Region
Kyushu
Island
Kyushu
Largest City
Nagasaki
Population
1,516,536

Huis Ten Bosch

Go Dutch in Nagasaki.

Huis Ten Bosch is a Dutch-themed amusement park along Omura Bay in Sasebo city. Founded in 1992, it’s complete with Dutch-style homes, windmills, wooden clogs, and (when in season) tulips.

So why did an amusement park in Nagasaki go Dutch?

Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki

Named after one of the Dutch monarchy’s four palace, Huis Ten Bosch means “House in the Forest” in English. Photo by machu.

It turns out that Nagasaki and the Netherlands have ties dating back centuries. The Dutch East India Company used to trade through a post in Hirado in northern Nagasaki, until, following growing fears linked to the spread of Christianity, the base of operations was forcibly confined to Dejima, an island in Nagasaki Bay. For 200 years, Dejima and its Dutch inhabitants were Japan’s only window to the outer world.

Despite its overarching Dutch theme, Huis Ten Bosch pulls from a kaleidoscope of cultures for inspiration. Split into nine distinctive areas, the park has a bit of everything for everyone, including a teddy bear museum, an ice rink, a trick art house, a canal ride, an ice café, and a zip line.

Huis Ten Bosch

Photo by: Maru Fish Because it wouldn’t be Holland without a canal. Photo by marufish.

Flower lovers can take a stroll in one of the park’s four gardens through the year. Crowd lovers can enjoy “The Kingdom of Flowers,” from March through June, when people flock to the park in droves to see the famous tulips and roses in full bloom.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, “The Kingdom of Light” may be more your speed. Held from November to February, the event offers dazzling illuminations best enjoyed after dusk. Special events include amazing light displays, shows, and parades to warm the heart despite the winter’s chill.

Not one for roller coasters, but still seeking an adrenaline spike? In the aptly named Thriller City, you can test your mettle at several haunted houses. Avoid using the restrooms in this area where dim lighting and creepy decorations make toilet time terrifying.

Ferris wheel in Huis Ten Bosch.

Huis Ten Bosch has nine different sections featuring museums, rollercoasters and a haunted city. Photo by yoppy.

For the international foodie, you can find anything from international cheeses to meats to spirits in one of the park’s many shops. Huis Ten Bosch is especially famous for its cheesecake. They also sell different flavors of castella, Nagasaki’s signature dessert, from well-known shops around the prefecture.

Huis Ten Bosch tickets are referred to as “passports,” and are available for purchase at and outside the park, as well as online. Passports come in 1-, 2-, and 3-day increments for regular guests. Ticket discounts are available for guests staying at one of the park’s six official hotels.

Things To Know

Opening Hours

Every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets

For a 1-day passport: Seniors ¥6,000 / Adults ¥6,500 / Students (Junior and Senior High School) ¥5,500 / Children ¥4,100

How To Get There

Address

Nagasaki Prefecture 859-3292, Japan

By train

From Nagasaki Station, take the JR Seaside Liner towards Sasebo for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Get off at Huis Ten Bosch Station.

From Hakata Station in Fukuoka, take the JR Limited Express Huis Ten Bosch for 1 hour and 50 minutes. Again, get off at Huis Ten Bosch Station.

By bus

Take an express bus from Stop 3 at Nagasaki Station to Huis Ten Bosch (approx. 1 hour and 25 minutes.)

By car

From Nagasaki Station, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This route includes tolls. Parking is available on location for a fee.

From Sasebo Station, it takes about 25 minutes. This route also includes tolls.


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