Sasebo / Hirado

Top Things to do

• Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort

  4.0

  252 Reviews

  Nagasaki Pref. Saseboshi Kashimaechou 1008

  This is a resort park focusing on marine leisure, filled with the charm of the Kujukushima sea. One can enjoy marine sports such as yachting and sea kayaking, or take a tour on a sightseeing boat. With an aquarium, souvenir shop and restaurant too, it is gaining popularity especially with families bringing children.

• Tenkaiho

  4.5

  189 Reviews

  Nagasaki Pref. Saseboshi Shimofunakoshichou 399

  The Kujukushima Islands, comprised of a complex ria coast and some 200 interwoven islands, offers superb scenery. This observation platform overs a 180-degree panorama of the area. Of the many viewing platforms in the Sasebo area, this one is particularly popular thanks to its excellent view. The area is covered with rape blossoms in spring and cosmos in fall, and many come just to view these beautiful sights.

• Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara

  4.0

  224 Reviews

  Nagasaki Pref. Saseboshi Kashimaechou 1008

  An aquarium located in Kashimaecho. Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture which focuses on presenting exhibits which recreate the diverse marine ecosystem of the Kujuku Islands. The Kujukushima Bay Grand Aquarium exhibit, home to some 13,000 individual marine creatures spread across 120 species illuminated by glittering sunlight, is the facility’s crown jewel. Some of the aquarium’s highlights include the soothing Jellyfish Symphony Dome in which jellyfish slowly float amidst phantasmal lights, and shows which show the fantastical abilities of the park’s dolphins. Note: Due to construction lasting from May 10 to July 5, 2017, dolphin shows will not be held until July 14, 2017.

• Hirado Castle

  4.0

  160 Reviews

  Nagasaki Pref. Hiradoshi Iwanouechou 1458

  This was the residential castle of the Matsura clan, the feudal lords of the Hirado Domain. The fortification technology at the time incorporated the unusual Yamagaryu (Yamaga school) style. Construction originally began in 1599 as “Hi-no-Takejo” but as it neared completion in 1613, it fell under suspicion from Tokugawa Ieyasu due to the deep friendship the clan had with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, so the clan head Shigenobu burned down the castle himself. The clan lived in the palace that was on the site for about 90 years, and reconstruction of Hirado Castle began in 1704 and was completed in 1718. The view of the Port of Hirado looking down from the castle keep is outstanding, and visitors can obtain a view that includes the virgin forest of Kuroko Island (a Natural Monument) and the Hirado Ohashi Bridge.

• Yumiharidake Observatory

  4.0

  117 Reviews

  Nagasaki Pref. Saseboshi Onochou

  An observatory located on Mt. Yumiharidake in Ono-cho, Sasebo City. Visitors can get a sweeping view of the natural beauty of the Kujuku Islands and the Goto Sea, as well as Sasebo City to the east and Sasebo Port to the south. In the evening, visitors can take in the glittering cityscape and isaribi firelight lure fishing; in spring, cherry blossoms blooming in profusion in the area.

• Hamburger Shop HIKARI

  4.0

  99 Reviews

  Nagasaki Pref. Saseboshi Yadakechou 1-1

  HIKARI lovingly prepares each of its burgers to order. Since its establishment in 1951, the restaurant has been popular and renowned purveyor of Sasebo burgers. The Special Burger, topped with cheese, bacon, and an egg, is particularly recommended. A five-minute drive by car from JR Sasebo Station.

• Hirado Kaijo Hotel

  3.5

  103 Reviews

  Nagasaki Pref. Hiradoshi Okubochou 2231-3

  "This hotel is located in Okubo-cho, Hirado City. The baths can be used even for day-trips, and use sodium - hydrogen carbonate spring water from the Hirado Onsen that is good for nerve pain, lower back pain, hemorrhoids, rheumatism and fatigue. It has an open ocean-facing outdoor bath, the aquarium bath ""Ryugu"" equipped with a tank with swimming fish and turtles, rental open-air baths, rental observation baths, and various other baths. There is also a resting area where you can relax after bathing."

• Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden Mori Kirara

  4.0

  54 Reviews

  Nagasaki Sasebo-shi Funakoshicho 2172

  Located on a hill directly overlooking Kujuku Islands of Saikai National Park, Mori Kirara is a zoo and botanical garden built on the theme of the nature and healing of Kujuku Islands. There is a penguin section with one of Japan's largest ceiling aquariums. You will also find roughly 60 species of animal in the exhibits, including lions and Tsushima leopard cats. There are plenty of experience programs, from guiding and feeding animals to riding Taishu horses, of which there are only 50 in the country. In the garden, roughly 1,200 species of plants are cultivated, including the observation greenhouse. In particular, the gorgeous roses in the 3,000 square meter rose garden bloom brilliantly in spring and fall are definitely worth a look.

• Nagasaki Prefectural Saikaibashi Park

  4.5

  57 Reviews

  Nagasaki Sasebo-shi Hariohigashimachi 2678

  A park located in Hario Higashi-machi, Sasebo City and Seihi-cho, Saikai City. Maintained at the foots of the Saikai Bridge and Shinsaikai Bridge which span these two cities, facilities include observatories with sweeping views of the whirling tides of the Hario Strait, a fun obstacle course, artificial turf sledding hill, and a walking path around the Shinsaikai Bridge. Some 1,000 cherry trees come into bloom on the grounds in the spring, and during this time a spring whirlpool festival is also held here.