Huis Ten Bosch Theme Park

Huis Ten Bosch is a Dutch-themed resort park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, on the west coast of Kyushu. It recreates a Netherlands townscape of brick buildings and canals, windmills and cobblestone streets. Rides, shows and five hotels sit inside the grounds. A 1-Day Passport starts at 7,600 yen for adults.

The park opened in 1992 on the shore of Omura Bay. It takes its name from Huis ten Bosch, a royal palace in The Hague, and its own Palace Huis Ten Bosch is a replica officially recognized by the Dutch royal family. The Dutch link goes back to the Edo period, when the Dutch trading post at Dejima in Nagasaki was Japan's main window to Europe.

What to see at Huis Ten Bosch

The park is laid out as a small European city, and much of a visit is spent walking its streets and canals. The Canal Cruiser boats loop through the waterways and are included in the passport. Seasonal flowers fill the squares and gardens by day, and after dark the whole park is lit with large-scale illuminations, which many visitors stay for.

Attractions range from rides and simulation experiences to indoor museums such as the Teddy Bear Kingdom. Shows run on the Grand Theater stage and outdoor stages through the day, so check the show schedule when you arrive. Some evenings feature fireworks, including special nights that need a separate viewing ticket.

The park area is large, and park buses help you get between zones. A full day covers the main sights, but many visitors stay overnight so they can see the illuminations without rushing for the last train.

Huis Ten Bosch tickets and prices

Admission is sold as a passport that covers the attractions, park buses, Canal Cruiser and seasonal events. Prices change by date, so the figures below are starting prices:

• 1-Day Passport: from 7,600 yen for adults, 6,600 yen for junior high and high school students, 5,000 yen for elementary school students

• After 3 Passport (entry from 3 p.m.): from 5,900 yen for adults

• 2-Day Passport: from 13,400 yen for adults, sold at the park only

• Children 3 and under: free

Web tickets let you enter by scanning your phone. Check the Huis Ten Bosch ticket page for the price on your date, the Express Pass and fireworks tickets.

How to get to Huis Ten Bosch

From Fukuoka: the JR limited express Huis Ten Bosch runs direct from Hakata Station to Huis Ten Bosch Station in about 1 hour 45 minutes. The park entrance is about a 5-minute walk from the station. IC cards such as Suica do not work at Huis Ten Bosch Station, so buy a paper ticket or use a JR pass.

From Nagasaki: the Seaside Liner runs from JR Nagasaki Station to Huis Ten Bosch Station in about 1 hour 30 minutes.

From Nagasaki Airport: buses take about 60 minutes, and a high-speed boat crosses Omura Bay in about 50 minutes.

By car: the nearest interchange is Sasebo-Daito on the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway, about 10 minutes from the parking lots.

Where to stay

The five official hotels inside or beside the park include Hotel Europe, set on the canals. Hotel guests can enter the park early, and luggage is delivered within the grounds. For other options in Sasebo and Nagasaki city, the guide to where to stay in Nagasaki compares the main areas.

Best time to visit Huis Ten Bosch

Spring brings the largest flower displays, and the park also appears among Japan's spring flower meadows for its spring tulip displays. Winter is the peak for illuminations, and New Year's Eve ends with a countdown fireworks show. Weekdays outside Japanese school holidays are the least crowded.

If you have time after the park, Nagasaki city is 90 minutes away by train. The Nagasaki tourism guide covers Dejima, Glover Garden and the Peace Park.