Huis Ten Bosch Japanese Theme Park
Dutch Amusement Park in Kyushu, Japan Well Worth a Day Trip
Huis Ten Bosch (1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki, 859-3292 TEL: 81-956-27-0526) is an amusement park in Kyushu, Japan. It is open from 9:00am-9:30pm most of the year, but closes at 8:30pm in January and February. It is also closed during certain Japanese holidays, so best to check before you go.
The Japanese theme park continues Japan’s reputation for interesting themes, which you can find in everything from shopping centers to restaurants. This time, the theme is Holland. From the buildings, to the greenery, to the food choices, to the staff’s costumes, the Netherlands reigns supreme.
The Atmosphere
You may feel as if you’re not in Japan anymore. More than a mere theme park, Huis Ten Bosch is like a city in its own right. Whether you fancy tip-toeing in the tulips, riding down an Amsterdam-like canal, or sampling fried potatoes with mayonnaise, the Dutch way, you’ll certainly not know you’re in Japan from this atmosphere.
The only thing that gives away the Asian locale is the clientele. Often crowded with Korean school girls (the area is a short ferry ride from Korea) and Japanese families, there are simply too many Asian faces for this to be Europe. It certainly is a unique and bizarre place—if you can escape the crowds you may even find a quiet area to watch the sunset over the water, surrounded by gorgeous European buildings and immense windmills. It’s a surreal moment to be had in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The Rides
Most of the rides here are virtual reality and Holland-themed. There’s a boating ride, a nature themed 3D show, and a kiddy land for the young ones.
Prices are a bit steep as rides are charged separately. Or you can opt for the more economical Day Passport if you’re going to spend the whole day. The passport is currently 5600 yen ($55).
The Food
Food in Huis Ten Bosch is mostly European. There’s fondue, chocolate and sweets shops, and a seafood restaurant. There are also several carts dotted around serving mainly Western delights. You can find some Dutch delicacies (remember the friend potatoes) but also American, French, and even Mexican treats. Of course, there are also a plethora of Japanese options to satiate those not adventurous enough to indulge completely in the Euro-fantasy.
Expect food prices to be about average for a theme park. Food in stalls ran from about 200-600 yen ($2-6) and from about 1000-3000 yen ($10-30) for main courses in restaurants.
Lodging
There are many sumptuous hotels within and surrounding Huis Ten Bosch. Prices can be a bit steep (upwards of 50,000 yen/ $500) for the more luxurious hotels on the grounds. There are package deals to be had for families, though, and some hotels offer discount t rates at certain times of the year. A more economical option might be to stay in Nagasaki or Fukuoka, if you only plan on spending the day here (which is more than feasible).
Arrival
The easiest way to get to Huis Ten Bosch is by bus or train from either Nagasaki or Fukuoka. You can also take a ferry from Nagasaki Airport.
