Moving about in Japan Staying in Japan If you are in trouble Access to Sasebo Moving around Sasebo Tourist spots Sightseeing plans galore Yonka-cho streetMap Hario map Whole of Sasebo City Central area of Sasebo City Sasebo Station area The shopping district in the center of Sasebo has its Hatsuuri on the first business day of the New Year. Most shops open before dawn for the one-day bargain sale. This is Sasebo's traditional annual event and the area bustles with many people from the early in the morning. [Location] Saruku City 4○3 Arcade [Transport] From Sasebo Stn., catch the City Bus or Saihi Bus to Ono, and alight at Shimanosecho. 5 min. [Enquiry] Sasebo Yonka-cho Shopping District, TEL: 0956-24-4411 Asaichi is held from around 6 in the morning almost everyday at a parking lot near Sasebo Port where freshly caught fish and seafood, vegetables and fruits are sold at great prices. On January 10th each year, sake from the cask and approximately 2,000 portions of Zenzai are served for free. *Zenzai: Traditional Japanese sweet dish made of boiled down azuki beans. [Location] Yorozucho Municipal Parking Lot [Transport] 15min walk from Sasebo Stn., and 7min walk from Tono'o-cho bus stop [Enquiry] Asaichi Governing Board, TEL: 0956-22-9890 The festival of Atago Shrine on the summit of Mt. Atago situated in the northwest of Sasebo City. It is an event that goes back over 400 years, and at the same time each year, the Atago Market is held with stalls selling plants, pottery and general merchandize. [Location] Ainoura shopping district [Transport] 30min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Ainoura. A short walk from Kimiya stop. Or a short walk from JR Ainoura Stn. or Kami-Ainoura Stn. [Enquiry] Ainoura Atago Festival Support Committee, TEL: 0956-47-2754 Fresh oysters farmed in the sea of Kujuku Islands are sold. The venue is lined with many charcoal grill stands during the event, and the visitors can grill and eat the oysters they buy on the spot. Kakinabe (Oyster Stew) made in a giant pot is sold on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. [Location] Saikai Pearl Sea Resort [Transport] 25min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Kashimae Sambashi, or take the shuttle bus. [Enquiry] Saikai Pearl Sea Resort, TEL: 0956-28-4187 Spring flowers including tulips and poppies bloom in profusion across the garden where you can enjoy the flora and fauna of spring at a leisurely pace. It is also a great for families, as children's events are held. [Location] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden [Transport] 30min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Colony or Shimofunakoshi. [Enquiry] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden, TEL: 0956-28-0011 Chawan Festival is one of the pottery markets held in the town of traditional pottery Mikawachi, and it is held in a wholesalers' park with many pottery companies. Diverse range of potteries is on offer, which can be purchased at discount prices. [Location] Mikawachi Pottery Wholesalers' Park [Transport] 30min from Sasebo Stn. on the Saihi Bus for Imari – Takeo, and alight at Kenkyo. [Enquiry] Mikawachi Pottery Wholesalers' Park Cooperative, TEL: 0956-30-7376 Saikai Bridge and Shinsaikai Bridge are double arch bridges across Hario Seto, which is one of Japan's three stormiest currents. Kancho-kai is held in time for the spring tidal current, and during the event, thrilling excursions for viewing the whirlpools right before your eyes are offered and fun events are held. Approximately 1,300 cherry trees bloom in exuberance in the nearby parks at this time of year, letting you enjoy an early cherry blossom viewing. At night, you can enjoy Japan's attractive sceneries, as you can have a nocturnal view of cherry blossoms illuminated by lights. [Location] The vicinity of Saikai Bridge and Shinsaikai Bridge [Transport] 45min from Sasebo Stn. on the Saihi Bus for Saikaibashi. Alight at Saikaibashi Higashiguchi or Saikaibashi Nishiguchi. [Enquiry] Saikaibashi Tourism Association, TEL: 0956-58-5050 Kobafuryu is a rain-making ritual of farmers that has been passed down since 1690, which was designated as Nagasaki's intangible folklore cultural asset. It is a rare event consisting of festival music, dance and procession, which has been carried on by the locals to this day. [Location] Plaza in front of Kamikoba Denshukan [Transport] Catch the city bus for Kamikoba Iriguchi from Sasebo Stn, alight at the final stop and walk 30min. [Enquiry] Sasebo City Social Education Division, TEL: 0956-24-1111 The camp site is adjacent to Sasebo City's only bathing beach Shirahama Kaisui Yokujo. The fully equipped camp site with space for vehicles to park alongside it can be used from April 10th at ￥4,000 per night. [Location] Shirahama Camp Site [Transport] 50min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Tawaragaura, alight at Tawaragaura Yubinkyoku-mae and walk 15min. [Enquiry] Shirahama Camp Site, TEL: 0956-28-6006 The special cruise started each year from April. From the leisure boat Pearl Queen, you can have a close view of the beautiful ocean sunset. Check the boarding times as they change according to the time of the sunset. The cruise takes up to 280 passengers and booking is essential. [Location] Boarding from the pier in Saikai Pearl Sea Resort [Transport] 25min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Kashimae Sambashi. [Enquiry] Saikai Pearl Resort, TEL: 0956-28-4187 Hamazen Festival is the festival of the potteries held around Mt. Mikawachi Sarayama where there is the most concentration of potteries in the home of pottery Mikawachi. Hamazen is an unglazed plate-like disposable platform required for firing pottery, and a memorial service is held for the disposed ones. At the same time, the platforms are lined up on the eaves of the potteries and Mikawachi Potteries are sold. During the festival, you can have an experience of making pottery and participate in a Mikawachi Pottery auction. [Location] Around Mt. Mikawachi Sarayama [Transport] 25min from Sasebo Stn. on Saihi Bus for Imari or Arita, alight at Mikawachisan Iriguchi and walk 10min. [Enquiry] Mikawachi Dento Sangyo Kaikan, TEL: 0956-30-8311 On Children's Day on May 5th each year, children under 13 can enter the Garden for free. [Location] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden [Transport] 30 min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Colony or Shimo Funakoshi. [Enquiry] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden, TEL: 0956-28-0011 The Market is a traditional event that goes back almost 400 years. It began as a market for exchanging the riches of the soils and fruit of the sea from various regions, and about 400 stalls line up along Haiki Seto, which was the major distribution road in the past. The interaction between the sellers and buyers reminds us of Japan's age old shopping style. [Location] Along the coast of Haiki Seto (near Kancho Bridge) [Transport] From Sasebo Stn., catch the city bus or Saihi Bus for Haiki, and alight at Haiki Naka-machi. [Enquiry] Haiki Shoko Shinkokai, TEL: 0956-38-1503 Various events are held as part of the Birthday Celebration each year in June on the anniversary of the opening of the Garden. It is enjoyed by families with band performances, character shows and animal petting areas. [Location] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden [Transport] 30min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Colony or Shimo Funakoshi. [Enquiry] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden, TEL: 0956-28-0011 In addition to the auto-camp site, the permanent tent site is available to use from July. Rate is ￥4,100 per night, and blankets and barbeque equipment can also be rented. [Location] Shirahama Camp Site [Transport] 50min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Tarugaura, alight at Tarugaura Yubinkyoku-mae, and walk 15min. [Enquiry] Shirahama Camp Site, TEL: 0956-28-6006 At the Festival held at Fukuishi Kannon Temple, stalls line the passage lit by 1,000 lanterns leading to the temple, presenting the view of a traditional Japanese fair. It is said that you will receive blessings equal to worshiping 46,000 days at the temple if you worship during the festival. [Location] Fukuishi Kannon Temple [Transport] 5min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Kurokami, and alight at Fukuishi Kannon-mae. [Enquiry] Seiganji Temple, TEL: 0956-31-8372 The Festival is held on the decks of Saikai Pearl Sea Resort overlooking the sea of Kujuku Islands. A beer garden is set up during the festival and the festival warms up with various participatory events. [Location] Saikai Pearl Sea Resort [Transport] 25min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Kashimae Sanbashi. [Enquiry] Saikai Pearl Sea Resort, TEL: 0956-28-4187 It is believed in Japan that the souls of the departed return for a visit during Obon Festival (August 13th - 15th). On the last day of Obon on August 15th, an event called Shoronagashi is held to bid farewell to the souls. For a first Obon, the family of the departed carries a large boat from their home and walk around town setting off loud firecrackers. Toronagashi is held on Sasebo River that runs through the center of Sasebo. The souls of the departed are sent off by floating small lanterns lit with candle light rather than a boat. Both events can be found throughout the country as Japan's traditional events. [Location] Shoronagashi is held throughout the city. Mantoronagashi is held on Sasebo River (Near Albuquerque Bridge) [Transport] 5min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Ohno, alight at Shimanose-cho and walk 3min. [Enquiry] Shoronagashi: Sasebo City Environment Department, TEL: 0956-24-1111 Mantoronagashi: Sasebo City Executive Committee, TEL: 0956-24-4949 The fun festival is held after the animal protection week between September 20th and 26th, where you can learn the importance of animal protection and nature conservation. [Location] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden [Transport] 30min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus to Colony or Shimo Funakoshi. [Enquiry] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden, TEL: 0956-28-0011 You will find many bargains at Mikawachi's biggest pottery market held by Mikawachi pottery companies and potteries. Over 100,000 people visit the market each year. [Location] Plaza in front of Mikawachi Potter Museum. [Transport] 30min from Sasebo Stn. on Saihi Bus for Takeo, Imari, and alight at Mikawachi Shisho. [Enquiry] Mikawachi Tojiki Kogyo Kyodo Kumiai, TEL: 0956-30-8311 After WWII, the city of Sasebo was filled with Jazz due to the presence of the American Navy's Sasebo Base. The live jazz event that began to review that history is now held at Huis Ten Bosch. The performance by world-class musicians from Japan and America is spectacular, and the autumn sunset on Omura Bay is superb. [Location] Huis Ten Bosch [Transport] 15min walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Stn. [Enquiry] Huis Ten Bosch Events Planning Division, TEL: 0956-27-0001 Approximately 140 species and 800 roses bloom at once at the rose garden that boasts the largest scale in Nagasaki. Mid October to mid November is the best time to view them, and gardening seminars are also held during the event. [Location] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden [Transport] 30min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus for Colony or Shimo Funakoshi. [Enquiry] Sasebo Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden, TEL: 0956-28-0011 Yosakoi Festival is a dance event that started in 1954 in Kochi Prefecture, and is now held throughout the country. Dance groups from around the country gather to compete at the event. Yosakoi Sasebo Festival that started in 1997 has now become Kyushu's largest festival, and enthusiastic dancers from all over Japan gather to present amazing performances in various parts of town. [Location] Held at over ten places in the city, mainly in Nakiri Ground. [Transport] 7min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus or Saihi Bus for Ohno, and alight at Matsuuracho. [Enquiry] Executive Committee, TEL: 0956-26-4351 A festival called Okunchi can be found in various areas of Northern Kyushu. Many of them are autumn festivals of Shinto shrines, which play a key role in local communities. The Okunchi of Sasebo is the festival of Hachiman Shrine, which is located almost at the center of the city. Centering around the Decent on the first day and the Ascent on the 3rd day, the locals carry the miniature shrines, and large replicas of whales and dragons, and perform the lion dance through the streets. [Location] Matsuura Park [Transport] 6min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus or Saihi Bus for Ohno, and alight at Matsuura-cho. [Enquiry] Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine, TEL: 0956-24-8983 The city at night in winter around Shimanose Park in the center of Sasebo is decorated with beautiful illuminations. The walls of Shimanose Art Museum in the center of the park stand out as it is decorated with massive electrical light art. During the Festival, various events are held each year including a residents' party at Japan's longest arcade. [Location] Shimanose Park, Saruku City 4○3 Arcade (Yonka-cho, Sun Plaza), etc. [Transport] 5min from Sasebo Stn. on the city bus or Saihi Bus for Ohno, and alight at Shimanose-cho. [Enquiry] Executive Committee, TEL: 0956-24-4411 [Return]

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