Our editorial team has carefully selected the highlights of Huis Ten Bosch. We will introduce three plans.

The whole town of Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park

Located in Sasebo City, about a 50-minute bus ride from Nagasaki Airport, this theme park features a medieval European townscape and is the largest in Japan. It is popular with people of all ages, with a wide range of fun spots, including seasonal flowers that decorate the park all year round, attractions where you can experience the latest technology, and impressive art museums. There are also restaurants and four directly managed hotels, making it known as a resort destination that goes beyond a theme park.

At night, the area is transformed into a beautiful city of lights with illuminations, and there is also a full range of entertainment, including live music and review shows, every day. No matter when or what time you visit, you're sure to encounter something new and moving.

Flowers blooming all year round and the Dutch landscape

Before moving on to the guide for each scene, let's introduce some standard attractions that you can enjoy no matter who you visit with. When you step into Huis Ten Bosch, the first thing you'll see is the flowers and windmills that give you a Dutch feel. Enjoy the colorful and rich scenery that will make you forget you're in Japan.

"Flower Road" is a beautiful combination of windmills and flower fields

Entering through the welcome gate, you are greeted by three windmills and a flower road with a wide flower field. The vivid scenery, which is said to be a reproduction of the Dutch countryside, will instantly lift your spirits. This area is popular as a photo spot, with seasonal flowers all year round, including tulips in early spring. At night, the area is decorated with illuminations.

Admire the seasonal flowers, from spring tulips to winter orchids

Huis Ten Bosch holds large-scale seasonal flower-themed exhibitions. In winter, you can enjoy the "Great Phalaenopsis Orchid Exhibition" at Palace Huis Ten Bosch, the park's symbolic palace, where 200 varieties of orchids bloom in abundance, the largest number in Japan. There are seven spots, including the vivid "Paradise Room" and "Rainbow Room," and the arched "Orchid Tunnel," where an entire palace room is filled with orchids, so you're sure to take plenty of Instagram-worthy photos.

In early spring, tulips decorate Palace Huis Ten Bosch, Amsterdam Square, Hotel Europa, and other spots. From early summer, the roses that fill the streets of Huis Ten Bosch and the hydrangeas around Palace Huis Ten Bosch are a must-see.

Who will you go with? Recommended plans for a special time

From here, we will introduce recommended spots for three different occasions: "Visiting with friends," "Dating with a lover," and "Family trips." To get around Huis Ten Bosch, which has a vast area, it's best to first check out the places you want to go to. We also have a map introducing the areas and recommended spots, so please refer to it.

A plan to enjoy beautiful cityscapes and art with friends

First, take a gondola ride along the canal and enjoy the European cityscape and flowers along the canal. At the Palace Huis Ten Bosch, which reproduces the exterior of a palace in the Netherlands, you can admire the precious gold and jewelry, and be enchanted by the real beauty. Enjoy wine tasting and choosing cheese as souvenirs, and enjoy a relaxing time.

1. Enjoy the European cityscape from the canals on a gondola cruise

After being welcomed with flowers on Flower Road, you can take a gondola from Attraction Town for a tour of the canal.

The views of the townscape from the canal, the flower fields of Flower Road, and the rows of houses in the villa area within the park are like scenes from a fairy tale, and will instantly transport you to another world.

[Photo spot] European streetscape along the canal

As you move, walk along the canal-side road with its brick buildings and cobblestone streets. Wherever you look at Huis Ten Bosch, you'll find picturesque scenery. Unusually for a Japanese theme park, pets are allowed, and the sight of people strolling around with their dogs is unique to Huis Ten Bosch. Enjoy a stroll and find your favorite spot.

2. Be enchanted by the giant chandelier at the Glass Museum

During the Edo period, glass was called "Gyaman." The Gyaman Museum, located in the Stadhuis in the center of Amsterdam Square, is an art museum that collects European glass crafts. Inside the museum, there are a number of valuable works that make use of advanced techniques such as cut glass, colored glass, and gold leaf.

A must-see is the gigantic chandelier that decorates the atrium of the hall, measuring 2.2m wide and 3.5m high. It is made up of 4,628 glass pieces and 65 lampshades (the lamp cylinders), and you will be overwhelmed by its extravagant beauty.

3. Take a relaxing break while looking out at the square at A Coeurvert Cafe

We took a break for lunch at A Coeurvert Café on the first floor of the Hotel Amsterdam. We enjoyed sandwiches and pasta made by the hotel chef on the terrace seating overlooking the square.

As you drink the coffee, the clover shape of the cup begins to look like a heart, which is a heart-warming feeling.

[Photo Spot] Dom Toren & Hotel Europe

The spot just past Hotel Amsterdam, just before the Harbor Gate, where you can take beautiful photos of Huis Ten Bosch's symbolic tower, Domtoren. The combination of Hotel Europa and the Domtoren towering into the sky is very beautiful.

4. Be amazed by ceramics from around the world at the Porcelain Museum

The Porcelain Museum mainly exhibits Japanese and Chinese ceramics from the 17th century to the late 19th century, which were once exported to Europe as decorative items. You can get up close and personal with valuable items such as Kakiemon-style ornaments made in the 17th century and ceramic chandeliers from Meissen, a famous German kiln.

The highlight of the exhibition is the Porcelain Room, a faithful reproduction of the Porcelain Cabinet from Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin. The approximately 3,000 pieces of porcelain on display are a breathtaking fusion of Western aesthetics and Eastern tastes.

5. Palace Huis Ten Bosch: A faithful reproduction of a Dutch palace

Palace Huis Ten Bosch is said to be the symbol of Huis Ten Bosch. The building with a large front garden reproduces the exterior of the 17th century palace that was the residence of former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The detailed reproduction of the brick exterior walls and the crown decorating the top dome give it a sense of elegance.

Behind the palace is a beautifully arranged Dutch Baroque garden with fountains and decorative flower beds, which is also a must-see.

Once you enter Palace Huis Ten Bosch, if you go to the right you will find the Huis Ten Bosch Museum of Art. Here, special exhibitions are held from time to time, showcasing works by world-famous artists such as Sesshu and Picasso. One of the attractions of this museum is that you can view the artworks from a very close distance. If you go further inside the building you will reach the "Mural Room" with an anti-war and peace theme, where seasonal exhibitions with a flower theme such as orchids, tulips, roses, and lilies are held. You will be invited into a dreamlike world of flowers.

6. The Golden House: A Power Spot of Gold

On the second floor of Palace Huis Ten Bosch, there is a Golden Room with a pyramid of gold bars in a space with gold leaf on the walls and ceiling, with a total value of about 800 million yen. The exhibition where you can actually hold a gold bar worth 60 million yen is popular as a power spot to improve your luck with money. There are also rare precious jewelry exhibits such as gold crafts and tiaras owned by European aristocrats, and you will be dazzled by their brilliance and price.

7. Choose souvenirs at Japan's No. 1 Cheese Castle

After touring the museum, we went to the Cheese Castle, which has about 100 kinds of cheese products from around the world. There are many rare cheeses, so it's hard to choose, but the staff will give you recommendations and you can try samples, so you're sure to find something you like. They also have cheesecakes and original cheese products, so it's a great place to look for souvenirs.

8. Find your favorite bottle at the "Wine Castle"

After cheese, you can select your favorite dish at the Wine Castle, which always has about 500 kinds of wine. For 1,000 yen, you can taste three kinds of wine, which is fun to choose and share with friends. What's more, you can bring the wine you purchased to the hotel or restaurant on the premises. Find a special bottle to take to a girls' night out in your hotel room.

9. At night, visit the "Light Orchestra" where music and light come together

Once the sun sets, we return to Palace Huis Ten Bosch. Our main attraction is the "Orchestra of Light." We are enchanted by the magnificent light show, in which the Baroque gardens show various expressions in sync with classical music. The fantastical scenery, which is different from the daytime, makes us lose track of time.

10. Enjoy a special stay at Hotel Europe

Hotel Europe is the highest-ranked official hotel of Huis Ten Bosch. With its location overlooking the inland sea canal, a prestigious lobby where you are greeted by flowers of every season, and guest rooms decorated with classical European interiors, you can spend time like you're in a movie.

Every night, a night concert featuring international artists is held in the open lounge facing the inland sea. End your day listening to beautiful melodies.

Tracing the roots of Huis Ten Bosch

Did you know that before Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park called "Nagasaki Holland Village" opened in 1983 (Showa 58)? The Dutch townscape, which is closely related to Nagasaki Prefecture, was reproduced and it gained a lot of popularity. This became the basis for the larger theme park Huis Ten Bosch, which opened in 1992 (Heisei 4).

The name "Huis Ten Bosch" comes from the fact that it is a reproduction of "Palace Huis Ten Bosch," one of the palaces where Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands lives. The palace was faithfully reproduced with permission from the Dutch royal family, and the streets and buildings were also built with the cooperation of the Dutch government. Huis Ten Bosch can be said to be a symbol of friendship between Japan and the Netherlands.

A luxurious date plan to impress and have fun with your "lover"

Get excited with adventure attractions and the latest VR. Explore the city in search of colorful Instagrammable spots and enjoy the spectacular view from the 80m high Domtoren Observation Deck. At night, create romantic memories in the illuminated city of light.

1. Have fun and feel the thrill at "Castle in the Sky"

Castle in the Sky is an adventure attraction where you clear an athletic course in the air that combines various play equipment such as ropes, logs, and suspension bridges, while heading to the goal. There are courses with heights of 3m, 6m, and 9m, and each one is full of thrilling points that will make you feel nervous just by looking at them. Work together to clear them and reach the goal.

2. Experience the world's fastest roller coaster at "VR-KING"

Experience the world's fastest and longest roller coaster in a virtual space using VR, motion seats, and a ride system. You'll race down the world's highest and longest course, with a height difference of 300m and a total length of 3,000m, at a top speed of 270km/h. You'll be excited by the ultra-high speeds, spectacular views, and unpredictable developments that would be impossible in the real world. Even women who don't like thrill rides will be hooked on this one.

[Photo Spot] Umbrella Street

Umbrella Street is a popular photo spot for Instagram, with colorful umbrellas decorating the sky above the 130m-long street. It repels raindrops on rainy days and softens the sunlight on sunny days, making you feel happy at any time. Among the approximately 1,000 umbrellas, there is one heart-shaped umbrella, so be sure to look for it.

3. Enjoy authentic cheese fondue at "Cheese Wharf"

Cheese Wharf is a restaurant that serves cheese dishes. The most popular dish is cheese fondue, and the recommended dish is the best fondue that you can enjoy carefully selected ingredients such as roasted Nagasaki Wagyu beef, Hokkaido scallops, and locally grown vegetables. Enjoy it with hot fondue sauce made from an authentic recipe.

[TIPS] For takeaway dessert after lunch, head to "Cafe Deli Bru"

Cafe Deli Bru offers high-quality sweets made by the hotel's pastry chef, and you can eat in or take them out to enjoy while you stroll around. Among them, the "Oiri Soft Serve" is a soft serve ice cream with strawberry mousse topped with "Oiri", a wedding confectionery from Kochi Prefecture, and is popular among women as a sweet that brings happiness. It also looks cute, so it's sure to look great on Instagram.

With a takeaway dessert in hand, take a walk to Palace Huis Ten Bosch. Another fun thing to do is to stroll through the elegant streets around Amsterdam Square and Attraction Town and experience the European atmosphere.

4. Dramatic city view at sunset from Domtoren

The 105m-tall Domtoren is the symbolic tower of Huis Ten Bosch and can be seen from anywhere in the park. From the observation deck 80m above ground, you can get a panoramic view of Huis Ten Bosch and Omura Bay. From the evening onwards, the city's appearance changes with the sunlight, creating a moving beauty. When the sun goes down, the cityscape is lit up, creating a jewel-like scene all around.

[TIPS] Premium Sky Lounge

On the fourth floor of Domtoren, there is a premium lounge where you can relax on sofas and enjoy the view. It is a special spot where you can view the illuminations in a luxurious space.
*Premium tickets available

5. The pure white "White Ferris Wheel" conveys feelings of happiness

The pure white exterior of the "White Ferris Wheel" matches the European cityscape. At night, it is decorated with 70,000 lights, and from the gondola you can see the illuminated night view of Huis Ten Bosch below. You can spend a romantic time just for the two of you.

6. Take an evening stroll surrounded by the lights of the Art Garden

The Art Garden is a great spot for an evening stroll. The blue illuminations that spread all over the place resemble a sea of light that continues from the 60m-wide "Waterfall of Light" that flows down against the backdrop of the Domtoren. There is also a "Zoo of Light" with sea creatures, flamingos, elephants and giraffes, and you will be overwhelmed by the fantastical world.

7. Enjoy a sparkling, grown-up moment at the "Hikari no Cafe & Bar"

Take a stroll through the art garden while enjoying the colorful illuminations. If you get tired of walking, take a break at the light cafe and bar. Enjoy the original "glowing cocktails" that can only be found here while watching the illuminations on the terrace or inside the glass-walled store.

8. "Palace Huis Ten Bosch" 3D Projection Mapping

Another highlight of Huis Ten Bosch at night, following the illuminations, is the 3D projection mapping. The Palace Huis Ten Bosch is the largest in Japan, with the front of the palace at 110 meters long turned into a giant screen, creating a spectacular sight. Under the night sky, a fairy tale-themed story unfolds in a vivid and eye-catching way.

9. Pass through the fantastic "Arch of Eternity"

After enjoying the 3D projection mapping, head to the Eternal Arch, a corridor in the palace gardens. It is said that if two people pass through it, they will be bound by eternal love. Walk through the illuminated, fantastical arch and spend a memorable time.

10. Hotel Amsterdam, the only hotel in the park

Hotel Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam Square, the center of the city. The spacious rooms are decorated with stylish European interiors, and the hotel offers a wide range of facilities that women will appreciate, such as easy-to-use powder rooms. Guests can also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the tranquil streets of medieval Europe the next morning.

A memorable plan for a "family trip" that both adults and children can enjoy

Get your body moving with the attractions that can only be found here, such as the powerful coaster attraction, the giant three-dimensional maze, and the latest VR. Enjoy an exciting lunch with food made by robots in a restaurant where robots work. Get excited by the spectacular illuminations at night. This is a day that will satisfy not only kids who want to play, but also adults.

1. Experience the exhilaration of racing through the forest on the Sky Rail Coaster - Shippu

The Sky Rail Coaster - Shippu - is Japan's first single-seat coaster attraction, which races through the forest from a height of 11 meters. Hanging from a 250m-long rail that stretches vertically and horizontally, you move at breakneck speed while your body sways up and down and left and right. The calculated course is full of thrills, as you almost hit the trees in front of you, but never do.

2. "The Maze" - Reach the finish line in a giant maze

The Maze is a multi-level, gigantic maze attraction where you must navigate through a 3D maze made up of about 400 blocks in a 5-story treehouse to reach the goal where the treasure "Dragon Ball" is hidden. There are tricks and obstacles scattered all over the place, such as ladders, hidden doors, and narrow passages. Use your body and your brain, and work together to reach the goal.

[TIPS] "Fits Bicycle Rental" - Fun for the whole family

Huis Ten Bosch is a spacious park. To enjoy it efficiently, we recommend renting a bicycle. At Fits Bicycle Rental, we have not only regular bicycles, but also two-seater bicycles for parents and children, and four-seater bicycles that can carry up to six people including small children if you attach a side chair, making it easy to get around. They come with a lock, so you can feel safe even while using the attractions.

3. Have a Mysterious Experience at "Henn na Restaurant ROBOT"

The strange restaurant ROBOT has a theme of "a restaurant 200 years in the future." It is a buffet-style restaurant where robots equipped with the latest technology and artificial intelligence are in charge of everything from serving to cooking. Children will surely be fascinated by the robots that make okonomiyaki, donuts, and soft serve ice cream in the kitchen. At each table, you can also enjoy unique conversations with the robots.

4. Bahamut Disco: Experience an other-dimensional world

Bahamut Disco is the world's first VR attraction that can be played without goggles. In a 450-degree other-dimensional visual space that uses the front, back, left, right and floor, swing the controller in time with the music and attack light targets. Experience an RPG-like world led by the mythical beast Bahamut. It's easy for children to play, so the whole family can enjoy it.

5. Experience minus 10 degrees at Flower Ice Cafe

If you're engrossed in a VR game, cool down in a cool space. Flower Ice Cafe is a unique cafe where you can experience a different world of minus 10 degrees, with tables and benches all made of ice. There is also a beautiful ice throne where you can enjoy taking commemorative photos.

6. Make your own wooden shoes at the Dutch House

The Dutch House is a Dutch folk crafts shop where you can find souvenirs unique to Huis Ten Bosch. The wooden shoes lined up in the store are popular, but we recommend the wooden shoe painting experience here. Choose a plain wooden shoe and paint it freely using five colors to create a one-of-a-kind wooden shoe. Making it with the whole family will also create wonderful memories.

7. "Water Magic" - a spectacular light fountain show

At night, head to Flower Road. The Water Magic held around this area is a spectacular light entertainment using the canals. The show features an 85m-long light fountain set to music, with the backdrop of illuminated windmills and rainbow-colored flower fields, creating a fantastical sight. It's so beautiful you can't help but stare at it.

8. "Amsterdam Square" 3D Projection Mapping

The 3D projection mapping at Stadhuis in the center of Amsterdam Square is a powerful visual illusion in which a legendary dragon comes to life from the building's wall. After the show ends, Amsterdam Square is completely enveloped in snow-like illuminations, transforming into a moving "silver world."

9. Enjoy some private time at Forest Villa

Forest Villa is a cottage-style hotel located in the middle of nature, surrounded by forests and lakes. The two-story building feels like a villa, allowing families to relax and enjoy privacy. In the morning, you can take a stroll through the lake where swans swim and the green forest. The buffet-style breakfast is also fun. There is also a dog villa, so you can stay with your pet dog.

At night, the entire Huis Ten Bosch site is illuminated.

Huis Ten Bosch is decorated with gorgeous illuminations all year round. In particular, the "Light and Fountain Canal" is one of Japan's largest illuminations, where the canal shines in rainbow colors to the accompaniment of classical music, and the rainbow-colored fountains rising in time with the ships sailing through are truly like a fantasy world. Together with the lighting up of the trees and buildings along the canal, it creates a sight never seen before.

Huis Ten Bosch has its own unique illumination decorations throughout the park. Some have set lighting times, so we recommend you plan in advance which illuminations you want to see.

Access to Huis Ten Bosch

Make irreplaceable memories at Huis Ten Bosch

From the streets that make you feel like you're on a trip abroad, to the most colorful illuminations in Japan, to attractions that are sure to get you excited no matter who you visit with, Huis Ten Bosch is a place where you can spend a whole day and still have fun. There are always new events being held, so you'll never get bored. Use this article as a reference and create some amazing memories with your loved ones.