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Coordinates: 33°16′0″N 130°18′0″E / 33.26667°N 130.30000°E / 33.26667; 130.30000
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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
| name = {{raise|0.2em|Saga}}
| name = Saga
| native_name = {{lower|0.1em|{{nobold|{{lang|ja|佐賀市}}}}}}
| native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|ja|佐賀市}}}}
| official_name = Saga City
| official_name = Saga City
| settlement_type = [[Special cities of Japan|Special city]]
| settlement_type = [[Special cities of Japan|Special city]]
| image_skyline = Saga city office.JPG
| image_skyline = File:Saga Montage.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = '''Top''':[[Saga International Balloon Fiesta]]. '''Second''':[[Saga Castle]], A heritage site of Mietsu Naval Dock, '''Third''':[[:ja:古湯温泉|Furuyu Spa]], Saga Historial Folk Museum, '''Bottom''':Saga Shrine, (all item from left to right)
| image_caption = Saga City Hall
| image_flag = Flag of Saga, Saga.svg
| image_flag = Flag of Saga, Saga.svg
| flag_alt =
| flag_alt =
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| coordinates_footnotes =
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = [[Japan]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Japan}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[List of regions of Japan|Region]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[List of regions of Japan|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kyushu]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kyushu]]
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| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
{{nihongo|'''Saga'''|佐賀市|Saga-shi|extra={{IPA-ja|saꜜɡa|lang}}}} is the capital [[Cities of Japan|city]] of [[Saga Prefecture]], located on the island of [[Kyushu]], [[Japan]].


{{nihongo|'''Saga'''|佐賀市|Saga-shi|extra={{IPA-ja|saꜜɡa|lang}}}} is the capital [[Cities of Japan|city]] of [[Saga Prefecture]], located on the island of [[Kyushu]], [[Japan]]. Saga was the capital of [[Saga Domain]] in the [[Edo period]], and the largest city of former [[Hizen Province]]. As of August 1, 2020, the city had an estimated population of 232,736 and a [[population density]] of 539 persons per km<sup>2</sup>.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.city.saga.lg.jp/ |title=佐賀市公式ホームページ |publisher=City.saga.lg.jp |date= |accessdate=2022-03-19}}</ref> The total area is 431.84&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.
Saga was the capital of [[Saga Domain]] in the [[Edo period]], and largest city of former [[Hizen Province]].


Saga is located in the southeast part of Saga Prefecture. After the 2005 merger the city became very long north to south, bordering the [[Ariake Sea]] to the south and [[Fukuoka Prefecture]] to the southeast and north. The northern half of the city contains the Sefuri Mountains. Saga can also be regarded as within the Greater Fukuoka metropolitan area, and by extension, [[Fukuoka-Kitakyushu]] Metropolitan Area.
As of August 1, 2020, the city had an estimated [[population]] of 232,736 and a [[population density]] of 539 persons per km<sup>2</sup>.<ref>https://www.city.saga.lg.jp/</ref> The total area is 431.84&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.

On October 1, 2005, Saga absorbed the towns of [[Fuji, Saga|Fuji]], [[Morodomi, Saga|Morodomi]] and [[Yamato, Saga|Yamato]] (all from [[Saga District, Saga|Saga District]]) and the village of [[Mitsuse, Saga|Mitsuse]] (from [[Kanzaki District, Saga|Kanzaki District]]) to create the new and expanded city of Saga. With this creation, the city now neighbors the city of [[Fukuoka, Fukuoka|Fukuoka]] (in [[Fukuoka Prefecture]]).

On October 1, 2007 the towns of [[Higashiyoka, Saga|Higashiyoka]], [[Kawasoe, Saga|Kawasoe]], and [[Kubota, Saga|Kubota]] (all from [[Saga District, Saga|Saga District]]) were also incorporated into Saga, further expanding its borders.

Although Saga is the capital of Saga Prefecture, it can also be said to be within the Greater Fukuoka metropolitan area, and by extension, [[Fukuoka-Kitakyushu]] Metropolitan Area.


==History==
==History==
{{unreferencedsect|date=December 2023}}

===Municipal timeline===
===Municipal timeline===
*April 1, 1889 - The modern [[Municipalities of Japan|municipal system]] was established and the city of Saga is founded. At the same time, the current city region is occupied by 21 [[Villages of Japan|villages]] from three districts.
*April 1, 1889 - The modern [[Municipalities of Japan|municipal system]] was established and the city of Saga is founded. At the same time, the current city region is occupied by 21 [[Villages of Japan|villages]] from three districts.
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===Saga Castle===
===Saga Castle===
Standing out from many cultural assets is the plains castle within the city, [[Saga Castle]]. It is one of the rare castles in Japan surrounded by a wall rather than built on one. First built between 1591 and 1593, there was a fire in 1726. Renovated in 1728, there was yet another fire in 1835. [[Nabeshima Naomasa]], ''[[daimyō]]'' of the [[Nabeshima clan]], renovated it within two years and moved in. In 1874 it was a court building and a prefectural office. 1883 saw it become a junior school. The buildings were eventually replaced by modern school buildings.
Standing out from many cultural assets is the plains castle within the city, [[Saga Castle]]. It is one of the rare castles in Japan surrounded by a wall rather than built on one. First built between 1591 and 1593, there was a fire in 1726. Renovated in 1728, there was yet another fire in 1835. [[Nabeshima Naomasa]], ''[[daimyō]]'' of the [[Nabeshima clan]], renovated it within two years and moved in. In 1874 it was a court building and a prefectural office. 1883 saw it become a junior school. The buildings were eventually replaced by modern school buildings.
[[File:Saga city center 1.jpg|none|thumb|Around Saga Castle]]
[[File:Saga cityscape northward wide.JPG|thumb|right|Northward view of downtown Saga]]
[[File:Saga city office.JPG|thumb|Saga city office]]


==Geography==
==Geography==
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Saga has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'').The annual average precipitation ranges from about 1800&nbsp;mm (71&nbsp;in) in the city center to about 2400&nbsp;mm (94&nbsp;in) in [[Mitsuse, Saga|Mitsuse]]. The annual average temperature ranges from about 13&nbsp;°C (55&nbsp;°F) in Mitsuse to 17&nbsp;°C (63&nbsp;°F) in the city center.
Saga has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'').The annual average precipitation ranges from about 1800&nbsp;mm (71&nbsp;in) in the city center to about 2400&nbsp;mm (94&nbsp;in) in [[Mitsuse, Saga|Mitsuse]]. The annual average temperature ranges from about 13&nbsp;°C (55&nbsp;°F) in Mitsuse to 17&nbsp;°C (63&nbsp;°F) in the city center.


{{Weather box|width=auto
{{Weather box
|width=auto
|collapsed = Y
|location = Saga, Saga
|single line = Y
|single line = Y
|metric first = Y
|metric first = Y
|location = Saga (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1890−present)
|Jan high C = 9.5
|Feb high C = 10.6
|Jan record high C = 21.1
|Mar high C = 14.6
|Feb record high C = 23.1
|Apr high C = 20.3
|Mar record high C = 25.7
|May high C = 24.8
|Apr record high C = 30.8
|Jun high C = 27.4
|May record high C = 35.8
|Jul high C = 30.9
|Jun record high C = 37.1
|Aug high C = 32.4
|Jul record high C = 39.6
|Sep high C = 28.6
|Aug record high C = 38.6
|Oct high C = 23.5
|Sep record high C = 36.4
|Nov high C = 17.7
|Oct record high C = 33.6
|Dec high C = 12.1
|Nov record high C = 29.6
|Jan mean C = 5.0
|Dec record high C = 24.6
|Feb mean C = 6.0
|Jan record low C = -6.9
|Mar mean C = 9.3
|Feb record low C = -6.2
|Apr mean C = 14.8
|Mar record low C = -4.1
|May mean C = 19.2
|Apr record low C = -1.1
|Jun mean C = 22.8
|May record low C = 3.7
|Jul mean C = 26.8
|Jun record low C = 8.2
|Aug mean C = 27.6
|Jul record low C = 14.3
|Sep mean C = 23.7
|Aug record low C = 16.2
|Oct mean C = 17.9
|Sep record low C = 9.4
|Nov mean C = 12.4
|Oct record low C = 1.8
|Dec mean C = 7.2
|Nov record low C = -1.3
|Jan low C = 1.2
|Dec record low C = -6.5
|Feb low C = 2.0
|Mar low C = 4.7
|Apr low C = 10.0
|May low C = 14.3
|Jun low C = 18.9
|Jul low C = 23.6
|Aug low C = 23.9
|Sep low C = 19.9
|Oct low C = 13.3
|Nov low C = 7.9
|Dec low C = 3.1
|precipitation colour = green
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 62.0
|Jan precipitation mm = 54.1
|Feb precipitation mm = 73.5
|Feb precipitation mm = 77.5
|Mar precipitation mm = 113.7
|Mar precipitation mm = 120.6
|Apr precipitation mm = 171.3
|Apr precipitation mm = 161.7
|May precipitation mm = 190.0
|May precipitation mm = 182.9
|Jun precipitation mm = 321.6
|Jun precipitation mm = 327.0
|Jul precipitation mm = 341.4
|Jul precipitation mm = 366.8
|Aug precipitation mm = 178.2
|Aug precipitation mm = 252.4
|Sep precipitation mm = 175.0
|Sep precipitation mm = 169.3
|Oct precipitation mm = 96.8
|Oct precipitation mm = 90.1
|Nov precipitation mm = 68.5
|Nov precipitation mm = 89.4
|Dec precipitation mm = 44.4
|Dec precipitation mm = 59.5
|year precipitation mm = 1951.3
|Jan snow cm = 6
|Feb snow cm = 5
|Jan mean C = 5.8
|Feb mean C = 7.0
|Mar mean C = 10.4
|Apr mean C = 15.3
|May mean C = 20.0
|Jun mean C = 23.5
|Jul mean C = 27.2
|Aug mean C = 28.2
|Sep mean C = 24.5
|Oct mean C = 19.1
|Nov mean C = 13.3
|Dec mean C = 7.8
|year mean C = 16.9
|Jan high C = 10.1
|Feb high C = 11.8
|Mar high C = 15.2
|Apr high C = 20.7
|May high C = 25.6
|Jun high C = 28.0
|Jul high C = 31.6
|Aug high C = 32.9
|Sep high C = 29.4
|Oct high C = 24.3
|Nov high C = 18.2
|Dec high C = 12.4
|year high C = 21.7
|Jan low C = 1.8
|Feb low C = 2.6
|Mar low C = 5.7
|Apr low C = 10.2
|May low C = 15.2
|Jun low C = 19.9
|Jul low C = 24.0
|Aug low C = 24.6
|Sep low C = 20.7
|Oct low C = 14.7
|Nov low C = 8.9
|Dec low C = 3.6
|year low C = 12.7
|Jan humidity = 69
|Feb humidity = 67
|Mar humidity = 65
|Apr humidity = 65
|May humidity = 66
|Jun humidity = 74
|Jul humidity = 76
|Aug humidity = 73
|Sep humidity = 72
|Oct humidity = 68
|Nov humidity = 70
|Dec humidity = 70
|year humidity = 70
|Jan sun = 128.2
|Feb sun = 139.5
|Mar sun = 169.0
|Apr sun = 186.7
|May sun = 197.1
|Jun sun = 131.4
|Jul sun = 164.8
|Aug sun = 200.4
|Sep sun = 174.1
|Oct sun = 188.0
|Nov sun = 153.2
|Dec sun = 137.9
|year sun = 1970.5
|Jan snow cm = 2
|Feb snow cm = 1
|Mar snow cm = 0
|Mar snow cm = 0
|Apr snow cm = 0
|Apr snow cm = 0
Line 203: Line 255:
|Nov snow cm = 0
|Nov snow cm = 0
|Dec snow cm = 1
|Dec snow cm = 1
|Jan humidity = 71
|year snow cm = 4
|unit precipitation days = 0.5 mm
|Feb humidity = 70
|Jan precipitation days = 9.0
|Mar humidity = 68
|Feb precipitation days = 9.2
|Apr humidity = 70
|Mar precipitation days = 11.1
|May humidity = 71
|Apr precipitation days = 10.3
|Jun humidity = 76
|May precipitation days = 9.5
|Jul humidity = 80
|Jun precipitation days = 13.8
|Aug humidity = 77
|Jul precipitation days = 13.0
|Sep humidity = 76
|Aug precipitation days = 11.4
|Oct humidity = 72
|Sep precipitation days = 10.2
|Nov humidity = 72
|Oct precipitation days = 6.6
|Dec humidity = 73
|Nov precipitation days = 8.4
|Jan sun = 117.5
|Dec precipitation days = 8.1
|Feb sun = 120.6
|year precipitation days = 120.7
|Mar sun = 160.9
|source 1 = Japan Meteorological Agency<ref>{{cite web
|Apr sun = 161.7
| url = https://www.data.jma.go.jp/obd/stats/etrn/index.php?prec_no=85&block_no=47813&year=&month=&day=&view=
|May sun = 182.5
|script-title=ja:気象庁 / 平年値（年・月ごとの値）
|Jun sun = 143.7
| publisher = [[Japan Meteorological Agency]]
|Jul sun = 169.4
| access-date = May 19, 2021}}</ref>
|Aug sun = 210.1
}}
|Sep sun = 164.4
|Oct sun = 174.2
|Nov sun = 141.4
|Dec sun = 123.1
|source 1 = NOAA (1961-1990)<ref name= NOAA>{{cite web
|url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/JP/47813.TXT
|title = Saga Climate Normals 1961-1990
|publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
|accessdate = January 6, 2013}}</ref>
|date=January 2013}}


===Adjoining municipalities===
===Adjoining municipalities===
[[File:Saga city center 1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Saga city center]]
*[[Saga Prefecture]]
*[[Saga Prefecture]]
**[[Kanzaki, Saga|Kanzaki]]
**[[Kanzaki, Saga|Kanzaki]]
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==Education==
==Education==
[[File:Saga city office.JPG|thumb|Saga city office]]

===Universities===
===Universities===
{{col-begin}}{{col-break}}
:;National
:;National
*[[Saga University]]
*[[Saga University]]
{{col-break}}
:;Private
:;Private
*Saga Junior College
*Saga Junior College
*Saga Women's Junior College
*Saga Women's Junior College
{{col-end}}


===Senior High Schools===
===Senior High Schools===
{{col-begin|width=auto}}
{{col-break}}
:;Prefectural
:;Prefectural
*[[Saga Prefectural Chienkan Junior & Senior High School|Chienkan High School]]
*[[Saga Prefectural Chienkan Junior & Senior High School|Chienkan High School]]
*[[Koshikan Senior High School]]
*[[Koshikan Senior High School]]
*Saga [[Commercial high school (Japan)|Commercial High School]]
*Saga [[Commercial high school (Japan)|Commercial High School]]
*[[Saga Higashi High School]]
*Saga Higashi High School
*Saga Kita High School
*Saga Kita High School
*Saga Nishi High School
*Saga Nishi High School
*[[Saga Prefectural Saga Technical High School|Saga Technical High School]]
*[[Saga Prefectural Saga Technical High School|Saga Technical High School]]
{{col-break|gap=2em}}
:;Private
:;Private
*Hokuryo High School
*Hokuryo High School
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*Saga Seiwa High School
*Saga Seiwa High School
*Saga Girls' High School
*Saga Girls' High School
{{col-end}}


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
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===Rail===
===Rail===
[[File:JRKyushu Saga Station01.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The south exit of [[Saga Station]]]]
[[File:JRKyushu Saga Station01.jpg|right|thumb|The south exit of [[Saga Station]]]]
*[[JR Kyushu]]
*[[JR Kyushu]]
**[[Nagasaki Main Line]]
**[[Nagasaki Main Line]]
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***Other facilities: Kinryū Service Area
***Other facilities: Kinryū Service Area
*[[National highways of Japan|National highways]]
*[[National highways of Japan|National highways]]
**[[Route 34 (Japan)|Route 34]] ("Hokubu Bypass")
**[[Japan National Route 34|Route 34]] ("Hokubu Bypass")
**[[Route 207 (Japan)|Route 207]]
**[[Japan National Route 207|Route 207]]
**[[Route 208 (Japan)|Route 208]] ("Nambu Bypass")
**[[Japan National Route 208|Route 208]] ("Nambu Bypass")
**[[Route 263 (Japan)|Route 263]]
**[[Japan National Route 263|Route 263]]
***Toll section: Mitsuse Tunnel
***Toll section: Mitsuse Tunnel
***Yamato [[Roadside Station]]
***Yamato [[Roadside Station]]
**[[Route 264 (Japan)|Route 264]]
**[[Japan National Route 264|Route 264]]
**[[Route 323 (Japan)|Route 323]]
**[[Japan National Route 323|Route 323]]
**[[Route 444 (Japan)|Route 444]]
**[[Japan National Route 444|Route 444]]


== Attractions ==
== Attractions ==
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[[Saga Castle]] (Also called the [[Saga Castle|Saga Castle Historical Museum]]) is the largest reconstruction of a wooden building in Japan, with a total floor space of 2500 square meters and the historical atmosphere of the Saga Castle main keep.
[[Saga Castle]] (Also called the [[Saga Castle|Saga Castle Historical Museum]]) is the largest reconstruction of a wooden building in Japan, with a total floor space of 2500 square meters and the historical atmosphere of the Saga Castle main keep.


== Famous People from Saga ==
== Notable people from Saga ==
*[[Shigeo Shingo]], an [[industrial engineer]] who distinguished himself as one of the world's leading experts on manufacturing practices.
*[[Shigeo Shingo]], an [[industrial engineer]] who distinguished himself as one of the world's leading experts on manufacturing practices.
*[[Hidenori Chiwata]], a singer whose song カサブタ (Kasabuta / "Scab") was used as a theme song in the [[anime]] [[Zatch Bell!]].
*[[Hanawa]], singer and comedian. He released a CD about Saga city
*[[Hanawa]], singer and comedian. He released a CD about Saga city
*[[Yasuko Matsuyuki]], singer and actress known for her glamorous and sophisticated personality. She is mentioned in Hanawa's song as being one of the celebrities that won't admit being from Saga. She moved away from Saga at the age of 19 to be a model.
*[[Yasuko Matsuyuki]], singer and actress known for her glamorous and sophisticated personality. She is mentioned in Hanawa's song as being one of the celebrities that won't admit being from Saga. She moved away from Saga at the age of 19 to be a model.
* Yuna Katsuki (born Yohei Matsuyuki), singer and musician, of Lazy Knack, RED, The Flare, and Candelars, and also the younger brother of Yasuko Matsuyuki. He freely admits being from Saga, unlike his sister. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080611155206/http://y-cross.jp/bio.html Yuna's Official Website] He moved to Tokyo at the age of 16.
*[[Egashira 2:50]], a comedian
*[[Egashira 2:50]], a comedian
*[[Noriko Nakagoshi]], an actress
*[[Noriko Nakagoshi]], an actress
*[[Ikumi Yoshimatsu]], [[Miss International 2012]]
*[[Ikumi Yoshimatsu]], [[Miss International 2012]]
*[[Rikako Sakata]], actress known for [[Miu Kazashiro]] in [[Kamen Rider Fourze]]
*[[Rikako Sakata]], actress known for [[Miu Kazashiro]] in [[Kamen Rider Fourze]]
*[[Saburō Sakai]], Japanese [[naval aviator]] and [[flying ace]]


== Economy/Industry ==
== Economy/Industry ==
{{unreferencedsect|date=December 2023}}
In the areas surrounding the city, the agricultural industry focuses on planting grains that make use of water. The fishery centers on seaweed cultivation using the [[Ariake Sea]].
In the areas surrounding the city, the agricultural industry focuses on planting grains that make use of water. The fishery centers on [[seaweed farming|seaweed cultivation]] using the [[Ariake Sea]].


Originally one of the largest rice-producing areas, a large farmland has been converted it into a vegetable field in response to changes in the environment surrounding agriculture. In terms of industry, the terrain is facing the Ariake Sea, but since it is a shallow area where large vessels cannot navigate, heavy industry has not developed much. In addition, in the first half of the 20th century, coal and prefecture western flourished because there was not much competition.
Originally one of the largest rice-producing areas, a large farmland has been converted it into a vegetable field in response to changes in the environment surrounding agriculture. In terms of industry, the terrain is facing the Ariake Sea, but since it is a shallow area where large vessels cannot navigate, heavy industry has not developed much. In addition, in the first half of the 20th century, coal and prefecture western flourished because there was not much competition.
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==Twin towns – sister cities==
==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Japan}}
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Japan}}
Saga is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=佐賀市の姉妹都市・友好都市|url=https://www.city.saga.lg.jp/main/505.html|website=city.saga.lg.jp|publisher=Saga|language=ja|accessdate=2020-04-10}}</ref>
Saga is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=佐賀市の姉妹都市・友好都市|url=https://www.city.saga.lg.jp/main/505.html|website=city.saga.lg.jp|publisher=Saga|language=ja|access-date=2020-04-10}}</ref>

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Cussac-Fort-Médoc]], France
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Cussac-Fort-Médoc]], France
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Glens Falls, New York|Glens Falls]], United States
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Glens Falls, New York|Glens Falls]], United States (since 1988)
*{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Lianyungang]], China
*{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Lianyungang]], China
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Warren County, New York|Warren County]], United States
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Warren County, New York|Warren County]], United States (since 1988)
*{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Yeonje District|Yeonje (Busan)]], South Korea
*{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Yeonje District|Yeonje (Busan)]], South Korea
{{div col end}}


== References ==
== References ==
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* {{Official website|http://www.city.saga.lg.jp|Saga City official website}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.city.saga.lg.jp|Saga City official website}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.city.saga.lg.jp/en/|Saga City official website}} {{in lang|en}}
* {{Official website|http://www.city.saga.lg.jp/en/|Saga City official website}} {{in lang|en}}
* [http://www.hyoho.com/Hagakure1.html About the Hagakure the Castle] {{in lang|en}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928140013/http://www.netcom.gr.jp/balloon/sibfo_e/index.html Saga International Balloon Fiesta] {{in lang|en}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|4013125}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|4013125}}
{{Saga Prefecture}}
{{Saga Prefecture}}
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[[Category:Saga (city)| ]]
[[Category:Saga (city)| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Saga Prefecture]]
[[Category:Cities in Saga Prefecture]]
[[Category:2005 establishments in Japan]]

Revision as of 22:54, 21 December 2023

Saga
佐賀市
Special city
Saga City
Top:Saga International Balloon Fiesta. Second:Saga Castle, A heritage site of Mietsu Naval Dock, Third:Furuyu Spa, Saga Historial Folk Museum, Bottom:Saga Shrine, (all item from left to right)
Top:Saga International Balloon Fiesta. Second:Saga Castle, A heritage site of Mietsu Naval Dock, Third:Furuyu Spa, Saga Historial Folk Museum, Bottom:Saga Shrine, (all item from left to right)
Flag of Saga
Flag
Official logo of Saga
Map
Location of Saga in Saga Prefecture
Location of Saga in Saga Prefecture
Saga is located in Japan
Saga
Saga
Coordinates: 33°16′0″N 130°18′0″E / 33.26667°N 130.30000°E / 33.26667; 130.30000
Country Japan
RegionKyushu
PrefectureSaga Prefecture
Government
 • MayorToshiyuki Hideshima
Area
 • Total431.84 km2 (166.73 sq mi)
Population
 (August 1, 2020)
 • Total232,736
 • Density540/km2 (1,400/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
- TreeGinkgo
- Flower Cherry blossom (sakura)
Websitewww.city.saga.lg.jp

Saga (佐賀市, Saga-shi, Japanese: [saꜜɡa]) is the capital city of Saga Prefecture, located on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Saga was the capital of Saga Domain in the Edo period, and the largest city of former Hizen Province. As of August 1, 2020, the city had an estimated population of 232,736 and a population density of 539 persons per km2.[1] The total area is 431.84 km2.

Saga is located in the southeast part of Saga Prefecture. After the 2005 merger the city became very long north to south, bordering the Ariake Sea to the south and Fukuoka Prefecture to the southeast and north. The northern half of the city contains the Sefuri Mountains. Saga can also be regarded as within the Greater Fukuoka metropolitan area, and by extension, Fukuoka-Kitakyushu Metropolitan Area.

History

Municipal timeline

  • April 1, 1889 - The modern municipal system was established and the city of Saga is founded. At the same time, the current city region is occupied by 21 villages from three districts.
    • Kanzaki District: Hasuike and Mitsuse.
    • Ogi District: Kitayama and Nanzan.
    • Saga District: Higashikawasoe, Honjō, Hyōgo, Kamino, Kase, Kasuga, Kawakami, Kinryū, Kitakawasoe, Kose, Kuboizumi, Matsuume, Nabeshima, Nikita, Nishiyoka, Oseki and Takakise.
  • June 6, 1899 - Kose changed the kanji of its name.
  • October 1, 1922 - Kamino was incorporated into Saga.
  • November 3, 1935 - Hasuike was elevated to town status.
  • March 31, 1954 - Hyōgo, Kase, Kose, Nishiyoka and Takakise were all incorporated into Saga.
  • October 1, 1954 - Honjō, Kinryū, Kitakawasoe, Kuboizumi and Nabeshima were all incorporated into Saga.
  • March 1, 1955 - Higashikawasoe and Nikita were merged to create the town of Morodomi.
  • October 1, 2005 - The towns of Fuji, Morodomi and Yamato (all from Saga District) and the village of Mitsuse (from Kanzaki District) merged with Saga. (population: 206,967 ; area: 355.15 km2)
  • October 1, 2007 - The towns of Higashiyoka, Kawasoe, and Kubota (all from Saga District) were all incorporated into Saga. (population: roughly 240,000 ; area: 431.42 km2) Saga District was dissolved as a result of this merger.

Saga Castle

Standing out from many cultural assets is the plains castle within the city, Saga Castle. It is one of the rare castles in Japan surrounded by a wall rather than built on one. First built between 1591 and 1593, there was a fire in 1726. Renovated in 1728, there was yet another fire in 1835. Nabeshima Naomasa, daimyō of the Nabeshima clan, renovated it within two years and moved in. In 1874 it was a court building and a prefectural office. 1883 saw it become a junior school. The buildings were eventually replaced by modern school buildings.

Around Saga Castle
Northward view of downtown Saga
Saga city office

Geography

Saga City is located in the southeast portion of Saga Prefecture. After the 2005 merger the city became very long north to south. It now borders the Ariake Sea to the south and Fukuoka Prefecture to the southeast and north. The northern half of the city contains the Sefuri Mountains.

Climate

Saga has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa).The annual average precipitation ranges from about 1800 mm (71 in) in the city center to about 2400 mm (94 in) in Mitsuse. The annual average temperature ranges from about 13 °C (55 °F) in Mitsuse to 17 °C (63 °F) in the city center.

Climate data for Saga (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1890−present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 21.1
(70.0) 		23.1
(73.6) 		25.7
(78.3) 		30.8
(87.4) 		35.8
(96.4) 		37.1
(98.8) 		39.6
(103.3) 		38.6
(101.5) 		36.4
(97.5) 		33.6
(92.5) 		29.6
(85.3) 		24.6
(76.3) 		39.6
(103.3)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 10.1
(50.2) 		11.8
(53.2) 		15.2
(59.4) 		20.7
(69.3) 		25.6
(78.1) 		28.0
(82.4) 		31.6
(88.9) 		32.9
(91.2) 		29.4
(84.9) 		24.3
(75.7) 		18.2
(64.8) 		12.4
(54.3) 		21.7
(71.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 5.8
(42.4) 		7.0
(44.6) 		10.4
(50.7) 		15.3
(59.5) 		20.0
(68.0) 		23.5
(74.3) 		27.2
(81.0) 		28.2
(82.8) 		24.5
(76.1) 		19.1
(66.4) 		13.3
(55.9) 		7.8
(46.0) 		16.9
(62.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1.8
(35.2) 		2.6
(36.7) 		5.7
(42.3) 		10.2
(50.4) 		15.2
(59.4) 		19.9
(67.8) 		24.0
(75.2) 		24.6
(76.3) 		20.7
(69.3) 		14.7
(58.5) 		8.9
(48.0) 		3.6
(38.5) 		12.7
(54.9)
Record low °C (°F) −6.9
(19.6) 		−6.2
(20.8) 		−4.1
(24.6) 		−1.1
(30.0) 		3.7
(38.7) 		8.2
(46.8) 		14.3
(57.7) 		16.2
(61.2) 		9.4
(48.9) 		1.8
(35.2) 		−1.3
(29.7) 		−6.5
(20.3) 		−6.9
(19.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 54.1
(2.13) 		77.5
(3.05) 		120.6
(4.75) 		161.7
(6.37) 		182.9
(7.20) 		327.0
(12.87) 		366.8
(14.44) 		252.4
(9.94) 		169.3
(6.67) 		90.1
(3.55) 		89.4
(3.52) 		59.5
(2.34) 		1,951.3
(76.82)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 2
(0.8) 		1
(0.4) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		1
(0.4) 		4
(1.6)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.5 mm) 9.0 9.2 11.1 10.3 9.5 13.8 13.0 11.4 10.2 6.6 8.4 8.1 120.7
Average relative humidity (%) 69 67 65 65 66 74 76 73 72 68 70 70 70
Mean monthly sunshine hours 128.2 139.5 169.0 186.7 197.1 131.4 164.8 200.4 174.1 188.0 153.2 137.9 1,970.5
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency[2]

Adjoining municipalities

Education

Universities

National
Private
  • Saga Junior College
  • Saga Women's Junior College

Senior High Schools

Prefectural
Private
  • Hokuryo High School
  • Kōgakukan High School
  • Saga Gakuen High School
  • Saga Ryukoku
  • Saga Seiwa High School
  • Saga Girls' High School

Transportation

Air

There is one airport inside the city of Saga, Saga Airport, located in the former town of Kawasoe. Before the opening of Saga Airport, Fukuoka Airport was the nearest airport. However, many people in Saga still use Fukuoka Airport due its greater number of routes and flights offered. There is an express bus which connects the two airports.

Rail

The south exit of Saga Station

Road

Attractions

Every fall Saga holds the "Saga International Balloon Fiesta" in the dry riverbed of the Kase River. A quarter of the visitors are from Saga. The number of visitors was about 15 million in 2005. Hot air balloonists from many countries enter this event.

Kakurintei Tea House located in the grounds of Kono Koen is a very quaint and picturesque Japanese tea house overlooking a pond.

Saga Castle (Also called the Saga Castle Historical Museum) is the largest reconstruction of a wooden building in Japan, with a total floor space of 2500 square meters and the historical atmosphere of the Saga Castle main keep.

Notable people from Saga

Economy/Industry

In the areas surrounding the city, the agricultural industry focuses on planting grains that make use of water. The fishery centers on seaweed cultivation using the Ariake Sea.

Originally one of the largest rice-producing areas, a large farmland has been converted it into a vegetable field in response to changes in the environment surrounding agriculture. In terms of industry, the terrain is facing the Ariake Sea, but since it is a shallow area where large vessels cannot navigate, heavy industry has not developed much. In addition, in the first half of the 20th century, coal and prefecture western flourished because there was not much competition.

On the other hand, the food industry and the textile industry have developed throughout the late 20th century. Although the food industry is still strong, the textile industry has been the main industry since the 1970s. However, since the 1990s the automobile parts industry has been growing due to the accumulation of automobiles and parts industry in northern Kyushu.

Although it is located at the prefecture capital and the service industry accounts for a large number of employees, the shipping industry in commerce is not particularly large compared to other cities of the same size. Currently, three large suburban commercial facilities with a sales floor area of 50,000 m2 are in competition with each other, and there is an unbalanced demand for supply.

The number of companies with head offices and main offices in the city is the largest in the prefecture, but it is not that much compared to the neighboring prefectures. There is also the tendency of branch offices to be in urban cities, which is often prefecture capitals.

In terms of percent by industry, the tertiary industry exceeds 70%, but it is the lowest among the seven prefectures of Kyushu. The proportion of secondary industries is small, while the proportion of primary industry is relatively high. (Census data: October 1, 2005)

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Japan

Saga is twinned with:[3]

References

  1. ^ "佐賀市公式ホームページ". City.saga.lg.jp. Retrieved 2022-03-19.
  2. ^ 気象庁 / 平年値（年・月ごとの値）. Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  3. ^ "佐賀市の姉妹都市・友好都市". city.saga.lg.jp (in Japanese). Saga. Retrieved 2020-04-10.

External links

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Saga.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Saga, Saga.
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