Sasebo Kujukushima Islands and Huis Ten Bosch Course

Sasebo is a port town in northern Nagasaki that pairs a scenic sea dotted with countless small islands with a large theme park recreating Dutch streets. On this course you enjoy sea scenery from a Kujukushima sightseeing boat in the morning, then a world of flowers and lights at Huis Ten Bosch from afternoon into night. It is a luxurious plan that offers both nature and a foreign mood in one day.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort Begin at the base for the sightseeing boats. An aquarium sits nearby, so you can drop in before departure.

10:00 Kujukushima cruise (about 50 minutes) Glide by boat across a sea scattered with islands large and small. The signature sightseeing boat, the Pearl Queen, runs about 50 minutes and costs 2,200 yen for adults (high school age and over) and 1,100 yen for children (age 4 to junior high). The green silhouettes against blue water make a stunning scene. Take photos on deck in the sea breeze.

11:30 See the islands from the observatory After the boat, head to a nearby observatory. Looking down from a height reveals the whole spread of the islands, a different kind of wonder.

13:30 Move to Huis Ten Bosch After lunch, travel to the theme park by car or train. Its Dutch-style canals and buildings feel like a trip abroad. The train from JR Sasebo Station to Huis Ten Bosch Station is a convenient way to get there.

15:00 Stroll the park Walk the seasonal flower gardens and canalsides, enjoying the attractions and streetscapes at a relaxed pace. The park is very large, so it helps to focus on the areas you most want to see.

18:30 Enjoy the illumination As night falls, the park fills with light all at once. Finish with a magical evening, watching the glow reflected on the canals.

Highlights

Kujukushima charms with the ria-coast scenery of islands clustered close together. Viewing them from both boat and observatory deepens the experience. Huis Ten Bosch shows completely different faces by time of day, flowers and canals by day, illumination by night.

Access and Tips

Since Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort and Huis Ten Bosch are apart, a car makes travel smooth. By public transport, combine bus and train. Huis Ten Bosch is vast, so if you plan to see the night illumination, enter by early afternoon to be safe.

Practical Travel Notes

• Price guide: The signature Kujukushima sightseeing boat, the Pearl Queen, is 2,200 yen for adults (high school age and over) and 1,100 yen for children (age 4 to junior high) and runs roughly 50 minutes; groups of 15 or more pay 2,000 and 1,000 yen. Tickets go on sale at the counter from around 9 a.m. on the day and individuals need no reservation. At Huis Ten Bosch the basic option is a one-day passport covering entry and attractions, in the upper several-thousand-yen range for adults, but prices vary by date, so check the official site. Cheaper entry-only tickets are offered in some periods.
• Time needed: Packing the Kujukushima cruise and a Huis Ten Bosch stroll into one day can feel rushed. To enjoy the illumination too, enter the park by early afternoon.
• Getting around: The two spots are apart, so a car is smooth. By public transport, combine bus and train. JR Huis Ten Bosch Station is the nearest stop for the park.
• What to bring: The boat deck is windy, so bring a layer. Huis Ten Bosch involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are best.
• Note: The cruise may be canceled in bad weather. Fares, sailing status, and passport contents can be revised, so check the latest information on the official sites.

A Quick Tip

The Kujukushima cruise depends on weather, so choose a calm morning slot. Huis Ten Bosch changes events by season, so check the highlights for your visit period in advance to enjoy it more. Ticket types and prices vary by date, so confirm the details on the official site before buying.