Saga, Japan: Daikōzen-ji

Daikōzen-ji 大興善寺

Admission time (autumn) 8:30-17:30
Entrance fee (Adults): 600 yen

We are rushing our first day to attend the last day of the autumn festivities.  This is our first temple to visit after almost 3 years of lockdown and travel restrictions. From Kiyama station, we took a taxi going to the temple. 

There is a very long staircase going to the main grounds.  You can visit the main hall for free.  But the garden behind the main hall that is filled with colorful autumn leaves is with a fee. 

Due to prevention, little things like that of the washer are not that very local scene anymore. As it becomes free flowing water and the bamboo bucket is no longer used.

There were walking sticks provided, but as we do not want to touch unnecessary items, we didn't use them.  However, it is recommended as the place is a hiking activity.

 

Since this is an outdoor area, there are times we remove our face masks.  But be mindful if there are other visitors passing by.

The place has a lot of slopes and stairs, so make sure to take your time looking up to the mountains and watching the overlooking areas in the fields.

Even though the momiji peak has passed, I'm thankful enough that we were still able to catch some trees still in orange and yellow. 

It was a very cloudy day, the sun was nowhere to be found. Even though it was not perfect weather that day, the place is grandiose to see. 

At the end of the hiking trail, drop by the tea house or the ramen place to fill-up your tummy.

While sipping a hot ramen, the raindrops started sprinkling in the area with the cold wind blowing the leaves as it danced down to the grounds.  This is how much I missed travelling - be one with nature, smell the morning dew in the forest, breathe fresh air, feast your eyes with the beauty of the surroundings.  Then, revive yourself with positive energy to lift up your spirit.

How to get there

Address: 3628 Sonobe, Kiyama, Miyaki District, Saga 841-0203, Japan

Closest station is JR Kiyama Station, since the limited bus transport during autumn is not available during our visit, we took a taxi (by 9-10mins, at 1500-1600yen)

Want to know more about this trip?

Read on Japan: Fukuoka and Saga - 5 days Itinerary and Expenses

Day	Places to See	Food and Restaurants	Optional
1	Daikozen-ji Ishibashi Cultural Center Daimaru Passage Square Tenjin Central Park Fuku-Haku Deai Bridge Canal Mall	Tenjin Christmas Village
2	Momiji Hachimangu Shrine Daimyomachi Church Don Quijote in Tenjin Gundam in Lalaport	Muji Cafe & Meal Takoyaki-doraku Hakata Christmas Market
3	Kamado-jinja Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine	Starbucks in Dazaifu Ramen Stadium in Canal City	FUK coffee
4	Mifuneyama Rakuen TeamLab Art Exhibition Takeo Library	Starbucks in Takeo Library Yebisu Bar in Hakata	Yoko Art Musuem Mifune-Jaya
5	Fukuoka Art Museum Tenjin Central Park	Ta-Te Kegomachi	@papparayray Rakusuien tea house