Immerse yourself in history and unique culture. Enjoy a trip to Sasebo, Kujukushima, and Kuroshima in Nagasaki without renting a car

Tour by bus! A course to enjoy the tourist spots of Kujukushima

Kujukushima Islands are designated as part of the Saikai National Park located in the northwest of Nagasaki Prefecture. "Kujuku" means "so many that you can't count them all," and the scenic spot is actually made up of 208 islands of various sizes.

The area is popular not only for its beautiful scenery, but also for its marine activities. Aquaculture is thriving, and the rich, tasty "Kujukushima oysters" are a local specialty.

Access from Sasebo Station to Kujukushima

From Nagasaki Airport, take the Saihi Bus to Sasebo Station for about 90 minutes. Or take a shared jumbo taxi for 55 minutes to arrive at Sasebo Station. From there, take another Saihi Bus for about 25 minutes to arrive at Kujukushima (Pearl Sea Resort).

Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort: Experience the charm of Kujukushima through sightseeing boats and the aquarium

Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort is a park where you can experience the charm of Kujukushima through an aquarium, sightseeing boats, marine activities, and more.

The shining white sightseeing boat Pearl Queen weaves its way between the green islands. As its name suggests, the boat is named after the queen of the sea, and features an elegant white hull with subdued wood-grain decorations.

The 360-degree view of the Kujukushima Islands is truly spectacular! You can enjoy a relaxing and comfortable cruise.

Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara is one of the few community-based aquariums in Japan that recreates the ocean around the Kujukushima Islands, which are designated as a national park.

There are many attractions, including a large outdoor aquarium where sunlight pours in, and the Jellyfish Symphony Dome, which uses video, music, and lighting to create a fantastical world of jellyfish.

At the Kujukushima Dolphin Pool, where cute dolphins swim, you can see a spectacular stunt that has never been seen before in Japan: dolphins jumping to catch each other.

This aquarium is enjoyable for adults as well, as it feels like you are taking an underwater stroll through the Kujukushima islands.

Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort

The long-loved "Kujukushima Senbei" is a great souvenir

If you visit Kujukushima, you can't miss out on some souvenirs that are unique to the islands.

"Kujukushima Senpei" is a hexagonal cracker with the characters "Kujukushima" written on it, and is one of Nagasaki's most famous sweets. It was created through trial and error when sugar was hard to come by shortly after the war, and was modeled after a turtle shell, which is considered a lucky charm.

These sweet and delicious rice crackers have a crispy, crunchy texture and a fragrant peanut flavor, and have a taste that will make you feel nostalgic.

It is a beloved item that is a gift not only for Sasebo residents, but also for people from inside and outside the prefecture. In addition to the shop in Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, it can also be purchased at directly managed stores in the city, around Sasebo Station, and at Nagasaki Airport, so be sure to look for it as a souvenir for your trip.

Kujukushima Senbei Honpo

Travel by taxi (time required: approx. 10 minutes)

All-you-can-eat fresh oysters from Kujukushima at Marumo Suisan

The waters of the Kujukushima Islands are ideal for aquaculture, thanks to the large tidal ranges and the nutrient-rich ocean that flows in from the surrounding mountains.

The "Kujukushima oysters" that come into season from late October are characterized by their small shells packed with meat. They are a specialty of Kujukushima, and many people visit in search of the rich flavor and plump texture of the oysters.

Marumo Suisan is an oyster specialty store that handles everything from seeding to shipping. Next to the farming raft is a floating oyster hut where you can grill oysters while looking out at the sea, so you can enjoy fresh oysters to your heart's content all year round.

The most popular item is the Kujukushima Set (1,700 yen), which includes 1 kg of oysters, oyster chowder, and two pieces of seared oyster rice. In addition to the set menu, there are also plenty of a la carte dishes using oysters.

Marmo Fisheries

Take the Seihi Bus from Nakafunakoshi and get off at Tenkaiho Iriguchi (travel time: about 10 minutes)

Walk (Time required: approx. 10 minutes)

Have the spectacular view all to yourself at Kujukushima Tourist Park

Kujukushima Tourist Park is a new spot that opened in 2021. At the top of a gentle slope, you can get a panoramic view of the Kujukushima Islands, as its name suggests.

During the day, you can see islands large and small, surrounded by the blue sky and sea, and at dusk, the scenery takes on a romantic, crimson-hued atmosphere. There is a monument to Kujukushima on the observation hill, where you can take a photogenic picture.

Food trucks are often set up in the vast lawn area, so you're sure to find some delicious food along with the spectacular views.

Kujukushima Tourist Park

*Some content was updated on May 20, 2022.

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