Roadtripping in Kyushu?
If you’re taking the anti-clockwise route from Fukuoka, your first stop is likely Tosu, a city located in Saga prefecture.
If you’re wondering if you should drive straight to the heart of Saga, or take a short layover in Tosu, here are the best attractions, cafes and restaurants in Tosu to consider.
1. What Is Tosu famous for?
Tosu, located in Saga Prefecture, is renowned for its convenient position as a layover for road trips in Kyushu, particularly between Fukuoka airport and Sasebo City, and even Nagasaki.
One of Tosu’s major attractions is the Tosu Premium Outlets. But if you’re not into shopping, you can visit its nature sites and museums.
2. How long should i stay in Tosu?
We would recommend a one-day stay in Tosu. But, if you’d like a comprehensive experience, a 2-day stay in Tosu is also possible.
Click here to skip the recommendations, and head straight to our itinerary.
Best attractions and cafes in Tosu, Kyushu
1. Nakatomi Memorial Medicine Museum
Explore Japan’s pharmaceutical history at this unique museum in Tosu.
This attraction houses traditional medicine tools and exhibits detailing the evolution of Japanese pharmaceuticals; a must-visit for history buffs and science enthusiasts.
Location: 288-1 Konoemachi, Tosu, Saga 841-0004
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 10am-5pm
2. Nyoirinji Frog Temple
A whimsical temple adorned with thousands of frog figurines.
Known as the ‘Frog Temple’ by locals and tourists, Nyoirinji Frog Temple is a charming spot at the edge of Tosu that blends spirituality with playfulness. You can pray for love and safety, and it’s also the perfect for unique photo opportunities and serene walks.
Location: 1729 Yokoguma, Ogori City, Fukuoka
Opening Hours: 8am-5pm
3. Morrow Cafe
A cosy cafe in Tosu with an unexpectedly sick view of the skyline.
It’s ideal for a respite in between exploring the city. Morrow Cafe also houses a wide variety of coffee beans. All are in Japanese though, so come prepared with your Translate app opened.
Location: 1664-10 Yokoguma, Ogori, Fukuoka 838-0105, Japan
Opening hours: 11am-5pm
4. Satou Bessou (さとう別荘)
A rare duck-centric omakase restaurant in Japan, Satou Bessou offers a unique culinary experience, as every part of the duck is utilised in your course.
You’re able to reserve a private room with no additional charge as well.
Courses start from ¥6,600 per person. Reservations recommended.
Location: 1281 Ogori, Fukuoka 838-0141, Japan
Opening hours: 12-3pm; 5-10pm
5. Tosu Premium Outlets
Shop till you drop at Kyushu’s largest outlet mall.
Tosu Premium Outlets feature over 150 international and domestic brands, with huge sales to take advantage of.
Don’t worry, you shopaholic. There’s a large enough variety of restaurants and cafes to keep you fueled for a whole day of shopping.
Location: 8 Chome-1 Yayoigaoka, Tosu, Saga 841-0005, Japan
Opening hours: 10am-8pm
6. Klee Blatt Yayoigaoka Shop
For a no-frills breakfast or tea break in Tosu, we recommend this bakery near Tosu Premium Outlet.
Choose from a wide array of sweet and savoury bread. The best part? Coffee and tea is free!
Location: 5 Chome-14 Yayoigaoka, Tosu, Saga 841-0005, Japan
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tue-Sun: 7am-7pm
7. Ochozu Falls
Known for its serene ambience, it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and hikers. An easy trail leads you to this refreshing retreat.
Location: Tateishimachi, Tosu, Saga 841-0075
Opening hours: 24 hours
8. Kurume Hyakunen Park
Depending on when you’re visiting, Kurume Hyakunen Park in Tosu features beautiful landscapes and seasonal flowers. It’s a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
It’s also where the Kurume Azalea Festival is held (usually in April), which is known as one of the three biggest plant festivals across the whole of Japan. It houses over 30,000 species and over a million plants, seedlings, and flowers, and it is free to enter.
Location: 2432-1 Hyakunenkoen, Kurume City, Fukuoka
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
9. Dazaifu Tenmangu
Just a 30-minute drive from Tosu, and in between Fukuoka Airport and Tosu, Dazaifu Tenmangu offers a serene stopover steeped in history.
Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, this renowned Shinto shrine is a magnet for students and scholars seeking blessings for academic success.
Located right beside the shrine is a shopping street packed with quirky stores ‚ such as a customisable Sumikko Gurashi store, restaurants and street eats.
1-day Tosu itinerary
- 9am: Dazaifu Tenmagu Shrine (driving from Fukuoka)
- 11am: Lunch at Kagura Dazaifu (神楽(かぐら) – 太宰府天満宮参道)
- 1pm: Nyorinji Frog Shrine
- 3pm: Nakatomi Memorial Medicine Museum
- 5pm: Tosu Premium Outlets
- 8pm: Dinner a Satou Bessou (さとう別荘)
Planning a trip to Japan?
- Tokyo guide – 5-days itinerary for the best things to do in Tokyo
- 3 days Osaka itinerary – 31 best things to do in Osaka
- Kyushu Itinerary – Top 10 things to do In Kyushu, Japan
- Enoshima Island day-trip guide – How to make the most of your day
- Tokyo’s boring? 5 prefectures to visit for a day trip from Tokyo
- 4 lakes in Japan for the best Mount Fuji views
