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Amusement parks

Harbor Town

4.1 · 547 reviews
Scenic and maritime-inspired.
Harbor Town, Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki 859-3243, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The replica of the De Liefde ship was constructed to commemorate the 400-year history of Japanese-Dutch diplomatic relations.

2

Harbor Town houses the 'Art Garden,' which features extensive seasonal floral displays and illuminations.

3

The Palace Huis Ten Bosch, located at the back of Harbor Town, is a faithful full-scale reconstruction of the residence of the Dutch Royal Family.

4

The harbor area serves as the gateway for the park's canal-based transport system, connecting it to the main entrance area.

5

Many of the buildings in Harbor Town are constructed with bricks imported directly from the Netherlands.

Overview

Harbor Town is a waterfront district within the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, modeled after an authentic Dutch harbor. It features the permanently docked De Liefde ship, a replica of the vessel that brought the first Dutchmen to Japan in 1600. The area serves as a primary access point for the park's canal cruisers and includes the Palace Huis Ten Bosch exhibition space. Visitors can explore various shops and restaurants centered around a maritime theme. The architecture adheres to Dutch 17th-century styles, utilizing red brick and steep gabled roofs. It is located at the southern tip of the resort complex, providing views across Omura Bay.

Photo spot

The deck of the De Liefde ship, providing a scenic view of the canal and the surrounding Dutch-style architecture.

Insider tips

Visit the De Liefde ship replica to see the maritime history exhibits inside.

Check the daily canal cruise schedule upon entry, as departures from the Harbor Town pier are weather-dependent.

Wear comfortable footwear, as the district involves significant walking along cobbled streets.

What to avoid

Avoid skipping the walk to the Palace Huis Ten Bosch, as it is a common point of interest often missed by those staying only in the park's central zones.

Good to know

The Art Garden and specific museum exhibits within the Palace may have seasonal rotation closures.

Etiquette

Casual, but respectful dress is expected in the Palace Huis Ten Bosch museum areas; stay on marked paths to protect landscaped gardens.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Late afternoon to evening; the area is best experienced as the sun sets over Omura Bay and the park illuminations activate.
Address
Harbor Town, Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki 859-3243, Japan
33.082, 129.786
Get directions
Details
Key AttractionsDe Liefde Ship Replica, Palace Huis Ten Bosch
TerrainCobbled waterfront pathways and formal gardens

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon to evening; the area is best experienced as the sun sets over Omura Bay and the park illuminations activate..

The deck of the De Liefde ship, providing a scenic view of the canal and the surrounding Dutch-style architecture.

Close by you'll find Huis Ten Bosch, Adventure Park, Thriller City.