Autumn Foliage in the Sea] A guide to the spectacular red-colored shichimen grass on the tidal flats of Saga Prefecture! Thorough explanation of best time to see, access, and recommended photo spots!
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Autumn leaves in the mountains are the most popular autumnal event, but have you ever heard of the "autumn leaves of the sea," which can only be seen in the Ariake Sea in Saga Prefecture? The world's rarest saltwort, "shichimenso," turns the edges of tidal flats bright red in late autumn.
This article is based in Saga City, Japan.East Yoka Tidal Flat（For those who visit the shtetl colony in the East Yohka area, you will have the best view of it.Best time to visitto how to get there, and how to make it look good on a social networking site.Recommended photo spotsWe will thoroughly introduce you to all of them. This fall, why don't you go and see miraculous scenery that is different from the autumn leaves in the mountains?
What is "Sea Leaves"? What are "sea foliage"?
Photo courtesy of Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation
The shichimensis that grows in clusters on the Higashi Yoka Tideland in Higashi Yoka Town, Saga City, is a globally rare plant that belongs to the daylily family.halophilous plantIt is. This curious plant, ranging in height from 20 to 40 cm, has stick-like leaves like a succulent and looks like a red coral.
Evolving to withstand the salty seawater, it is green in summer but begins to turn red when exposed to the cold in late fall.
Why is it called "Autumn Leaves of the Sea"?
Clusters of chinese knotweed cover the entire coastline, creating a spectacularvermilion carpetThe scenery, which looks as if the leaves have been spread out, is truly as powerful as the autumn foliage of the mountains. It is called "seven-faced grass" because the expression of the mudflats changes with the tide and the color changes with the time of day, making it one of the Ariake Sea'sAutumn poemsIt is popularly known as
You can also see the cute creatures of the Ariake Sea up close!
One of the charms of the Higashi Yoka Tidal Flat is that you can see the ”mutsugoro,” the symbol of the Ariake Sea, with its cute and charming appearance, really close by. When you look toward the mudflats, you will see some of them standing still, not moving at all, and some others saying, "Pich pich pich pich! Pitter-patter! (I use the word "child" because it's cute), and you never get tired of seeing them.
Don't miss the spectacular view! Information on "Best time to see" of Paph.
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| Usual viewing time | Late October to early November | Check the latest information, as it varies depending on weather conditions. |
| Colors at their peak | Bright red carpet (ruby red) | The red color is especially intense at this time of year. |
*Be sure to check the latest color change status on the official Saga City website before you go.
Enjoy the shimensou! Recommended spots for photography and viewing
Photo courtesy of Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation
Here are some viewing and photographing spots to keep in mind in order to maximize your enjoyment of the spectacular scenery of the shichimensou in the vast Higashi Yokka tideland.
Photo Spot (1) Observation platform at Higashi Yoka Tidal Flat Visitor Center "Higasasu
The observation deck on the top floor of the Visitor Center "Higasasu" is a prime observation point from which you can view the entire shtetl colony.
- A superb view point!You can see the Ariake Sea beyond the mudflats and the red clumps that seem to be laid out in the foreground from the air. Tidal flat creatures such as mussels and flying gobies, as well as thousands ofPhotography in collaboration with migratory birdscan be targeted.
Photo Spot 2: Boardwalk on the coastal embankment (up-close experience)
You can observe the shichimensis up close not only from the observation platform, but also from the boardwalk on the embankment.
- A superb view point!Because you can feel the red grass and flowers right in front of you, you can take pictures with a realistic feeling as if you are surrounded by the red sea. However, when the tide rises, your feet may be submerged,Always check the tide level.Please be careful of safety by doing so.
Best time to capture the best moments
- In the morning The red color of the shchimenzou is most vivid during the hours of daylight after the sun has risen.
- Dusk:. The colors of the sunset reflected on the mudflats overlap with the bright red shtick,Fantastic and dramaticThis is the golden time of the year when you can take a picture of the best of the best.
Access, Parking, and Neighborhood Information
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More Information |
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Location |
2885-2, Shimokoga, Higashiyoga-cho, Saga City, Saga Prefecture |
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Access by car |
Nagasaki Expressway ".Saga Yamato ICIt takes about 40-45 minutes by car from |
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parking lot |
Tidal Flat Yoka ParkFree parking (approx. 200 cars) is available at |
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public transportation |
Take a city bus from JR Saga Station Bus Center, get off at Higashiyoke Branch Office-mae and use a cab. |
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Sightseeing in the area |
Higashi Yoka Tidal Flat is a "Ramsar Convention Wetland
The Ramsar Convention is a "treaty thatConvention on Wetlands of Particular Importance as Waterfowl HabitatAs of July 2025, there are 54 wetlands in Japan designated under the Convention. As of July 2025, there are 54 wetlands in Japan, including six in Kyushu.
A variety of birds can be observed throughout the year, but Higashi Yoka Tidal Flat boasts Japan's number one migratory site for shorebirds and plovers, making it a valuable place to enjoy birdwatching along with the tides.
summary
The "Sitimenzou" plant, which can only be found on the Higashi Yoka tidal flat in Saga Prefecture.Autumn leaves of the seais exactly what the "Mere Old Man" is talking about.Miraculous art created by natureIt is. Best for the best views.Best time to visit (late October to mid-November) and tide levelin advance and capture the inspiring and spectacular scenery in your camera and in your heart this fall.
*Don't forget to take warm clothing as it is by the sea!
For inquiries, please contact
General Affairs and Community Development Group, Higashiyoga Branch Office, Saga City
TEL:0952-45-1021
Saga City Official HP
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