Kyushu Quest: Chapter 3 - From Windmills to Robots
Today was theme park day, and even a stormy forecast couldn’t dampen our excitement! Sticking to our plan, we headed to Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-themed amusement park in Sasebo, Nagasaki. The park is famous for its stunning recreation of a Dutch town, complete with canals, windmills, tulip gardens, and even a replica of the Dutch royal family’s Huis Ten Bosch palace. It’s not an imitation; the Dutch royal family granted permission for Huis Ten Bosch in Japan to replicate its namesake palace! Beyond its European charm, the park also celebrates the historical ties between Japan and the Netherlands. Nagasaki, once Japan’s only gateway to the West during its Edo-period isolation, had a unique trading relationship with the Dutch, inspiring the creation of this one-of-a-kind destination.
The day began with a hearty Japanese breakfast at our ryokan, where the buffet-style meal was a hit with the kids. My daughter couldn’t get enough of the flavored seaweed, even tucking some away as snacks.
A short 30-minute drive brought us to Huis Ten Bosch, where we were greeted by a sparse crowd due to the weather. Spanning a massive 380 acres—more than three times the size of Vatican City—the park felt like a world of its own. With nine themed areas and five hotels, many visitors spend days exploring. We, however, had just one day and made the most of it, starting with Adventure Park and Flower Road.
We breezed through rides in Attraction Town thanks to the lack of crowds, enjoying VR experiences, a giant three-story carousel, and digital activities. While waiting in line, we chatted with local school kids on a field trip. They were eager to practice English, and our kids had fun playing along.
Then came the storm. Lightning temporarily shut down the rides, and we took shelter in the kids’ athletic area—a playground paradise that became an unexpected highlight of the day. When the rain lightened, we ventured to Fantasia City, a magical indoor space filled with attractions themed around lights and music. Projection mapping, floral designs, and immersive soundscapes made it a memorable escape from the drizzle.
Lunch at the adorable Nijntje Café was another crowd-pleaser, especially for the kids. After loading up on souvenirs (we’re already running out of suitcase space!), we explored more of the park, including Amsterdam City, Tower City, and Harbour Town. By the time we reached Palace Huis Ten Bosch, exhaustion had set in. Still, we stayed well past sunset to enjoy the park’s stunning night illuminations.
Our final stop was the Henna Hotel, a quirky experience in itself. At the robotic reception, a dinosaur, humanoid, and voice-activated desk welcomed us with politeness and efficiency. The hotel even featured a robot arm to store luggage! Though not inside the park, it’s worth the short walk or shuttle ride. Sadly, the hotel is slated for remodeling soon, so we were glad to experience its unique charm before it changes forever.
