Saku skyline

Saku (佐久市) – Things to Do, Hotels & Travel Info

さくし

Prefecture - Nagano Ken / 長野県

Saku Overview

Saku is a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 July 2023, the city had an estimated population of 97,454 in 41,522 households, and a population density of 230 persons per km². The total area of the city is 423.51 square kilometres (163.52 sq mi).

KANJI:

Saku Key Statistics

population iconPopulation

98292

area iconArea

424 km²

parks museums cafés iconParks / Museums / Cafés

46 / 2 / 8

Practical Essentials for Saku

Meet-ups & Expat Community

Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.

Find Events ↗

EV Charging Map

all available CHAdeMO and CCS fast-charging points Saku.

View Chargers ↗

Bike-Share & Cycling

Rent a bike by the hour and cruise the riverside paths.

Bike Rentals ↗

Transit & Timetables

Travellers can check live routes & timetables.

Emergency Phones

Police: 110  ·  Fire/Ambulance: 119

Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.

Safety Tips ↗

About the City (Wikipedia)

Saku history, administration, demographics and more.

Visit ↗

Getting Around Saku

station

Saku Main Station & Rail Lines

滑津 (Namezu)

train

Train Travel to Saku

Saku is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.

car

Driving to Saku

Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.

Real-Time Air Quality in Saku

30

Good

Fresh skies above Saku, – great day for outdoor plans.

Source: World Air Quality Index

Cover Your Trip to Saku

Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.

Get Instant Quote ↗

What to Eat in Saku

  • Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Saku downtown.
  • Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Saku.
  • Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Saku Station.
  • Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Saku.
  • Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Saku.

Hungry for more?

Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.

Book Food Tours ↗

Things to Do in Saku

  • Visit one of Saku’s 46 parks for jogging or cherry-blossom viewing.
  • Tour Saku City Museum and 2 smaller galleries nearby.
  • Grab coffee at any of the 8 indie cafés around Namezu Station.
  • Walk the main food-street after dark and try local dishes unique to Saku.

Book Tours Now

Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.

View Tours ↗

Income & Living Costs in Saku

¥3,400,000*est

Median household income / year

78*est /100

Price level vs Tokyo

Moving money internationally?

Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.

See Wise fees ↗

Best Hotels in Saku

Hotel icon

アクアホテル佐久平

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Hotel icon

ホテルルートイン

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Hotel icon

清水屋

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Hotel icon

佐久一萬里温泉ホテルゴールデンセンチュリー

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Plan & Book Your Trip

Hotels

Find your perfect stay and save.

Browse Hotels

Flights

Compare airfares to Saku.

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FAQ about Saku

When was Saku founded?

Saku was founded on April 1, 1961.

How old is Saku?

Saku is roughly 65 years old.

What is the population of Saku?

The latest estimate puts the population at about 98,292.

What is the land area of Saku?

Saku covers roughly 424 km².

What is the main railway station in Saku?

The primary hub is 滑津 (Namezu).

How many parks, museums and cafés are in Saku?

The city has roughly 46 parks, 2 museums and 8 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.

Is Saku expensive to live?

Saku is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.

Do I need travel insurance for visiting Saku?

Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗

How can I send money internationally while in Japan?

Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.

Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Saku?

From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Saku has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗

What tours are available in Saku?

Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗

Where can I access official city services in Saku?

All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗

Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Saku?

Saku hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗

Where can I charge my EV in Saku?

CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗

Can I rent a bike in Saku?

Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗

How can I check public-transport routes in Saku?

Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗

Where is Saku?

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

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