Dining

Kira-kira Festival that the Sasebornians really love and other cities all envy of comes back to town this week. Never miss the Kira-kira Charity Big Party. You can’t see such an immence party anywhere else in the universe but in Sasebo. 98% of the Japanese are Buddhists. Yet, we love Christmas as a seasonal event. Every little space in Ginza will be covered with holiday lights and kira-kira (twinkle-twinkle) every night for 41 days. Fun events are held every weekend and entertain shoppers very well. The deligations (spies) from other cities check out what’s going on so that they can have such a dynamic event in their towns. Note: 99 Missions Stamp Rally is held every evening. Holiday craft store opens every evening during the festival. The local specialities such as American-style stakes, deserts, 99 Islands oyster BBQ, and Sasebo humbergers are available every evening at a reasonable price for 41 days. The lights are on every night until Monday, 14 January 2019. You will enjoy “Bubble Fantasy” every weekend and on Japanese holidays from 1900 to 1910. To support stores in Ginza to pay the expensive electric fee, they accept donation (Y1,000). You will get a Kira-kira pin as a moment.

Kiyomizu waterfall is situated upstream Kiyomizu River, which is a tributary running into Kasegawa River, and it is also known as Tamasudare Waterfall (meaning "Precious Stone Screen"). The 13-meter wide waterfall is magnificent as it hurtles down a 75-meter sheer drop, and its beauty is a sight to behold. The stone beside the waterfall is in memory of Kiyo Kuranaga, a samurai of Munenori Nabeshima, the 6th ruler of Hizen, who had come to the falls to pray for his master's recovery from a serious illness, but died from the cold while doing so. This stone was erected in 1787, and apparently it was from around that time that the custom of purification ceremonies at waterfalls began to spread. Since ancient times, Kiyomizu waterfall has been famous among Kannon followers and Kiyomizu Kannon Hojiin, at the exit of the waterfall basin, is a temple on hallowed ground. Every year on the Day of the Ox, Kiyomizu waterfall is visited by crowds of people coming to pray. The waterfall's water is so fresh it has been chosen as one of the top 100 waters of Japan, and the nearby city of Ogi is famous for various cuisine using carp, such as koikoku (carp soup) and koi-no-arai, which have been exposed to this fresh water.

Try the famous Sasebo Burger

The Toshiemon Kiln of the Marukei Trading Company offers workshops in wheel throwing and porcelain painting. From children to elderly people, in our workshops everyone can have fun making their own original piece of pottery. At Marukei’s, the biggest porcelain shop in Arita, you can enjoy both, porcelain shopping and porcelain making.

Mt. Mifune in Takeo city is also known as "Mt. Karafune" (which literally means "Chinese ship") due to its resemblance to one. Mifuneyama Rakuen is a park which sprawls out on the western foot of this mountain. It was built over a period of approximately 3 years by Shigeyoshi Nabeshima, the 28th ruler of the Takeo Domain, as part of his holiday home. In spring the park is reminiscent of a Shan shui painting, with 5000 cherry blossom trees and 50,000 azaleas all blooming against a backdrop of the rugged cliff of Mt. Mifune. The park hosts a variety of events such as tea parties and photography sessions. In the Mifunegaoka Plum Grove on the eastern foot of the mountain, 10,000 plum trees bloom in all their brilliance from mid-February to early May, and the place buzzes with people attending the Plum-Viewing Festival.

The following art exhibitions are held at Sasebo Shimanose Art Center. The center opens at 1000 and closes at 1800. Unless it’s mentioned, the admission is free of charge. You can call the art center at 0956-22-7213.

There are four different courses for climbing Mt. Kurokami. We suggest a climbing course starting at the parking lot of Ryumon Dam. After the climb you can rest your weary bones in the high-quality water of Arita Onsen. Mt. Kurokami Climbing Course There are four different courses for climbing Mt. Kurokami. We suggest a climbing course starting at the parking lot of Ryumon Dam. After the climb you can rest your weary bones in the high-quality water of Arita Onsen. Ryumon Dam Parking Approximately 80 minutes Tendo Rock on Mt. Kurokami Approximately 60 minutes Ryumon Dam Parking By car 15 minutes Arita Onsen (60 minutes) Ryumon Dam Parking Enter Arita at the Takeo-shi area from national highway No. 35 by turning right at the Harashuku intersection on to the prefectural road Route 281, and then head north. In approximately 3.4 kilometers turn right at the sign "Ryumon Valley". The road becomes narrow and Ryumon Dam appears after some 800 meters. From there the road turns into a one-way street. Cross the dam wall to the left and and drive along the lakeside. Some 2.2km from the junction from the national road you reach the remotest part of the lake where a campground with a big parking lot is located. From there one can enter Ryumon Valley or climb Mt. Seira or Mt. Kurokami. Ryumon Valley (Arita Town) Mt. Kurokami Prefectural Nature Park is home to the upper stream of Hirose River, an affluent of Arita River. Mt. Seira, which consists of andesites, and the western slope of Mt. Kurokami, which consists of rhyolites, form the basin of this water source. Huge, curiously shaped stones can be found all around the site. There are also caves and many unique plants inhabiting the region. With its mysterious atmosphere, this area has since long been known as haunted site. [Parking space] Two car 76 trailer buses Tendo Rock on Mt. Kurokami The outlook from Tendo Rock (at the summit of Mt. Kurokami) is simply fabulous. This stunning view is absolutely worth the one-hour climb. Please be careful when climbing the parts with chains. Mt. Kurokami Climbing Map (PDF format: 153KB) Concept of Mt. Kurokami Rocky Peak of Mt. Kurokami Plants of Mt. Kurokami Wild Birds of Mt. Kurokami Ryumon Dam Parking Same as above. Arita Onsen Just about five minutes by car from JR Arita Station there is a small public bath much-loved by the locals: Arita Hot Springs. This hot spring was discovered by chance about 17 years ago. Its water is popular for its smooth, thick quality.

2 Week event begins on the first day of Chinese New Year

A must see for penguin lovers. Penguins and nature tell you very important things… We established "Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium" as a nature school with wishes to provide an opportunity for children in the 21st century to think about the harmony between human and nature. Penguin is one of the best species to indicate the condition of global-scale natural environment. We are now and will observe more and show you the mode of life of these penguins. Please look at, touch and play with cute penguins and fish, and please feel the mysteries of nature with all your senses. We also have "Nature Zone" where there are a variety of living nature such as insects, fish/shellfish and plants in the creek, pond, marsh, forest, grass, seashore, that is, food-chain environment. Let's release your senses to wind, daylight and all this nature. And we really hope you'll be much impressed here at "Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium"

Highly recommended Thai restaurant in Sasebo.

Located at the northern tip of Ikitsuki Island, this lighthouse is standing at the top of the steep cliffs. The lighthouse is officially called “Obae Hana Lighthouse”. It was built in 1958. This lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses in Japan where one can climb up and enjoy the views from the viewing deck for free. From the tower, anyone can see the sweeping views of the sea and the green scenery that covers the entire Island. The beautiful sunset is also favorably visible from here. This lighthouse is visited by both local and foreign tourists and has become one of the iconic places of Hirado.

Ohana Cafe — DINING near Sasebo,

The Ohashi Kannon Temple: Kannon is a goddess with a pretty interesting history. My two favorite bits about her (oh, fine, the only bits I know): 1) She is a goddess of vegetarianism (among other things), so you can tell a Chinese restaurant is vegetarian when they use her image in their decor. Exciting if you want to avoid meat. Exciting if you want to avoid vegetarian restaurants. Exciting for everyone. 2) In the Edo period in Japan, Christianity was forbidden. Sooo because Kannon is often depicted with a child, Christians associated her with Mary and used her for secret-worship purposes. They would even hide crosses on the statues. Secret symbols on statues is something that should be making all the art historians in my audience go OOOOOO right now.

This facility offers agricultural experiences including picking strawberries, baking bread, cooking sweets and sausages. Barbecue restaurants, farm stands, bakery shops and ice cream shops are popular for visitors.

Parking Lot Fee: 1-30 minutes 31-60 minutes For 2 hours For 3 hours For 4 hours For 5 hours For 6 hours #1 & #2 Car Parking 0 Y200 Y200 Y200 Y200 Y300 Y400 #3, #4, #5 Car Parking 0 0 0 0 Y200 Y300 Y400 Bus 0 Y600 Y600 Y600 Y600 Y900 Y1,200 Parking fee increases by Y100 for an hour for over 5 hours at any car parking. Bus parking fee increases by Y300 for an hour for over 5 hours. The highest car parking fee is Y600 up to for 12 hours and bus parking fee is Y1,800. Note: The parking fees remain the same as before the tax increase. I know this chart may be different from the one you find in the pamphlet you get from the Sasebo city hall. However, this chart is much easier to understand the fee. When I got the chart, I didn’t understand it at first. I called the Sasebo city hall and made sure the fee increase along with the length you park. You may be wondering which ones are #3 to #5 car parking. Because you don’t have to pay anything until you park your car over 4 hours. If you know the supermarket, “Marina,” you know them. The car parking left to the supermarket is #3, and the one in front of the supermarket is #4. Car parking #5 is on Route 11 next to the 99 Island Hotel. If you are staying there over 5 hours, any car parking fee is the same. The car parking #1 is in front of the aquarium. The car parking #2 is located in the left of #1 close to the beach. If you park your car for 4 hours or less, park either #3 or #4. If you are planning to stay there longer, any car parking fee is the same. But if you are staying there over 6 hours, spend there all day for Y600 of car parking. You may spend a lot more money for your meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks), though. It’s not only bad news from the Pearl Sea Center. The other day, I found they have new equipments at the aquarium called “AQUA SCOPE.” It’s a radio-shaped portable mechanical guide that gives you explanation in the aquarium. When you move to the certain spots, it speaks automatically. It’s like a friend who knows about the aquarium very well explains when you visit there with him/her. It’s a very cool device. I believe your kids would love it. The service is available in different languages (Chinese, English, Korean and Japanese). The service is free of charge. Please ask whichever you like to listen.

Playmate Pub — DINING near Sasebo,

PUBLIC HOUSE TAKOMASA — DINING near Sasebo,

Risa's Japanese Class — DINING near Sasebo,

Rock BAR BOUNCE — DINING near Sasebo,

s the A/C feeling less than adequate? If so, then hitch a ride to Ryutosen. Located between Ureshino and Omura-shi, Nagasaki, Ryutosen boasts an 18-meter high waterfall (minus the patented Japanese cement job) which cascades into a pool that reportedly measures 23 meters in depth.

Ninja village is a theme park where you can see a ninja live show, play a real shuriken, bow and arrow, dress up in ninja and historical costume, paint a pottery. Pricing: https://saga-ninja.com/ticket/ Access Address 716-1 Oaza Shimono Ko, Ureshino, Saga Tel 81-(0)954-43-1990 Fax 81-(0)954-43-1951 Opening Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 ~ 16:00 Saturday, Sunday, National Holiday 9:00 ~ 17:00

Until Sunday, 11 November Please contact the festival committee office in Japanese at 0956-58-2004 for the information about the following events.

The phone number there is 0956-28-0011. Tuition for the following classes is free unless it is specifically noted. You only pay the zoo admission fee. The whole zoo becomes non-smoking area. Please be careful.

About Sakagura-dori Eastern Hiroshima ’s region of Saijo is commonly considered one of the best places in Japan for sake, alongside Hyogo Prefecture’s Nada region and Kyoto ’s Fushimi area. All around Saijo Station there are numerous breweries, and on weekends and holidays you can tour the insides of these breweries on foot. At the various sake distilleries you can try as well as buy sake. Seeing the various aspects of Japanese sake culture as you tour the white-walled and red-bricked sake distilleries is a great experience.