The Sasebo and Hirado areas are home to Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki Prefecture's representative theme park. Hirado is dotted with scenic spots from which to view the beauty of the many islands. The lemon steak, which originated in the area, is a must-try.
Sasebo and Hirado are home to sightseeing spots such as Aoshima Island, Kujuku Islands, and Miyajitake Shrine; sightseeing events such as the Gion Festival, Okunchi, and Summer Festival; and local delicacies such as the Sasebo Burger, Seirinagashi, and lemon steak.
Sasebo has developed as a naval town. It was once the base for various battleships such as the Tone, Chikuma, Kitakami, Akagi, and Kaga. After the war, the U.S. Navy base was located in the area, making it a center for the latest American culture.
The first hamburger store in Japan was established in this area. Today, Sasebo burger stores are everywhere in the city, serving hearty, meat-filled burgers.
The Hario Seto and Inoura Seto tidal currents, considered to be one of Japan's three steepest tides, are also famous, and from the Shin-Nishikai Bridge you can witness their majestic currents through the glass floor. It is also famous for its cherry blossoms, making it a good place to visit during spring vacation.
Hirado, on the other hand, was known throughout the world as a trading center from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the Edo period. The Hirado Xavier Memorial Church is adjacent to temples such as Komyo-ji and Zui-un-ji, and the area is characterized by a cosmopolitan landscape that brings back memories of a bygone era.
While walking around the city, you may want to stop by "Hirado Onsen (hot spring), Udeyu/Ashiyu (foot bath). Although the water of Hirado Onsen is slippery to the touch, it is known to leave your skin smooth and silky after bathing.
After taking a bath, you can enjoy a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese style meals prepared with freshly landed seafood, Hirado beef, and other delicacies.
Another option is to take a boat tour of the surrounding islands. Among the approximately 600 islands, Hashima Island, also known as "Gunkanjima," is the most famous.
Once a prosperous coal mining town with the world's highest population density, the island is now uninhabited. The wreckage of Japan's first concrete housing complex resembles a warship, making it a popular spot for ruin enthusiasts.
Other must-see destinations include Kujukushima, an island with a legend of hidden Christians, and Kujukushima, a group of 208 islands that can be visited by cruise.
Peanut-flavored Kujukushima rice crackers in a unique hexagonal shape make a perfect souvenir. There are also a variety of sweet treats, such as "Nanban Oorugooru," a retro packaged cigaret cookie, and "Porto," a cookie sandwich of yokan (sweet bean jelly).
Huis Ten Bosch is a waterfront resort that recreates the streets of 17th century Holland on an expansive site 33 times the size of Tokyo Dome. Huis Ten Bosch means "house in the forest" in Dutch.The town has a 6km-long canal where boats come and go, various amusement and museum facilities, shopping...»
Kujuku Islands is the generic name for a group of 208 islands scattered along a 25-km stretch of ocean between Hirado and Sasebo, and is said to have the highest density of islands in Japan. The contrast between the rias coast and the blue sea of green islands is magnificent.The city has recognized...»
Designed and guided by the French Father Marmant, and donated by the Catholics of Kuroshima, Kuroshima Tenshudo was completed in 1902. The foundation is made of Kuroshima granite, a specialty of the island, and 400,000 bricks were used for the brick (partly wooden) construction of the main building...»
Discovered in 1928 and designated as a national natural monument in 1936, this is the only limestone cave in Nagasaki Prefecture. The cave was formed by calcareous deposits caused by erosion after the seafloor was uplifted.The cave is over 1,050 meters long, and is open to the public up to 250 mete...»
Built in 1707, Hirado Castle was constructed in the Yamaga style, an unusual castle construction method.The castle exhibits artifacts and cultural assets from the era of the Hirado domain. The castle tower offers a splendid view of the primeval forest of Kurokojima (a natural monument) and the Hira...»
It was the year 1950, not long after the war, that the burger arrived at Sasebo. Local chefs started making this new dish based on recipes shared by US servicemen stationed there at the time. It is no known across Japan, and well known burger shops in Sasebo boast long lines of visitors at the weeke...»