Kyoseki (giant stone) Park is themed on the cluster of giant stones near Kawakami Gorge in Yamato town, Saga city. Kyoseki Park is considered to be the sacred body of the kami of Yodohime Shrine, which was the highest ranking shrine of former Hizen Domain. They are the gateway to the mountain that looms behind them and visitors will arrive at these giant stones around 20 minutes after leaving the car park at the entrance to the climb. The giant stones which appear one after the next along the climb up the mountain include Eboshi-seki (stone shaped like the headdress worn by Shinto priests), Tanjoseki (birthstone) and Byobu-seki (folding screen stone), and each has their own legend. All of the stones can be seen in around 1 hour of light-level climbing. The trail up the mountain follows the ridge and it takes just under 3 hours to reach the summit. There is even a place of worship for the god of academics. Inside the park there is a spacious multipurpose field which is fully covered in natural grass, a fishing corner (100 yen per go for fishing equipment and bait), and visitors can fully enjoy their holiday amongst nature.
● Access:
From train station: 25-minute taxi ride from Saga Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line
Car: 3-minute drive from Nagasaki Expressway Saga-Yamato IC
Bus: Get on Showa Bus bound for Furuyu/Hokuzan/Manago at Saga Bus Center, get off at “Kobaru” stop, and walk for 10 minutes
● Entry Fee: Free
● Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00, open every day (except for rainy days)
● Parking Lot: Accommodates 200 cars (300 yen for small- and standard-sized cars or 800 yen for motor coaches and large-sized cars per day)
● Contacts:
Yamato Branch Office, Saga City Government, Tel: +81-952-62-1111
Kyoseki Giant Rocks Park, Tel: +81-952-64-2818
