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Hirado City is a city blessed with abundant nature consisting of Hirado Is., Ikutsuki Is., and the islands in the north of Nagasaki, and Tabira-cho in the northwest of Sasebo. Hirado has had exchanges with overseas since the old days, and in the 16th and 17th centuries, it flourished as the gateway of trade with European countries including Holland. The city still has exotic churches and the site of the Dutch trading house, and their history can be studied in the museums dotted around the city. The city is now renowned as a tourist city, and it is famous for its natural hot springs and fresh seafood. Between January and April, Hirame (Flounder) Festival is held.
＜Approx. 1hr. 25min from Sasebo Stn. on Saihi Bus for Hirado＞
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Arita-cho is the town of pottery where 70% of its employed is involved in the pottery business. Its history goes back nearly 400 years. It is said that a potter brought to Japan by Hideyoshi Toyotomi when he was soldier in Korea started the industry by building a kiln in Arita. The pottery produced was Japan's first white porcelain and its beauty was highly praised in Europe back then. Such history can be studied at the many pottery museums and museums dotted around town. The Pottery Market is held in the center of town during the Golden Week Holidays in May each year and it bustles with many visitors. The streets of Arita are very old and retain an atmosphere unique to Japan, and are designated as Japan's Important Traditional Buildings Conservation Area. The town's famous specialty is Godofu, which is soy milk set with powdered arrowroot, and its steamed-custard-like texture softer than tofu is popular.
＜25min from JR Sasebo Stn. for Hizen Yamaguchi and Hakata on Midori Express, and alight at Arita Stn. (33min on regular train)＞
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Shimabara City is the central city of Shimabara Peninsula in the southeast of Nagasaki. It retains the cityscape of the old castle town such as the 17th century Shimabara Castle and old samurai residences, and the city has the atmosphere of Japan's Edo Period. There are also fountains in various places of the city giving the city the name The City of Water. About 1,500 Nishikogoi are released in the waters in the city center and the sentimental scenery they create attracts the tourists. The volcanic activities of Mt. Unzen Fukendake, which continued for 5 and a half years from 1990 are still fresh in our memories. Great damage was done to the whole city in those times and there were many victims. The Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall was built to show people the devastation caused by the disaster and the terrible power of nature.
As for its specialty cuisine, the traditional Guzoni made of stewed vegetables, chicken and rice cake is famous.
＜80min from Sasebo Stn. for Nagasaki and alight at Isahaya Stn. → 70min on Shimabara Railway and alight at Shimabara Stn.＞
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Nagasaki City is the seat of the prefectural government located in the south of Nagasaki and is Kyushu's largest city. In the period of National Seclusion in the 17th century when exchange with overseas countries was prohibited, Nagasaki had Dejima, the only window open to other countries. As such, many exotic sceneries created by churches, Chinese temples, Chinese mansions and sites of Western mansions can still be found in the city. The city is actively involved in peace efforts as the bombsite Nagasaki, and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and the Peace Statue were built in the city. A memorial service is held every year on August 9th. Other big events include the festival at Suwa Shrine between October 7th and 9th each year, and Nagasaki Kunchi visited by many tourists from outside the prefecture, and the Lantern Festival held in early February is well known. The Lantern was brought over from China, and the whole city is decorated with opulent Chinese style lanterns during the festival. As for its local specialty, Champon served in Shinchi Chinatown is the most popular, and Castella (sponge cake) said to be introduced by the Dutch is one of the local specialties.
＜Approx. 90min from JR Sasebo Stn. for Nagasaki, alight at Nagasaki-eki-mae. 90min on the Express Bus from Sasebo Stn., alight at Nagasaki-eki-mae＞
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Ureshino City is located in the southwest of Saga, and is one Kyushu's leading hot spring resorts. Ureshino Hot Springs are reputed to be one of Japan's three greatest springs beneficial to the skin, and there are many hot spring centers and hot spring inns in the city center. The city retains the cityscape of the hot spring town of old Japan. In the city, there are also footbaths where you can just soak your feet for free. Tea is another thing that the city is famous for, and you will notice green tea farms in various places around the city. Ureshino tea is very fragrant among green teas and is very popular among tourists for its aroma that fills the mouth. Yudofu (Boiled tofu) made using hot spring water is its famous local specialty. It is unique for the white milky soup created by tofu dissolved by the components of the hot spring water, and it gives it a meltingly soft texture.
＜1hr. 10min from Sasebo Stn. on Saihi Bus for Ureshino, alight at Ureshino Stn.＞
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