What to know
Huis Ten Bosch (ハウステンボス, Hausu Ten Bosu) is a theme park in Nagasaki Prefecture that recreates a Dutch town. It takes its name from one of the Dutch Royal Family's residences. The spacious resort exudes a European atmosphere with its scenic canals, iconic windmills, beautiful gardens, and architecture.
Seasonal flowers enhance the scenery's appeal. Visitors can enjoy the views, ride attractions, dine at many restaurants, or relax on a leisure boat touring the canals. Various events are held throughout the year, such as a tulip festival in spring and a fireworks competition in summer.
The resort is split into two areas: the Theme Park Zone and the Harbor Zone. Both have multiple free and paid attractions, though most are in the Theme Park Zone. Access to the Theme Park Zone requires a ticket, but the outdoor areas of the Harbor Zone are open to non-ticket holders except on fireworks days.
The Theme Park Zone features amusements inside buildings of the reproduced Dutch old town. Many are modern theaters with 3D technology. There is also a haunted house, mirror maze, Ferris Wheel, and a replica of the Domtoren (Dom Tower) of Utrecht with panoramic views from its observation deck. The Harbor Zone's main attractions are a theater and a replica of the Palace Huis Ten Bosch, which houses an art museum.
Several European-themed hotels are located around the park, including Hotel Europe with fine dining and occasional classical concerts, and Hotel Amsterdam inside the Theme Park Zone. Guests at these hotels should check at the counter for discount tickets to the Theme Park Zone.
Huis Ten Bosch Station and Hakata Station are connected by hourly JR limited express trains (110 minutes, around 4500 yen one way, fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass). Some trains are direct, while others require a transfer to a local train at Haiki Station, six minutes from Huis Ten Bosch Station. How to get to Fukuoka.
Huis Ten Bosch Station and Nagasaki Station are connected by the JR Seaside Liner (75 minutes, 1730 yen one way, hourly trains, fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass). How to get to Nagasaki.
The most convenient way to reach the resort from Nagasaki Airport is via the high-speed boat service (50 minutes, 2200 yen).