Huis Ten Bosch, the Kujukushima Islands and Shimabara Castle show a different side of Nagasaki Prefecture, far from the busy city streetcars. To the north, near Sasebo, a full-size re-creation of a Dutch town glows with flowers and lights, and a short drive away, a scatter of green islands fills a calm bay. To the east, on the Shimabara Peninsula below the Unzen volcano, a white castle rises above samurai lanes and canals full of carp. This guide covers what to expect at Huis Ten Bosch and how ticket prices work, how to see the Kujukushima Islands by boat, how to reach Shimabara Castle by train, and where to stay near Huis Ten Bosch and Sasebo.
1. Huis Ten Bosch
Huis Ten Bosch is a huge theme park built as a re-creation of a Dutch town, with canals, windmills, brick houses, a palace and a tall observation tower, all set on the shores of Omura Bay. Rather than roller coasters, its appeal is the atmosphere: tulip fields in spring, flower gardens through the year, canal cruises, museums, shows and, in the cooler months, one of the biggest light shows in Japan, which makes the evening the best time to visit. A 1-Day Passport starts at 7,600 yen for adults and 5,000 yen for elementary school children, with higher prices on special dates such as fireworks nights and the countdown; an After 3 Passport for late arrivals starts at 5,900 yen. The park is very spread out, so plan most of a day and wear comfortable shoes. The JR Limited Express Huis Ten Bosch runs directly from Hakata in about 1 hour 45 minutes, stopping right next to the entrance.
2. Kujukushima Islands
Just west of Sasebo, the Kujukushima, or “Ninety-Nine Islands,” are a cluster of small, forest-covered islands scattered across a sheltered bay, part of Saikai National Park. The best way to see them is on a sightseeing cruise from Pearl Sea Resort, which takes about 50 minutes and weaves between the islands on boats such as the white Pearl Queen and the pirate-style ship Mirai; there are also catamaran trips and sea kayak tours. The resort also has an aquarium, which makes it a good stop with kids. To see the islands from above, head to one of the hilltop viewpoints around Sasebo, where the sunset over the bay is especially beautiful. Buses to Pearl Sea Resort leave from stop No. 6 outside Sasebo Station every 30 to 40 minutes and take about 25 minutes. Sasebo is also known for the Sasebo burger, a big, handmade burger that dates back to the US Navy presence in the city.
3. Shimabara Castle
Shimabara Castle, rebuilt in concrete in the 1960s on the site of a 17th-century fortress, rises in white tiers above the town of Shimabara, with Mount Unzen behind it. The five-story keep houses a museum of Hidden Christian artifacts, armor and weapons, and the top floor has views over the sea toward Kumamoto on clear days. Admission is 700 yen, and the castle is open daily from 9:00 to 17:30, with last entry at 17:00. On the grounds, a hall displays works by Seibo Kitamura, the sculptor of the Peace Statue in Nagasaki Peace Park. A five-minute walk away, the Teppo-cho samurai district has three restored samurai houses along a stone canal, free to enter, and about ten minutes south, narrow streets are lined with spring-fed canals full of colorful carp. From Nagasaki, take JR to Isahaya and the Shimabara Railway to Shimabara Station, about a ten-minute walk from the castle.
Where to Stay Near Huis Ten Bosch & Sasebo
Where to stay: Huis Ten BoschHotel links in this section go to Booking.com. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
To enjoy the evening lights at Huis Ten Bosch, stay at one of the hotels next to the park. Sasebo, about 20 to 30 minutes away by train, has more affordable hotels and is the base for Kujukushima cruises.
Luxury
Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch is an elegant hotel just a minute’s walk from the Huis Ten Bosch entrance and next to Huis Ten Bosch Station, with Western and teppanyaki dining on site.
Elegant hotel a minute’s walk from the park entrance.
Mid-Range
Sasebo Washington Hotel is a practical business hotel near Sasebo Station, convenient for trains to Huis Ten Bosch, buses to Kujukushima and Sasebo burger shops.
Practical hotel near Sasebo Station.
Budget-Friendly
Toyoko Inn Sasebo Ekimae is a dependable budget hotel right by Sasebo Station, with simple rooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Budget chain hotel with breakfast by the station.
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Hotels in Sasebo on Booking.com
Stay next to Huis Ten Bosch for the evening lights, or in Sasebo for easy access to the Kujukushima cruises.
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Quick Tips for Visiting
- Buy Huis Ten Bosch tickets online in advance and check the calendar, since prices are higher on fireworks and countdown dates.
- Stay for the evening at Huis Ten Bosch; the illuminations are the highlight from autumn to spring.
- Try a Sasebo burger in Sasebo before or after the Kujukushima cruise.
- Shimabara is easier to combine with Nagasaki or Unzen Onsen than with Sasebo; plan it as a separate day trip.
- From Shimabara, ferries cross to Kumamoto, a handy shortcut if you are continuing through Kyushu.
Getting there by train: The JR Limited Express Huis Ten Bosch runs from Hakata to Huis Ten Bosch in about 1 hour 45 minutes, and Sasebo is a short ride further. For Shimabara, take JR from Nagasaki to Isahaya (8 minutes by Shinkansen or about 30 minutes by local train), then the Shimabara Railway to Shimabara (about 70 minutes). The JR Pass does not cover the Shimabara Railway. Nagasaki is about an hour and a half from Hakata (Fukuoka): take the Relay Kamome limited express to Takeo-Onsen, then change across the platform to the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome. The Japan Rail Pass covers both trains. Read our guide to riding trains in Japan, learn how to ride the Shinkansen, and check whether the JR Pass is worth it for your route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Huis Ten Bosch ticket?
A 1-Day Passport starts at 7,600 yen for adults and 5,000 yen for elementary school children. Prices are higher on special dates, and an After 3 Passport starts at 5,900 yen.
How do you get to Huis Ten Bosch from Fukuoka?
Take the JR Limited Express Huis Ten Bosch from Hakata Station. The trip takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, and Huis Ten Bosch Station is next to the park entrance.
How long is the Kujukushima cruise?
Sightseeing cruises from Pearl Sea Resort take about 50 minutes. Buses from Sasebo Station take about 25 minutes to reach the resort.
How much is Shimabara Castle?
Admission to Shimabara Castle is 700 yen. It is open daily from 9:00 to 17:30, with last entry at 17:00.
