【4days】Driving to Sasebo, Hirado and Hasami from Nagasaki Airport

【4days】Driving to Sasebo, Hirado and Hasami from Nagasaki Airport-1



Nagasaki Prefecture has many attractive spots, making it highly recommended for a road trip by car! By using a car, you can visit more places and get more experiences. Here, we introduce a sample itinerary by driving.



 

  • Required Time:3nights 4days
  • Means of Transportation:Rental car

START

【 Day1 Nagasaki Airport/Hirado 】

1hour 50mins

Nagasaki Airport

The world's first offshore airport, Gateway to inside/outside Japan.
Nagasaki Airport-1

Nagasaki Airport, which was reclaimed in Omura Bay, opened in 1975 and it was the first offshore airport in the world. It serves as a gateway to the region, connecting it to various domestic and international destinations.

Address 856-0816 長崎県大村市箕島町593番地

1hour 40mins drive

Hirado Seto Ichiba

A marketplace offering a wide variety of locally-made products in Hirado.
Hirado Seto Ichiba-1

Hirado Seto Ichiba is a marketplace offering fresh, locally-sourced agricultural and marine products, as well as processed goods, all proudly produced in Hirado. Here, you’ll find a wide range of products that the locals confidently recommend.

On the first floor, you'll find the marketplace and an information space, while the second floor features a cafe restaurant and an observation terrace. This place is a hub where the foods, people and local topics from Hirado come together.

Address 859-4825 長崎県平戸市田平町山内免345-15
TEL 0950-21-1977(平戸瀬戸市場)

Lunch at the second floor of Hirado Seto Ichiba

Lunch at the second floor of Hirado Seto Ichiba-1

The second floor of Hirado Seto Market features a restaurant with an ocean view.
Hearty bowls and meals are perfect for relaxing after a day of travel.

    10mins drive

    Hirado Castle

    Hirado Castle-1
    Hirado Castle offers a commanding view of Hirado Port, Hirado Strait and the ancient forest of Kurokojima Island.

    While the first castle was built in 1599, it was burned down just over a decade later by the ruling Matsura Clan who owned it.
    It was then rebuilt in 1718 by the Matsura Clan and used until the Meiji Restoration Period when most of Japan's castles were demolished.

    Its museum contains many valuable relics dating back to the Hirado’s feudal past.
    Address 859-5121 長崎県平戸市岩の上町1458番地
    TEL 0950-22-2201
    Hours of Operation 8:30~17:30
    Closed 12/29~1/1

    7mins drive

    Hirado Dutch Trading Post

    Hirado Dutch Trading Post-1
    The Hirado Dutch Trading Post was established in Hirado City from 1609 – 1641, as Hirado was the main international trading port for Japan during that time. The trading post included many different buildings, but the warehouse built in 1639 was said to be the first full-fledged western style building in Japan. The current Hirado Dutch Trading Post (opened in 2011) was carefully reconstructed, and now houses a museum that tells the international trading history of Hirado. One of the most unique exhibits include a Dutch suit of armor which was rearranged in Japanese style by a Samurai.
    Address 859-5102 長崎県平戸市大久保町2477番地
    TEL 0950-26-0636
    Hours of Operation 8:30~17:30

    Matsura Historical Museum

    Matsura Historical Museum-1
    The Matsura Historical Museum houses the impressive residence of the Matsuura clan, who ruled the island from the 12th to 19th century, and prospered through international trade. Inside the museum, you can try on a samurai helmet or a single layered Japanese Kimono.

    You can also enjoy an original samurai-style green tea and authentic sweets with its 400 years of tradition at a thatch-roofed tea ceremony house located at the side.
    Address 859-5152 長崎県平戸市鏡川町12番地
    TEL 0950-22-2236
    Hours of Operation 8:30~17:30

    Hirado Tsutaya

    Hirado Tsutaya-1

    If you feel tired from walking around the town, take a break and enjoy a sweet treat of Hirado.
    In addition to the four major specialties of Hirado, Hana-castella (flower-shaped sponge cake), Ubatama (sweet potato sweets), Gobo-mochi (burdock rice cakes) and kasudosu (Hirado-style sponge cake) - you can also enjoy milkshake, kinako rolls (soybean flour rolls), and fusuma manjū (wheat bran-filled buns), providing a perfect sugar boost for both your body and soul. If you’re looking to buy kasudosu as a souvenir, Hirado Tsutaya is also highly recommended.

    40mins drive

    Obae Lighthouse

    A white lighthouse standing on the northernmost point of Ikitsuki Island
    Obae Lighthouse-1

    This white lighthouse can be found on the northernmost point of Ikitsuki Island, located to the north-west of Hirado Island. It stands on a precipitous cliff around 100 meters high, and also has a viewing platform, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of magnificent and impressive scenery. At dusk, the sun sinking into the horizon dyes the lighthouse orange, offering a different appearance to the daytime.

    Address 長崎県平戸市生月町御崎26-2
    TEL 0950-22-4111(Hirado City Tourism Section)

    15mins drive

    Ikitsuki Sunset Way

    Ikitsuki Sunset Way-1

    Crossing the Ikitsuki Ohashi Bridge from the main island of Hirado marks the beginning of the Ikitsuki Sunset Way.

    Looking out over, you'll see the blue waters of the sea and when you gaze at the mountains you'll find cliffs, making this an excellent driving route for viewing the horizon.

    On clear days, you might even be treated to a breathtaking sunset and the route is also famous as a filming location for commercials.

    Address 長崎県平戸市生月町南免
    TEL 0950-23-8600(平戸観光協会)

    40mins drive

    Yakiniku Suzu

    Yakiniku Suzu-1

    Yakiniku Suzu, located just a 1-minute walk from Hirado Tsutaya, is a restaurant where you can enjoy Hirado-raised wagyu beef at a reasonable price.
    This restaurant offers the a wide variety of yakiniku sets and original menus, using finest Hirado beef which is selected carefully by the owner. Not only tourist but locals visit for trying the high-quality of Wagyu beef here.

    Address 859-5113 長崎県平戸市木引田町446-1
    TEL 0950-23-3808

    Stay at Hirado

    【 Day2 Hirado/Sasebo 】50mins drive

    SASEBOX 99

    The very first "Michi no Eki" the Roadside Service Area in Sasebo!!
    SASEBOX 99-1

    The Roadside Service Area "SASEBOX 99" is located by Ainoura-Nakazato Interchange of Nishi-Kyushu Expressway in the northern part of Sasebo. In "Meihinkan" the specialty store, there are a seasonal ingredients sale corner, a bakery, and you can find local special products and souvenirs that satisfy your needs. In the food court, you can try specialties of Sasebo such as Lemon Beef Steak, JMSDF Curry, Sasebo Burgers, and Jumbo Cream Puffs by restaurant HACHINO-YA. There is a sightseeing information center of Sasebo as well.

    • Address 858-0917 長崎県佐世保市愛宕町11
      TEL 0956-42-6077
      Hours of Operation Shops: 9:00AM - 6:00PM
      Food Court: 7:00AM - 3:00PM
      Closed No Scheduled holiday
    • Learn more
    Address 858-0917 長崎県佐世保市愛宕町11
    TEL 0956-42-6077
    Hours of Operation Shops: 9:00AM - 6:00PM
    Food Court: 7:00AM - 3:00PM
    Closed No Scheduled holiday

    20mins drive

    Saruku City 4○3 Arcade

    The longest and most lively arcade in Japan!!
    Saruku City 4○3 Arcade-1

    4○3 is combinations of "4" in Yon(4)ka-cho shopping street, "○" in Tama(a gem)-ya, and "3" in San(3)ka-cho shopping street. "Saruku" means "strolling around" in Sasebo dialect. Its total length in a straight line is about 1 kilometer which makes it the longest arcade in Japan, and it consists of more than 160 stores. You can enjoy shopping comfortably regardless of the weather. There are souvenir shops, clothing and daily goods stores, as well as restaurants and cafes.

    • Address 長崎県佐世保市下京町~上京町~本島町~島瀬町~栄町~常磐町~松浦町
      TEL 0956-24-4411(させぼ四ヶ町商店街協同組合)
      Hours of Operation It varies by each store.
    • Learn more
    Address 長崎県佐世保市下京町~上京町~本島町~島瀬町~栄町~常磐町~松浦町
    TEL 0956-24-4411(させぼ四ヶ町商店街協同組合)
    Hours of Operation It varies by each store.

    Sasebo Burger

    Sasebo Burger-1
    Sasebo Burger is said to have originated around the 1950s, when the U.S. Navy directly introduced the recipe to the area. Although it was initially sold near the base for American personnel, it gradually became soul food even by the locals.
    Today, more than 25 restaurants offer their own unique Sasebo Burger. Try it and enjoy the different tastes of each shops.
    Address 長崎県佐世保市

    SASEBO GOBANGAI

    A commercial complex right by the Sasebo Port appealing to all visitors of Sasebo!
    SASEBO GOBANGAI-1
    Just 1-minute walk from JR Sasebo Station. It is a shopping mall facing Sasebo port, offers various shops such as Sasebo burger Shop Hikari, the souvenir shop that carries Castella of Fukusaya and other Kyushu brand-name confectionery. You can enjoy a relaxing time at the restaurants and cafes with the ocean view as well as shopping.
    • Address 857-0855 長崎県佐世保市新港町2-1
      TEL 0956-37-3555
      Hours of Operation Supermarket / 9:00AM - 10:00PM
      Café / 8:00AM - 10:00PM
      Shop & Food Court / 10:00AM - 8:00PM
      Restaurant / 11:00AM - 10:00PM
    • Learn more
    Address 857-0855 長崎県佐世保市新港町2-1
    TEL 0956-37-3555
    Hours of Operation Supermarket / 9:00AM - 10:00PM
    Café / 8:00AM - 10:00PM
    Shop & Food Court / 10:00AM - 8:00PM
    Restaurant / 11:00AM - 10:00PM

    BRICK MALL SASEBO

    A new popular spot of Sasebo with the atmosphere of old and new mixed together.
    BRICK MALL SASEBO-1

    A two-story commercial facility built of bricks located in Yorozu-cho facing Sasebo Port. There are cafés, bar, general stores, and art studios in the building. The restoration using original wood and bricks result in a relaxing atmosphere. This area, including other shops around the facility, is called "Yorozu Rokku (Yorozu Town Six)" and becoming popular as a new sightseeing spot in Sasebo.

    • Address 長崎県佐世保市万津町2-8
      Hours of Operation It varies by each store.
    • Learn more
    Address 長崎県佐世保市万津町2-8
    Hours of Operation It varies by each store.

    20mins drive

    Tenkaiho Observatory

    Tenkaiho Observatory-1
    Tenkaiho Observatory is one of the best locations to get a panorama view of Kujukushima (ninety-nine islands) and Sasebo Port. This observatory is a popular spot for locals and travelers alike! Approximately 20 minutes by car from Sasebo JR station, Tenkaiho Observatory is also a go-to place for viewing canola flowers in spring (late March to early April), and cosmos flower in autumn (mid to late October).
    • Address 857-1232 長崎県佐世保市下船越町399
      TEL 0956-22-6630(佐世保観光情報センター(JR佐世保駅構内)※こちらの番号はお問合せ先です。カーナビにこちらの番号を設定されませんようお気をつけください。)
    • Learn more
    Address 857-1232 長崎県佐世保市下船越町399
    TEL 0956-22-6630(佐世保観光情報センター(JR佐世保駅構内)※こちらの番号はお問合せ先です。カーナビにこちらの番号を設定されませんようお気をつけください。)

    Enjoying the night life in Sasebo

    Enjoying the night life in Sasebo-1

    In Sasebo city, there are pubs, restaurants and bars opens until late at night. Experience one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Sasebo which is a bit different from the daytime!

      Stay at Sasebo

      【 Day3 Sasebo/Huis Ten Bosch 】15mins drive

      Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort

      Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort-1
      Although called "Kujukushima" (literally translates to “ninety-nine islands” and referring to the fact that there are so many), there are approximately 208 small islands in the area. Located inside Saikai National Park, the area has been registered in the "Most Beautiful Bays in the World" club.

      The coast is dotted with observatories and look-outs to admire the scenery and not to mention the shimmering orange sunset display that mother nature puts on here! In fact, the evening view from Ishidake Observatory appeared in the movie “The Last Samurai” as an emblem of Japanese coastal beauty.

      At the Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, you can ride an excursion boat, try yacht sailing, rent a kayak, or visit the aquarium Umikirara for a closer look at the amazing marine wildlife inhabiting the waters around the islands.
      Address 858-0922 長崎県佐世保市鹿子前町1008
      TEL 0956-28-4187

      30mins drive

      Huis Ten Bosch

      Huis Ten Bosch-1
      Huis Ten Bosch is a residential-style resort built to resemble a 17th century Dutch town. Built with special permission from the Dutch royal family, Palace Huis Ten Bosch is a reproduction of the residence of Her Majesty the Queen of The Netherlands.

      In English, Huis Ten Bosch means “house in the forest,” and true to its name, this residential-style resort is surrounded by greenery and seasonal flowers. Huis Ten Bosch is well-known for its Flower Kingdom, where flowers bloom throughout the year. In addition, Huis Ten Bosch won the “Event of the Year: Gardening World Cup” title during the 2013 Canadian and International Garden Tourism Award (a competition between the top gardeners in the world).

      Another major event at Huis Ten Bosch is the “Kingdom of Light”, which is crowned to be “No.1 in the National Illumination Ranking General Entertainment Category” for seven consecutive years since 2013.

      At Huis Ten Bosch, various activities and entertainment such VR experiences, marine sports, shopping and dinning are available to visitors.

      In addition to being a resort theme park, Huis Ten Bosch also has a “Next Generation Park”; an environmentally-advanced area based on the concept of sustainable systems, which was opened in 2010.
      • Address 859-3292 長崎県佐世保市ハウステンボス町1-1
        TEL 0570-064-110(ハウステンボス総合案内ナビダイヤル)
        Hours of Operation 9:00~22:00(Last entry at 21:00) ※Hours of operation may change depending on the day.
      • Learn more
      Address 859-3292 長崎県佐世保市ハウステンボス町1-1
      TEL 0570-064-110(ハウステンボス総合案内ナビダイヤル)
      Hours of Operation 9:00~22:00(Last entry at 21:00) ※Hours of operation may change depending on the day.

      The Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival

      Enter the Flower Kingdom!
      The Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival-1
      The Tulip Festival at Huis Ten Bosch is the largest in Japan. There are many ways to enjoy your visit: wandering through tulip spots, relaxing at a café, viewing the lively entertainment or viewing the light-up at night time, and so on.

      A period from around mid March to early April is designated as "Special Weeks", with an even more dazzling display of tulips including special Huis Ten Bosch varieties.

      *Due to the weather and unforeseeable natural circumstances, the blooming season of the flowers may be earlier or late than advertised. Thank you for your understanding.
      • Address 長崎県佐世保市ハウステンボス町(ハウステンボス)
        TEL 0570-064-110(ハウステンボス総合案内ナビダイヤル)
      • Learn more
      Address 長崎県佐世保市ハウステンボス町(ハウステンボス)
      TEL 0570-064-110(ハウステンボス総合案内ナビダイヤル)

      Huis Ten Bosch - Kingdom of Light

      A maginificent display of 10 million lights
      Huis Ten Bosch - Kingdom of Light-1
      Illuminated installations made from over 13 million lightbulbs, the world's largest such display, with added entertainment.
      Huis Ten Bosch welcomes you to the Kingdom of Light - crowned as one of the three major illumination sites of Japan and No.1 in the National Illumination Ranking General Entertainment Category for seven consecutive years since 2013.
      • Address 長崎県佐世保市ハウステンボス町(ハウステンボス)
        TEL 0570-064-110(ハウステンボス総合案内ナビダイヤル)
      • Learn more
      Address 長崎県佐世保市ハウステンボス町(ハウステンボス)
      TEL 0570-064-110(ハウステンボス総合案内ナビダイヤル)

      Stay at Hotels inside Huis Ten Bosch (Hotel Europe)

      Stay at Hotels inside Huis Ten Bosch (Hotel Europe)-1

      There are five official hotels inside Huis Ten Bosch. You can enjoy the beautifully illuminated streets late into the night or take a peaceful early-morning stroll through the park, offering you a special experience.
      (©HuisTenBosch/J-21826)

        【 Day4 Hasami 】40mins drive

        HIROPPA

        The artistic Hasami pottery park
        HIROPPA-1

        Hiroppa, a park created by Maruhiro (the local products maker of Nagasaki Prefecture’s traditional Hasami Ware craft goods) and with artists connected through their experience working creating Hasami Ware, had its grand opening last month on the first of October.

        Grass covers the entire nearly 4000 square meter plot of the park. Artists with a connection to Maruhiro started by designing the playgrounds. Then they added direct-owned shops with Maruhiro’s full line-up of goods, bento and sweets shops, craft-beer-selling kiosks, and cafes. Visitors can enjoy whatever kind of place they like inside the park.

        In addition, a universally accessible path has been put up so that wheelchairs can easily travel around the park. This is a park that you will long remember from your travels, somewhere people can relax and have a good time regardless of age or gender, a park that has become a perfect place for rest and relaxation.

        Address 長崎県東彼杵郡波佐見町湯無田郷682
        TEL 0956-37-8666

        3mins drive

        Hasami Ceramics Hall

        Hasami Ceramics Hall-1
        Located next to Hasami Yakimono Park, the Hasami Ceramics Hall offers hands on experiences as well as informative displays on the history and traditions of Hasami ware.

        The first floor of Hasami Ceramics Hall offers activities such as pottery painting and pottery wheel experience; it also has a Hasami pottery shop. The second floor exhibits a wide range of work produced by traditional craftsmen, as well as many traditional Hasami ware including “kurawanka bowls” and “compra bottles”. There is even a pottery painting robot that will explain to you the history of Hasami ware!

        Every year during Golden Week, the Hasami Pottery Festival is held at the Hasami Yakimono Park, and it is a popular event for locals and tourists alike.
        • Address 859-3711 長崎県波佐見町東彼杵郡井石郷2255-2
          TEL 0956-85-2290(波佐見町観光協会)
          Hours of Operation 9:00~17:00
        • Learn more
        Address 859-3711 長崎県波佐見町東彼杵郡井石郷2255-2
        TEL 0956-85-2290(波佐見町観光協会)
        Hours of Operation 9:00~17:00

        Nishinohara

        Café rebuilt from an old pottery-making workshop
        Nishinohara-1

        Hasami-cho is a city of pottery art, where Hasami-yaki enjoys great popularity among the public with its colorful and simple design. Nishinohara, formerly the site of the pottery workshop for Hasami-yaki, is now a tourist attraction which especially attracts female tourists as the old pottery workshop has been renovated to set up café, restaurants, grocery stores, stationery stores, tableware shops, and other stores which are popular with young people.
        The café enjoys great popularity for its coffee rice and large dessert dishes, thus many people have special trips here to taste them.

        Address 長崎県東彼杵郡波佐見町井石郷井石郷2187-4
        TEL 0956-85-2290(波佐見町観光協会)

        3mins drive

        OYANE

        OYANE-1
        The "OYANE" shop and gallery, opened in 2016, is known for its stylish building. In addition to Saikai Pottery, it also sells works by local artists.

        Seishun no Sato

        Seishun no Sato-1

        This restaurand offers a slow food menu made with locally sourced organic vegetables and seasonal ingredients. The authentic Neapolitan pizza, baked in a stone oven, has a crispy and chewy texture. Of course, the dishes are served on Hasami pottery.
        The gallery also features local Hasami pottery, and directly-delivered organic vegetables are sold there.

        Address 859-3725 長崎県東彼杵郡波佐見町長野郷558-3
        TEL 0956-85-6288

        50mins drive

        Nagasaki Airport

        The world's first offshore airport, Gateway to inside/outside Japan.
        Nagasaki Airport-1

        Nagasaki Airport, which was reclaimed in Omura Bay, opened in 1975 and it was the first offshore airport in the world. It serves as a gateway to the region, connecting it to various domestic and international destinations.

        Address 856-0816 長崎県大村市箕島町593番地

        1hour 50mins

        Tokyo (Haneda Airport/ Narita International Airport )

        Tokyo (Haneda Airport/ Narita International Airport )-1

          FINISH

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