十可苑
This Japanese garden, rich in traditional charm, was created on the former villa site of the Nabeshima family, spanning 15,000 tsubo. Originally called 'Jikkatei,' it was cherished by Naomasa Nabeshima, known as 'the Monster of Saga.' He spent time reading, contemplating, and occasionally conducting governmental affairs here. Even in his last will, he requested to be buried nearby. His tomb is about a 10-minute walk away in a quiet forested area across from Ryutouen.
孫の滝
Mago no Taki
Jikkatei was the villa of the Nabeshima feudal lords. Water flowing from Mount Kinryu formed a small waterfall known as 'Mago no Taki' (Grandchild Falls). Retainers would fetch this water for the princess to make tea. Since ancient times, Mount Kinryu was believed to contain medicinal herbs for immortality, and its water formed Mago no Taki. Together with Jikkatei, built below this waterfall, it holds historical significance. Touch the auspicious water from Mago no Taki, flowing from Mount Kinryu (the mountain where gold stands), to enhance your fortune.
佐賀の大砲
The Cannon of Saga
Sano Tsunetami of the Saga Domain successfully cast the Armstrong cannon. The first Western-style military exercise in Japan was conducted in Saga in 1832, followed by the manufacturing of many cannons. The Saga Domain extensively researched casting techniques and artillery, and by 1845, Western artillery techniques had spread nationwide as the Saga Domain's artillery. Saga was thus a pioneering region in Japan for introducing cannons and conducting full-scale Western-style military exercises. This Armstrong cannon is a replica made to resemble the original from that time.
十可亭由来
Origin of Jikkaen
The Nabeshima clan of Saga was established as a 360,000 koku domain by Lord Naoshige Nabeshima, with his eldest son Katsushige becoming the first feudal lord. Successive generations of wise rulers followed, including the 10th lord, Naomasa, who became feudal lord at 16 in the first year of the Tenpō era. Known as "Kanso," Naomasa cherished the Kawakami Jikkatei mountain retreat. This retreat, blessed with seasonal beauty, offered views of the upstream landscape, the Sea of Shiranui, and Unzen. Jikkatei was also significant for its historical activities, including Japan's first reverberatory furnace in 1850, which produced cannons and Armstrong guns, and advancements in Western medical practices.
Lord Naomasa composed poetry from this elevated position.
乙文殊宮
Otsumonjugu
Commonly known as 'Moissan,' Otomonju Shrine is beloved by the local community as the deity of academic improvement. Enshrining Monju Bosatsu, the god of wisdom, many visit to pray for success in exams and job opportunities. Additionally, about 500 meters up the mountain, the upper shrine of Otomonju Shrine features many written wishes from visitors hoping for success, earning it the nickname 'Rakugaki-dō' (Graffiti Hall).
