Ureshino Kyushu Olle

What?
Kyushu Olle (九州オルレ) is a network of walking routes that seamlessly blend serene nature, rural life, a few tourist spots, and a completely relaxed atmosphere. Ureshino (嬉野), a rustic town in western Saga Prefecture (佐賀県), is home to a Kyushu Olle course that showcases its most charming highlights: Arita porcelain, picturesque tea fields, the Todoroki waterfalls (轟の滝), and a historic onsen district.
Where?
The starting point of the course is near the Kamisaraya bus stop (上皿屋 mistakenly listed as "Ue-saraya" on the Kyushu Olle homepage). To get there, take a train from Saga Station (佐賀駅) to Hizen Kashima Station (肥前鹿島駅), then transfer to a local bus on the Yoshida line (吉田線 one departure every 1–2 hours). Alternatively, you can drive to the finish point at Ureshino Onsen (嬉野温泉) and take the same bus in the opposite direction, alighting at Kamisaraya bus stop.
URL
Kyushu Olle

I have walked many Kyushu Olle courses, and so far, the starting section always reflects the overall quality of the route. This time was no exception. The journey begins through a quaint little street lined with a porcelain shop, an old brick furnace and chimney, and a colorful, charming shrine. Despite the previous day's relentless rain—and my entire drive up being under gloomy skies—the weather gods showed mercy. As I entered the forest just beyond the shrine, the misty air and damp greenery created an enchanting atmosphere.

Already captivated within the first kilometer, I was surprised when the apparent highlight of the hike appeared so soon. The Nishi Yoshida Gongen and 13 Buddhas — a skull-like structure with giant teeth seemingly ready to devour a cluster of dignified Jizo statues — was both eerie and awe-inspiring.

As the trail meandered through lush forest paths and rolling tea plantations, I was relieved that the rain had stopped. The scenery, already soothing, was further enhanced by clouds drifting off the surrounding hills, creating breathtaking views. Feeling carefree, I started humming a tune—only to be startled by a rare fellow hiker chuckling as he passed me.

Right of the bat - an old porcelain furnace.

Shutomeshazan Daijo Temple after the rain.

Much of the way follows forest paths.

Creepy but fascinating.

Roughly three-quarters of the course leads through peaceful forests, tea fields, and small hamlets, with almost complete solitude. Eventually, I emerged back into civilization, transitioning onto paved roads. This stretch was brief, merely serving as a bridge between the rural landscapes and the more tourist-friendly side of Ureshino. The next stop: the Todoroki Falls.

These falls frequently appear in tourism brochures, but truthfully, they are neither grand nor unique. However, they fit perfectly within the understated charm that defines Kyushu Olle courses. The many cherry trees in bloom along the riverbanks were an added bonus, attracting both tourists and locals alike.

Until this point, the signage had been flawless—perhaps the best-maintained course among the Kyushu Olle routes I have walked. But for some reason, the last stretch from the falls to Ureshino Onsen lacked clear direction. While the trail generally follows the river, signage completely vanished in places where the route detours onto an asphalt road. The final two roads before the finish were also missing markers. While it was nearly impossible to get lost, it was a little disappointing to see the guidance fade just before reaching the end.

Still, this was another fantastic, easy-going Kyushu Olle course. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.　