Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

While visiting Huis Ten Bosch, I made a special trip to a relatively lesser-known but stunning attraction: Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort in Sasebo. From here, you can take a sightseeing cruise and fully enjoy the scattered islands and tranquil bays sculpted by nature. Sitting on the deck with a drink, feeling the breeze, and admiring the magnificent scenery where mountains and water come together was especially soothing.

It’s easily accessible by bus from Sasebo Station, and you can also visit the nearby Kujukushima Aquarium and Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden Mori Kirara. For travelers like me who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a small town, I recommend spending a night in Sasebo. For dinner, I highly recommend Kaisen Ramen Toride (TORIDE), a place filled with genuine local warmth. Although the restaurant is small, its bowl of sweet, rich seafood ramen had layers of flavor that warmed this traveler’s stomach and remains unforgettable to this day.

If you really want to enjoy the feeling of being on vacation, I recommend staying overnight at Huis Ten Bosch like I did.

Stepping into Huis Ten Bosch during the day feels like being transported to Europe in an instant. The spacious streets and elegant architecture make you feel as though you’re in a small town in another country. Since the park has nine themed areas, I recommend taking a leisurely canal boat ride to see the scenery as soon as you enter, then heading to the famous Pinocchio Pizza in Tower City for some delicious oven-baked pizza. If you visit in summer, don’t miss the dazzling golden fields of blooming sunflowers. If you’re worried about getting tired from walking, you can also rent a bicycle to get around.

As evening falls, the tower’s nighttime light show begins, followed by an impressive fireworks and drone show. Brilliant lights and shadows weave across the night sky, bringing the romantic atmosphere to its peak. After the show, you can stroll through the Art Garden and admire the dazzling sea of lights in the Kingdom of Light.

Because the park is so large and there are beautiful views everywhere, I chose to stay at the Watermark Hotel inside the park so I could fully experience this beautiful resort without feeling pressed for time. After watching the spectacular nighttime light show, it was just an easy walk back to the hotel to rest, saving me the exhaustion of traveling back and forth. It’s definitely the most perfect and comfortable accommodation arrangement for thoroughly enjoying Huis Ten Bosch.

I had heard about the dreamlike kingdom of Huis Ten Bosch for so long but had never been able to visit in person. On this midsummer trip, I finally fulfilled that wish. As the sun set, the entire park seemed to instantly put on a dazzling new outfit. Countless lights came on at once, creating a romantic, dreamlike atmosphere straight out of a fairy tale.

I was incredibly lucky to catch a spectacular drone, fireworks, and light show. As thousands of drones formed ever-changing patterns across the night sky, accompanied by brilliant fireworks and majestic music, I sat quietly by the water watching it all, filled with an indescribable sense of emotion.

This ultimate visual feast and immersive atmosphere rivaled the magical feeling of Disney. The Kingdom of Lights at night not only completely transformed my idea of an ordinary theme park, but also left me with the brightest, most romantic memory of this Kyushu trip—one I will never forget.