment savoring these carefully prepared sweets along with fragrant tea. *Japanese sweets will be for sale. [Store information] ○Takahashi Mochi Honpo Fukuya
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-65bcdd44d756fab99d0a3a2f41ac727c-400×400.jpg The founder opened a shop near Takahashi on the old Nagasaki Kaido road about 130 years ago. We make sweets with all our heart, hoping to convey the charm of our local Saga region through deliciousness. ○ Kashin Maruichi
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-db5f28bc3c4f5b7bab94faf627cf3daa-800×800.png A store specializing in creative Japanese sweets founded in Saga City in 1950. We deliver “a rich life” that goes beyond “delicious” through over 200 varieties of Japanese sweets per year, focusing on Japanese sweets made with mochi rice cakes and red bean paste. ○ Ohara long-established store Saga
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-1059f9ae520ec0dbd61eb70662ba7d79-960×642.jpg Since our founding in 1850, our belief has remained unchanged: “timeless deliciousness.” We remain true to this belief and continue to preserve the flavor using the same manufacturing methods. ○ Original Yoshinoya
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-95bd1bd4cdfb6e0aec87cdca67a48719-3900×2597.jpg Saga City is home to 800 Ebisu statues, and worship there is so widespread that it has been recognized as the largest in Japan. This is a new Saga specialty, a sweet shaped like Ebisu, the god who brings happiness, handcrafted by artisans. ○ Kojimaya
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-1c6f53f051ae463e9dac346e16179dc5-2560×1709.jpg Every step of the process is meticulously completed by hand. As a result, these dorayaki, a proud product of Saga’s artisanal skill, are sold out by noon, with 300 pieces sold out each day. *Products scheduled for sale are subject to change. “Food Booths” – A Moment of Autumn Discovering Flavors This bustling area is lined with a variety of food trucks. From roasted sweet potatoes and Japanese sweets to baby castella and candy apples, you’ll find flavors loved by people of all ages. Stop by during your stroll and enjoy some special autumn flavors. *Information about exhibitors during the public opening period will be announced on Kunenan’s official X account. [Kitchen car information] ○Tsukikage
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-78367f66ee52c68dc89492c17c62cb36-2048×1536.jpg This food truck specializes in roasted sweet potatoes. It has been featured frequently on TV, in magazines, and in other media. Its sweet potatoes are carefully selected from Miyazaki Prefecture, and its unique roasted sweet potato creations are a speciality. ○ELEDIA
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-63485137d5fcead5e1b9ade0c137ab62-1020×817.png A popular food truck in Saga that mainly sells candy apples, but also stylish cotton candy. ○MOGMOG
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-a5d0d0f69205c9a62407c7b254763df4-1108×1478.jpg The Baby Castella Food Truck is popular with people of all ages. They offer a variety of stylish drinks, including a monthly changing menu of baby castella cakes. ○HAKATA YAMADAYA
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-8facf2e306fec38c28293c49e98af8a2-1170×1560.jpg This popular shop is known for its stylish Japanese-inspired sweets. They are always introducing and selling stylish, new sweets. ○ Hideluka Deli
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-722aa282adab9e1ecd1379687000461d-3900×2163.jpg This sweet potato specialty shop operates from a food truck. Using carefully selected sweet potatoes, they sell delicious chilled baked sweet potatoes, innovatively created baked sweet potato flavors, and baked sweet potato parfaits paired with ice cream. ○ Tsuzumi Dango
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-1763ce45341174d22a88125553cbfc9e-784×523.jpg Enjoy sweets that complement the autumn leaves, including classic mitarashi dango, colorful three-color dango, and Japanese sweets made with seasonal chestnuts. ○ Ca va 『Sava』
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-6dbbbb8fed9d8efd7831e82cb4a4d9ea-2384×1703.jpg Even at their food truck, they specialize in roasted sweet potatoes, with their aged, pot-roasted sweet potatoes having a
melt-in-your-mouth texture. They offer a variety of lattes, including Japanese-style drinks, of course. ○ Imoamegoto
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-826f029dcd2bb1f9fb5367fa57e23639-788×596.jpg Once you start eating, you won’t be able to stop! The prefecture’s first sweet potato candy specialty store. A new type of sweet potato candy that fills your mouth with the crispy and fluffy flavor of sweet potato. ○ Sweetness ya-tsu
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-7f04b904e1352f3c97ffab4826af8319-810×839.jpg Japanese sweets filled with the owner’s desire to please both body and mind. Homemade bean paste and shiratama dumplings are the main focus, garnished with seasonal fruits… ○ Ebisu Shouten
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-7c2cb9fdf0242dce52f8e47a4bb0dc43-590×442.jpg A shop selling kaiten-yaki (rolled skewered pancakes) and ice cream. A big hit with customers of all ages and genders. They are particular about serving freshly baked kaiten-yaki (rolled skewered pancakes) filled with plenty of sweet bean paste. ○ TOMODACHI NO DONUTS Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-b2361fba9479e60e46d5dab5fef609b9-1090×1191.png Now offering our super popular fresh donuts! These cutely decorated donuts, filled with fluffy dough and plenty of cream, are a sweet treat that people of all ages and genders will want to try at least once. ○ Waffle Tiger
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-71a5079fff555e3a8602f8ddc5b73be0-982×763.png Enjoy a variety of waffles, from sweet waffles with cream and fruit sandwiched between crispy, fluffy waffles, to savory waffles like hamburgers. *The scheduled food trucks are subject to change. A new route unveiled for the first time, including a spot where you can view the building from above!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-b848ec08f8d12677c0252760bdaad440-960×720.jpg Following the forestry area, which was first opened to the public last year, this year we will be opening a “new route” that includes a spot where you can view the building from above. Be sure to check out this new view of Kunenan that you’ve never seen before! *The new route is one-way, as indicated by the arrow. Scenic Place: Kunen-an (Former Itami Family Villa) Garden – A garden filled with history and nature, polished by great businessmen.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-c9f9ba65a9320e576d0979d4fa39ed09-3900×2191.jpg Kunen-an is a scenic garden located in a small valley facing a tributary of the Shirohara River in Kanzaki City, Saga Prefecture, along the approach to Niiyama Shrine. It was built in the Meiji period by businessman Itami Bun’emon and his son Yataro, who made a significant contribution to the modernization of Saga. Currently owned and managed by Saga Prefecture, it is open to the public for a limited time twice a year, in spring and autumn. The scenery created by the dazzling new greenery and clear air in spring, the crimson of the maple leaves, the green of the moss and forests, and the warmth of the thatched roofs in autumn is truly beautiful, and many people from inside and outside the prefecture visit every year during the open period. [History of Kunenan]
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-15350ee0462b44fce132b86f8d4a6217-3900×2684.jpg The current site of Kunenan is located on the former site of Niiyama Gokokuji Temple, which is said to have been founded by Gyoki at the request of Emperor Shomu in 729, the first year of the Tenpyo era during the Nara period. Niiyama Gokokuji Temple is the shrine temple of Niiyama Shrine. Once home to 36 lodgings, the area flourished as a sacred place for Shugendo practitioners. However, it was abandoned due to the Shinbutsu Bunri Edict (law for separating Shinto and Buddhism) in the early Meiji period. After Niiyama Gokokuji Temple was abandoned, this historic land was acquired by Itami Bun’emon, a businessman from the Saga domain. Until the Meiji Restoration, the Itami family served as a purveyor to the Nabeshima family, the feudal lords of Saga, under the trade name “Tetsuya.” In modern times, as one of the three major Saga zaibatsu (financial conglomerates), they contributed greatly to the modernization of Saga, including the establishment of a bank, a railway, a newspaper, and a power plant. Kunenan began when Bun’emon acquired the site of a former temple as a retirement home and built a villa there in 1892. After Bun’emon’s death, Yataro inherited the land and, starting in 1900, spent a full nine years constructing the garden. The garden was designed by Hotori Rijo, the head priest of Seigyoji Temple in Kurume City, who studied landscape design in Kyoto. He specialized in tea gardens, and his style, known as “natural style,” idealizes the creation of a teahouse within a small clearing in the forest. There’s an anecdote about his efforts to protect the forests during the construction of Kunenan, where he advised Mr. Itami to halt logging, stating, “Forests are important to a garden.” During the Taisho period, Kunenan was also used as a social venue, hosting welcome parties for Shigenobu Okuma and his wife, who had retired from politics. In 1920, a new tea room was built, and a plaque bearing the name “Kunenan” in calligraphy by Tessai Tomioka was hung. Then, in the early Showa period, Kunenan’s preservation was temporarily in jeopardy. However, in 1960,
businessman Taizo Kurata acquired the property. Under the supervision of Dr. Osamu Mori, a leading authority on Japanese garden history, the building was expanded and renovated, and the garden was renovated. This renovation resulted in the Kunenan that remains in its current form. After Taizo Kurata’s death, the property came into the possession of Saga Prefecture in 1983, and began opening to the public in the fall in 1988. In 1995, the garden, which retains the history of the ancient temple and retains Meiji-era features, was well-preserved and integrated into the surrounding nature. It was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty as a garden of exceptional cultural value, centered on the garden itself. 【Garden at Niwaya Ichinyo】
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-360c1c11cc452456c86d8d84db2b8baf-3900×2601.jpg Kunen-an is a three-dimensional strolling garden that makes use of the forest behind it and the difference in elevation of the site, which is divided into two levels, north and south. The south side of the garden offers a magnificent view that stretches out toward Kanzaki City, the Chikugo Plain, and the Ariake Sea. On clear days, you can even see Mount Unzen-Fugen in the distance. The main house, gate, teahouse, pond garden, and flat garden harmonize within the grounds, creating a unique atmosphere. The main house is built in a staggered formation to visually incorporate the surrounding scenery, beautifully expressing the idea of ”teioku ichinyo” (garden and house as one), where the garden and architecture blend together as a single unit. Moss spreads beautifully throughout the garden, and in autumn, over 140 maple trees turn a vibrant crimson, painting the entire garden a vibrant color. [Gem of modern Sukiya architecture]
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/18574/456/18574-456-54ea4b9f027b673140b39979c9752c0c-3900×2601.jpg The main building of Kunen-an is designed in the sukiya-zukuri style. The guest room, the main room for entertaining guests, and the adjoining room have voluminous gambrel roofs without eaves, and are designed with wide open spaces on the south and west sides to take in the garden views. The building is also crafted with carefully selected, high-quality materials, including four-sided,
straight-grained haga pillars, cypress beams with exposed bark, and rafters made from natural cherry and magnolia wood. The interior walls are finished with large straw reeds, and the ceiling is made of split bamboo latticework, showcasing the building’s high level of
craftsmanship and design. The exterior features an ochre-colored undercoat, cedar bark and split bamboo covering the waist walls, round bamboo verandas with shingles, and slender columns supporting the deep eaves, lending the building a sense of lightness. The materials and colors used to construct the building’s exterior are carefully considered, and it blends beautifully with the surrounding natural scenery. While some modifications were made during the Itami era in 1920 and the Kurata era in 1962, the original core of the building has been preserved without any major changes. Kunen-an is a valuable cultural asset, built and passed down by modern connoisseurs of sukiya architecture, unparalleled in the prefecture. When you visit, be sure to take a look at the building itself. automatically, so please do not reply.