Mietsu Naval Dock Site
Constructed in 1858 during the late Edo Period in Saga Prefecture near the Ariake Sea, the Mietsu Naval Dock (三重津海軍所跡, Mietsu Kaigunjo-ato) is considered the oldest dry dock for shipbuilding in Japan. It also contained a naval academy. Although not much of the dock can be seen today, the site received World Heritage status as one of the Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution in 2015.
The dock was excavated in 2009, exposing a metal furnace and complicated timberwork. The ruins were reburied for their protection afterwards; and as a result, visitors cannot see any structures of the dock except for some markers and information boards. However, they can learn more about the site in the adjacent Sano Tsunetami and Mietsu Naval Dock History Museum, which is also dedicated to locally born Sano Tsunetami, the founder of the Japanese Red Cross society.
Getting there and around
The Mietsu Naval Dock Site and the Sano Tsunetami Memorial Museum can be reached in about 30 minutes from Saga Station by hourly buses: take a bus from Saga Station bound for Morodomi-Hayatsue (諸富・早津江) and get off at Sano-Mietsu Rekishikan Iriguchi (佐野・三重津歴史館入口, 550 yen one way). The former Mietsu Naval Dock and the Tsunetami Sano Memorial Museum can be reached in about a ten minute walk from the bus stop.
How to get to Saga from Fukuoka
Fukuoka's Hakata Station and Saga Station are connected with each other by multiple JR limited express trains per hour. The one way trip takes about 40 minutes, costs around 2500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the Kyushu Rail Pass.
How to get to Saga from Nagasaki
Take the Nishikyushu Shinkansen from Nagasaki to Takeo Onsen (30 minutes) and change to a limited express train to Saga Station (20 minutes). The whole journey takes about an hour, costs around 4500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the Kyushu Rail Pass.
How to get to Saga from Tokyo
ANA operates several flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Saga Airport. Flight duration is about two hours. The regular one way fare is around 50,000 yen, but discount fares are typically available for between 18,000 yen and 35,000 yen. Buses connect the airport with Saga Station (35 minutes, 600 yen one way, departures timed to flight schedules).
Hours and Fees
Sano Tsunetami and Mietsu Naval Dock History Museum
Hours
Closed
Admission
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Links and Resources
