Sasebo

Sasebo is a port city in Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. The city has a naval history going back to the late 1800s, and the US Navy still maintains a base here. The harbour is deep and sheltered, and ships dock close to the town. The waterfront arcade shopping streets have a local feel. The Kujukushima Islands (99 Islands) are an archipelago of over 200 small islets visible from several observation decks, including Tenkaiho. A sightseeing boat cruise weaves through the islands. Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-themed park about 20 minutes away, has canals, windmills, and gardens modelled on a 17th-century Dutch town. The Sasebo Burger is the local speciality: a thick, American-style burger that came from the US naval presence. Fresh seafood is excellent in the surrounding area. The Japanese Yen is the currency.