Kujūku Islands
九十九島 (西海国立公園)
A full-day attraction built for families and repeat visitors.
What this place is
Kujūku Islands (九十九島, Kujūku-shima) is a group of islands ranging in the west coast of Kitamatsuura Peninsula, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. The name Kujūku-shima translates to "ninety-nine islands", though the total number of the islands is formally considered to be two hundred and eight. The whole area is designated as part of Saikai National Park. The islands are shared between the city of Sasebo and the city of Hirado, as they dot the 25 kilometres (16 mi) long saw-toothed coastline stretching between the two cities. The two biggest islands, Kuro-shima and Taka-shima, are easily accessible by ferry from the harbour of Ainoura in the north of Sasebo three times a day.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Headline rides and shows that anchor the day, plus smaller attractions with much shorter waits.
- Themed areas designed as complete environments, right down to the food and the shop fronts.
- Seasonal overlays — summer water events, autumn Halloween, winter illumination — that change the whole park.
What you can do here
- Buy tickets online in advance and head to the furthest popular ride first, working back toward the entrance.
- Book timed-entry or express passes for the two or three attractions you care about most.
- Catch at least one parade or stage show; they are usually included in admission.
- Save the illumination or night show for the end — the park looks completely different after dark.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
Good to know before you go
- Peak crowds are Japanese school holidays: late March–early April, Golden Week, mid-August.
- Bring your own water bottle and a light rain poncho; both are expensive inside.
- Popular restaurants require reservations made the moment the park opens.
Traveler reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how it went.