Sasebo: 8 Things to Do and Destinations Near Nagasaki

On the coast of Nagasaki Prefecture is a city called Sasebo, known for numerous outdoor activities and seasonal events that attract thousands of visitors year-round. Much like Nagasaki and the famous Shimabara peninsula, Sasebo offers scenic views and delicious eats that are easily accessible by train or car from Fukuoka.

If you're seeking a destination with one-of-a-kind attractions and dreamy ocean views, visit Nagasaki’s Sasebo! Read on to find out the 8 best things to enjoy in Sasebo and discover what could be your next big adventure.

Things to Do in Sasebo

1. The Seaside Liner
2. Huis Ten Bosch
3. Ikeshima Island
4. The Sasebo Burger
5. Glasses Rock
6. Nagasaki Bio Park
7. Yumihari Park
8. Hirado Island

1. The Seaside Liner

Photo by Pixta

The Seaside Liner is a rapid train that visitors can take from Sasebo to Nagasaki City and makes for an excellent starting off or ending point for any trip to Sasebo.

A ride on this retro locomotive will follow a two-hour long route along Omura Bay and includes beautiful oceanside views. The Seaside Liner is a fun and affordable way to explore Nagasaki prefecture, with one-way tickets from Sasebo Station to Nagasaki Station costing around 1,650 yen.

A popular stop along this route is a rustic wooden train station called Chitawa Station. This nostalgic attraction by the sea is one of the most popular stops along the Seaside Liner’s route and is another great place to see some of Nagasaki’s most iconic trains as they pass by.

Chitawa Station
Higashisonogi, Nagasaki, Dajigo Map

2. Huis Ten Bosch

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A must-visit for sightseeing in Sasebo is Huis Ten Bosch, one of Japan’s most unique theme parks that is modeled after a 17th-century Dutch village.

Named after the real-life palace of the Dutch royal family, which is located in Hague, Netherlands, Huis Ten Bosch truly has everything a theme park needs–from zip lines to music festivals. It even has a Dutch-themed train that will take you directly to the park.

Photo by Pixta

The most popular time to visit Huis Ten Bosch during their most popular seasonal events. From July to September, guests can escape the summer heat and watch Kyushu’s largest firework show while swimming in the massive Water Garden Pool (Yes, you can even swim at night!).

Around Christmas time, young couples flock to the park to ride the large Ferris wheel and skate on a real ice rink. Perhaps Huis Ten Bosch’s greatest draw is the award-winning Kingdom of Light Festival when the entire park transforms into one of the world’s largest illumination events.

Huis Ten Bosch
Sasebo, Nagasaki,1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Machi Map

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3. Ikeshima Island

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If you’re looking for a truly awesome sight in Sasebo, consider hitching a ride on a local ferry to Ikeshima Island.

The island was once the home of one of Japan’s largest coal mining operations and over 8,000 workers and their families are said to have lived on Ikeshima during its peak. Like the famous Gunkanjima near Nagasaki City, after facing financial hardship and lack of manpower, the mine officially closed in the early 2000s. It is now estimated that there are only 90 residents left on the island.

Today, Ikeshima is a popular day trip destination from Sasebo for anyone who likes to do a little urban exploring and wants to capture the wild, untamed jungle swallowing up the many abandoned buildings still left on the island. We highly recommend taking a guided tour of the abandoned Ikeshima Coal Mine or renting a car to get the best out of this truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

Ikeshima Coal Mine
Ikeshimamachi, Nagasaki Map

4. The Sasebo Burger

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After exploring an abandoned coal mine or having fun at a Dutch-themed amusement park, you might work up an appetite and be looking to try some authentic Sasebo cuisine. The most famous local dish in Sasebo is called the Sasebo Burger.

The city has a long naval history that stretches back to the Meiji era (1868–1912) and it has been the home of a U.S. navy base since the end of WWII. The presence of homesick American marines in town inspired many local chefs to create their own secret recipe of what has become known as the Sasebo Burger.

Exactly who invented the Sasebo Burger is still a topic of debate. Since the 1950s, several family restaurants have claimed to have invented the recipe for the now famous Sasebo Burger. Thanks to the unique twist each restaurant has put on the recipe, this local dish has transformed into a culinary sensation as fans embark on a quest to find the best Sasebo Burger. You really can’t go wrong with trying this burger or its different variations as long as you try it at a local restaurant in Sasebo.

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5. Glasses Rock

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According to local legend, Glasses Rock was created when a devil-monster stretched out its legs and kicked a large stone, creating the two large holes that were later thought to resemble a pair of spectacles.

Most likely, Glasses Rock was formed over years of erosion and today this 10-meter-tall geologic wonder is part of the Hirado Hakkei or the “8 scenic spots of Hirado.” This natural structure is a five-minute drive from downtown Sasebo, on the other side of Mt. Takahachi, and is within walking distance from a Buddhist temple and a bamboo forest.

Nearby attractions include hiking up to the observation deck atop nearby Mt. Eboshi and the Sasebo Flower Garden, which has beautiful flowers blooming in every season.

Glasses Rock
Location: Sasebo, Nagasaki, 868 Setogoecho Map

6. Nagasaki Bio Park

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Located in the nearby town of Saikai, about a 40-minute drive from Sasebo, is where you will find one of Nagasaki’s most popular attractions, Nagasaki Bio Park.

This park is often highly recommended alongside other popular sightseeing places such as Glover Garden and Mt. Inasa. The Nagasaki Bio Park is less than 30 minutes away from Huis Ten Bosch and is home to over 200 species of animals.

The botanical garden has over 1,000 species of plants and the bio park is unique in that many of the animals, such as the capybaras, are free to roam in a more immersive habitat.

Photo by Pixta
Guests are asked not to pick up the animals and respect their space. Rules and information regarding tickets to the park can be found on their website.

Nagasaki Bio Park
Nakayamago, Saikai, Nagasaki, 2291-1 Seihicho Map

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7. Yumihari Park

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Sasebo has many observation decks, but perhaps the most interesting one can be found at Yumihari Park. This park once served as the location of a secret Japanese military base and signs of its past can be seen along the hillside road to the top of the large hill it rests upon.

The observation deck offers breathtaking views of the Kukuju Islands, which are so numerous that they have earned the nickname "the Ninety-nine Islands of Nagasaki.”

The Kukuju Islands include 208 official islands that are visible from Yumihari Park, as well as aerial views of Sasebo Base and harbor.

Yumihari Park
Sasebo, Nagasaki, Onocho Map

8. Hirado Island

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Hirado Island is Nagasaki’s fourth largest island. It has a long and fascinating naval and diplomatic history that began in the 7th century.

Due to its strategic location and rich heritage, Hirado Island has been an important location for foreign trade. For hundreds of years, Hirado served as one of a handful of critical access points to trade with Japan amongst its neighbors, including Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, British, and Dutch.

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The most popular attractions of Hirado Island include the picturesque suspension bridge that leads to the island, Hirado Castle, the panoramic ocean views from Kawachi Toge Pass, and the hiking trails along the Shiodawara Cliffs.

There are also many churches in Hirado that are still owned and operated by the descendants of Hidden Christians, also known as the Kakure Kirishitan. Please note that many of these churches have politely requested that visitors do not disturb any of the attendees nor take photos of the outside of the churches unless stated otherwise on a bulletin close to the entrance of the church.

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Enjoy Exploring Sasebo

Sasebo is more than just a day trip from Nagasaki or Fukuoka. With its endless hiking trails, one-of-a-kind theme parks, and free-range capybaras, we hope that you will consider planning a future trip to this exciting gem on the western coast of Kyushu.