When it comes to traveling in northern Kyushu, Japan, one place you should not miss is Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture. In this article, we will introduce the highlights and interesting activities in Sasebo, especially around the Kujukushima Islands and Huis Ten Bosch. You will get a wide range of experiences, from natural scenery rarely seen elsewhere in Japan to a European-style theme park with a Japanese touch.
1. Sasebo Station, a Railway Station by the Sea
Start with Sasebo Station. Besides being a beautiful station right by the sea, it sits in a waterfront area with places to shop, eat, and drink. There is also a stylish "Sasebo" sign for taking nice photos. It is easy to reach by express train from Hakata Station, a trip of only about 2 hours.
Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rfkF1n64XXfcHncY6
2. Huis Ten Bosch, the Largest Theme Park in Japan
Huis Ten Bosch is the largest theme park in Japan by area, about twice the size of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea combined. It is divided into many zones and is so large that electric shuttle buses run between the different spots. Highlights include beautifully constructed buildings designed after towns in the Netherlands, seasonal flower fields such as tulip fields, several spectacular light and sound shows, a haunted house ranked among the scariest in Japan, and an amusement zone with plenty of shops and restaurants. Seeing everything takes at least one full day, or you can stay overnight at one of the park's European-style hotels.
Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FziofsksN72wAzx2A
3. Kujukushima Park Viewpoint
Kujukushima means "99 islands," but there are actually more than 200 small islands here. They vary greatly in size and shape, creating a beautiful seascape that is one of Japan's most stunning natural environments. The islands are part of Saikai National Park, which is rich in biodiversity both in the sea and on land.
There are several ways to visit the Kujukushima Islands. Popular options include viewing them from elevated viewpoints on the surrounding mountains and taking a sightseeing boat. The area is also known for pearl farming, adding an interesting cultural element to its natural beauty.
Kujukushima Park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a viewpoint that opened not long ago. It offers an elevated, wide-angle view of the striking Kujukushima Islands, showing the islands lined up across the sea beautifully, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light reflects off the sea and islands. Note that it can get quite hot if you visit during the daytime.
Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAPAQ9U6UBtcyCc6A
4. Kujukushima Sightseeing Boat Cruise
The Kujukushima Cruising Boat Pearl Queen tours the 99 islands and is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Kujukushima. The boat takes you past the islands scattered across the sea, offering close-up views of the bay and the islands. The atmosphere on board is calm, with a gentle sea breeze that keeps you relaxed and refreshed throughout the trip. There is also commentary about the islands, available in four languages.
Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zD3drAv1GMg6jQBF8
5. Kujukushima Aquarium Umikirara
Next to the sightseeing boat pier is Kujukushima Aquarium Umikirara. Although it is a small aquarium, it displays local marine life from Kyushu, such as jellyfish, local fish, and other interesting aquatic creatures. It is a great place to learn about the region's marine environment, get close to sea creatures, and watch shows.
Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JVxkw8ii6NbKE5tf6
6. Pearl Extraction
Another unique highlight of Kujukushima is the experience of Pearl Extraction Hands-on Pearl Harvest, an activity where you extract a real pearl from a pearl oyster. It is a unique way to learn about the region's pearl farming, and an experience you won't find anywhere else. Extracting the pearl is not difficult and takes no more than 5 minutes. Once you have extracted your pearl, you can take it home with you, along with a short fortune based on the color of the pearl you extracted. This activity takes place inside the aquarium.
Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JVxkw8ii6NbKE5tf6
7. Sasebo Burger
Sasebo Burger is an American-style burger that is huge and packed with a beef patty, bacon, cheese, a fried egg, and salad vegetables. It is sold widely, even at the train station, but the shop we recommend is Sasebo Burger Museum. It stands out for its location at the foot of a mountain with a clear view of Kujukushima, as well as its cowboy-style atmosphere.
Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/tveCGNgm2CZ9T5BA6
8. Lemon Steak
Lemon Steak is another famous dish in Sasebo. It is a steak that you squeeze lemon over before eating, giving a sweet, fragrant flavor that pairs perfectly with the well-grilled meat. We had ours at a restaurant inside Huis Ten Bosch that focuses on this dish. It was delicious, served in a European atmosphere.
9. Sweets and Baked Goods at Patisserie & Bistro SAIKAIDO Nairi Parc
Patisserie & Bistro SAIKAIDO Nairi Parc is one of the famous cafes in Sasebo, known especially for its delicious-looking, great-tasting sweets. The cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and serves tasty desserts and coffee. It's a great place to sit back and soak up the local atmosphere while enjoying traditional Japanese-style sweets, a fragrant, sweet pear cake, and a rich, fragrant chocolate cake.
Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/i1uYsqnT2WWJxqNg6
10. Taking the Huis Ten Bosch / Midori Express from Hakata Station
The Huis Ten Bosch Midori Express takes about 2 hours from Hakata Station to Sasebo Station. It is a beautiful classic-style train running along a peaceful route with lovely views of the Kyushu countryside. This is a good time to sit back and enjoy the natural scenery of Kyushu's fields and mountains.
>>> See our in-depth 5-day North Kyushu travel review here <<<
