Sasebo in Japan is known for its beautiful views and history in past wars. If you are curious as to World War II, then Sasebo is a great destination in Japan to learn more about it. Mix in all the nature and you will find yourself having a getaway of your dreams.
Sasebo is the second largest city next to Nagasaki in the prefecture and a romantic port town, and located less than 2 hours from both JR Nagasaki and Hakata (Fukuoka prefecture) stations.
With beautiful ocean scenery, the port town has a bright and hospitable atmosphere. Since a U.S. military base is located in Sasebo, there are a lot of Americanized shops to be found there.
Sasebo Seaside Park, located at the Kujirase-futo Pier behind JR Sasebo Station, is a place where tourists can take a closer look at the beautiful harbor, whether while sitting on a bench in the promenade along the seashore or while simply walking along breathing in the fresh sea breeze. Many marine vessels lay anchor in the large harbor of Sasebo.
The Kujuku-shima Islands are a group of 208 islands that lie about 25 kilometers to the north of Nagasaki’s Sasebo Port.
You can choose from taking a cruise and getting a tour off the water or head to a few nature walks and hiking. The islands will make you feel as if you entered another world.
Virtually the entire area is included in Saikai National Park. More than 80 percent of the coastline is protected in its natural state, with wildlife and landscapes that are worth visiting again and again in any season!
Here is what I recommend you see and do while in Sasebo.
Don’t miss the great views from the Yumiharidake Observatory Deck. From here in the northwestern part of the city, visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the nearby scenic Kujuku-shima Islands, and also the Goto-retto Islands in the distance.
The sunsets there are particularly popular. A romantic and dramatic scene ensues each evening, owing to the ever-changing colors of the sea and sky at sunset.
Actually, There are many observatories from which you can view the beautiful landscapes of Kujuku-shima.
Huis Ten Bosch is an European (Netherlands) theme park, located about 30 minutes by bus or train from downtown Sasebo, and is one of the major theme parks in the Kyushu district. Filled with attractions and entertainment, the park recreates European towns with canals, buildings, landscapes, and vehicles.
Also, there are hotels within the site where visitors who want to enjoy the park for more than one day can stay. A variety of seasonal flowers, such as tulips, roses and dahlias, welcome visitors, and various types of entertainment are also available, from restaurants to spas, marine sports and shopping, offering visitors a number of ways to enjoy their stay.
Furthermore, there are also plenty of attractions for families with young children to be found there. Huis Ten Bosch has been a resort theme park offering visitors enjoyment for three generations.
Experience fascinating creatures from the beautiful waters of Kujuku-shima at this fun-packed aquarium in Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort. And see dolphins jumping and even playing catch with each other!
The dolphins come so close you’ll catch some spray—but not to worry, waterproof plastic sheeting is available! There are three shows daily, each lasting about 20 minutes. A must-see while at Umi Kirara!
Pearl cultivation is a popular activity in Kujuku-shima. Experience extracting pearls from Akoya pearl oysters. Pearls come in a variety of colors, including silver and white, so it’s exciting not to know what color or size your pearl will be until you remove it!
Select a design to make accessories that will match the color and shape of your pearl!
Between the months of November and March, you can also enjoy a meal plan when you take the Relacruise! Sail to the Kujuku-shima oyster beds and enjoy charcoal-grilled oysters in season!
Visit an uninhabited island about 10 minutes from Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort by ferry. Enjoy observing the island’s living creatures, then check out the nearby breeding rafts and enjoy a feeding experience with some 7,000 red sea bream!
Three trips per day, but only available during the Golden Week holiday ( in late April and early May), and from mid-July through the end of August. The feeding experience is available to participants aged four years and over.
Kayak around the calm waters inside the marina, where even beginners will be at ease. This experience is ideal for couples or for parents and children aged four and over. Only available on Sundays and national holidays between April and October.
and diving also…🙂
Delicious food
Ramen : This is a dish you must eat when you visit Sasebo.
The largest island in the Kujuku-shima group is Kuroshima. Living on the island is much like living in paradise, with starry skies at night and a close connection to the flowers that announce the changing of the seasons.
Kuroshima inhabitants divide their time between fishing and farming. Visitors can enjoy unique shima-meshi (island rice), together with Kuroshima tofu.
When Christianity was banned in the early 17th century, a number of Christians fled to Kuroshima and lived here as Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christians).Even now, 80 percent of the island’s inhabitants are Catholic, and Kuroshima Church acts as a symbol of the island. Even for non-believers, the colors of the church’s stained glass windows will cleanse the spirit.