Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch is a Dutch themed park in southern Sasebo on Hario Island. It's right next to the biggest housing part of the base, called Hario Village. Today, we took the 30 minute shuttle bus from the main base to Hario Village and walked over to the park. We were happy to get off the main base and had a great day. It's been gray and drizzly the past few days, and we've been warned that the rainy season is fast approaching. Today, though, the weather was perfect - maybe even a little too sunny. Not that we're complaining!

The Dutch theme seems a little random, but it's due to the area of our island of Kyushu where the Dutch landed around 1600 to trade with Japan. The park is modeled after a Dutch palace that has the same name and also a 17th century medieval Dutch town. It's really beautiful! There are a few rides, but mainly you just walk around and enjoy the buildings, flowers and food.

Here is the main hotel, the Watermark, facing the bay.

There were some really cool ships in the bay that were part of the park. Leo, of course, liked the lion on the front of this ship.

Wilson picked the pirate ship to play on.

Kids were having so much fun running around like hamsters and falling down in these inflatable ball things. It was pretty hilarious watching them.

Snack break to escape the heat! The man in the background is demonstrating some of the looks we get when we're out and about. The Japanese sure aren't shy about checking out the blond kids! They're very sweet though, especially the school-aged girls who love saying hi a million times and waving and smiling like crazy at Leo and Wilson.

Leo's first time in a bounce house - loved it!

We only saw a fraction of the park today, so there's much more for us to explore. We're definitely planning on going back sometime soon. Huis Ten Bosch was a hit!