Saga Castle

Saga Castle's Honmaru History Museum is one of Japan's largest wooden structure restorations, faithfully recreating the grand palace of the Nabeshima clan lords. The 2,500-square-meter wooden structure features 45 rooms including the impressive 320-tatami-mat audience hall. Interactive exhibits and multimedia displays tell the story of Saga Domain's crucial role in Japan's modernization, from the first successful iron smelting to the development of Armstrong cannons. The original Shachi-no-mon gate survived from the Edo period and is designated an Important Cultural Property. Remarkably, the museum offers free admission, relying on voluntary donations. The surrounding moat and stone walls create a serene atmosphere in the heart of Saga City.