3 Superb Scenic Spots to Visit by Car; All within 20 Minutes from Sasebo Downtown in Nagasaki

Sasebo City, the northern part of Nagasaki Prefecture, is blessed with unique natural environments. For example, there are amazing nature-rich Kujukushima Islands and Sasebo Bay, the largest ‘natural harbor’ in Japan (a port surrounded by land with deep water, calm waves, and other good conditions for anchoring ships). We have selected three spots you should visit, all of which are great scenic places around the city center that can be easily accessible by car.

“Yumiharidake Observation Platform,” located on a 364-meter-high mountain, offers panoramic views of Kujukushima Islands and Sasebo city

Yumibaridake Observation Platform has easy access by car from central Sasebo city and is a popular dating spot. This observation platform with a bow-shaped roof, located near the peak of the 364-meter-high, offers excellent views. You can see panoramic landscapes, such as the Goto-nada Sea and Kujukushima Islands to the west, the deep cove of Sasebo Port to the south, and the city center to the east. Moreover, you can enjoy fantastic night views of the cityscape & fishing fires, in addition to daytime sea & sun united scenery. Furthermore, around 80% of the way to the top, you will find ‘Glass Hill Museum’ and ‘China Terrace restaurant.’ It is also nice to enjoy the beautiful views while spending time indoors at the restaurant or the museum.

Hours	Open all year round
Address	Ono-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Access	A 16-minute drive from Sasebo Washington Hotel
HP	https://www.sasebo99.com/spot/265

“Meganeiwa Rock” has a giant mysterious shape with large holes, which is legendary to have been created by ogres

“Meganeiwa Rock” has a folktale in which a sleepy ogre accidentally kicked it with his big foot when he woke up and made giant holes in it. The rock is 10 meters high and 20 meters wide. It looks like a pair of glasses. In addition, its appearance maintains its dignity as a natural creation. At present, this place has a public park where visitors can enjoy beautiful seasonal flowers, such as cherry blossoms and maple trees, etc., anytime. In the past, it was one of Hirado’s eight scenic spots loved by the lord of the Hirado domain. However, it has become a famous destination among movie lovers today as a filming location for many movies.

Hours	Open all year round
Address	1266-1 Setogoecho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Access	A 13-minute drive from Sasebo Washington Hotel
HP	https://www.sasebo99.com/spot/267

“Sasebo Port” has a large shopping mall and photography spots; it is also the sea gateway for many cruise ships

Sasebo Port, located near JR Sasebo Station, has flourished as a military port since the 19th century. Since 1945, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy bases have been placed in the port, but this port has been an important logistics hub. An international terminal was also completed in 2015, and many cruise ships can arrive at the port. The ocean views of various ships coming and going will delight you as well. Nowadays, there is a large-scale shopping mall, ‘Sasebo Gobangai.’ You will find a statue of ‘SASEBO,’ which is popular among visitors as a photo spot. In addition, you can visit several tourist spots around the port conveniently.

Hours	Open all year round
Address	8 Shinminatomachi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Access	A 5-minute drive from Sasebo Washington Hotel
HP	https://www.sasebo99.com/spot/60988