Sasebo
Discover Sasebo
Sasebo (δ½δΈδΏ) is the second-largest city in Nagasaki prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It is the home of Huis ten Bosch (Hausu ten Bosu), a Dutch-themed amusement park Sasebo is home to the U.S. Navy base, Fleet Activities Sasebo (FAS), and a base for the Japan Self-Defense Force. Sasebo is very English-ready for travels and a great place to slow down and enjoy Japan. While most Japanese cities are very busy Sasebo is calm and Japanese at the same time. The U.S. Navy has accommodation for military on base and veterans. There are about 5000 sailors and marines stationed in Sasebo and there is a designated area of Sasebo downtown known as Sailor Town. It's small and frequented by U.S. service members.
What to Experience in Sasebo
Taste of Sasebo...
The most famous food in Sasebo is American-style hamburgers, owing to the influence of the US Navy in the city. They typically include a fried egg and bacon or ham. Look for restaurants that are "certified" by the Sasebo Burger Association, that way you'll know you are getting the "real" deal. Most certified shops are in the downtown Sasebo area. Very roughly the city drinking establishments were divided into those catering to the Base personnel and those catering to the general populace. However the economic conditions have narrowed these distinctions considerably. The bars for the general populace are very interesting places, and the proprietors very friendly. Although they do not profess to speak English, all of them generally do enjoy English conversations. There are plenty of hotels along the main street parallel to the shopping arcade (Gyoncho). Also, there is an old-school capsule hotel with sauna.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe nearest airport is in Nagasaki (Omura Airport, 30 min to 1 hour away from Nagasaki by car) from which you can reach Sasebo by bus (80 minutes, Β₯1350). Another nearby airport is in Fukuoka, from which you can reach Sasebo by bus (about 2 hours, Β₯2200). Sasebo, the terminating station on the JR Omura Line, is the westernmost point on the entire Japan Railway. Sasebo is connected to Hakata station, the last stop on the San'yo Shinkansen in Fukuoka, by the Midori limited express train. The train reaches Sasebo in 1 hr 45 min, reversing direction at Haiki station, and the trip costs Β₯2350 each way if booked online up to day of departure (Β₯2050 if booked 3 days in advance) or Β₯4500 if booked in person at a ticket counter or ticket machine (Nov 2024). While the online booking system is not yet available in English, Google Translate or a basic knowledge of Japanese is sufficient and will save you significantly....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Downtown Sasebo and shopping arcade are easily accessible on foot. For outlying areas, bus service or taxis are recommended. Unlike other major metropolitan cities in Japan, Sasebo has no subway or train system connecting various inner city points. It also lacks the street car system of Nagasaki, therefore if you do not have a car, you will need to hire a rental vehicle, or use other resources. In addition, if visiting the US base or are otherwise invited in, be aware that all on-base purchases are in US dollars, and there is a mark-up when using yen. If you have USD cash (especially coins), this is the place to use it. The most famous food in Sasebo is American-style hamburgers, owing to the influence of the US Navy in the city. They typically include a fried egg and bacon or ham. Look for restaurants that are "certified" by the Sasebo Burger Association, that way you'll know you are getting the "real" deal. Most certified shops are in the downtown Sasebo area.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of hotels along the main street parallel to the shopping arcade (Gyoncho). Also, there is an old-school capsule hotel with sauna.
Money & Budget
In addition, if visiting the US base or are otherwise invited in, be aware that all on-base purchases are in US dollars, and there is a mark-up when using yen. If you have USD cash (especially coins), this is the place to use it. The most famous food in Sasebo is American-style hamburgers, owing to the influence of the US Navy in the city. They typically include a fried egg and bacon or ham. Look for restaurants that are "certified" by the Sasebo Burger Association, that way you'll know you are getting the "real" deal. Most certified shops are in the downtown Sasebo area. Very roughly the city drinking establishments were divided into those catering to the Base personnel and those catering to the general populace.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Sasebo
aerial view of city at daytime
people walking under umbrellas
a person walking in a field with mountains in the background
photo of ferris wheel at nighttime
woman in striped shirt with backpack holding sunglasses while walking on street
Woman trying to get in
group of kids standing while raising their hands
Huis Ten Bosch
A light that is sitting on the ground
woman standing beside plant grayscale photography
aerial view of city at daytime
people walking under umbrellas
a person walking in a field with mountains in the background