Huis Ten Bosch (ハウステンボス, Hausu Ten Bosu), found in Nagasaki Prefecture, is one of the largest theme parks in Japan, and recreates a Dutch town, complete with canals, windmills, and European-style architecture. The park is named after a royal residence in the Netherlands and is one of the more unique attractions in Kyushu. Huis Ten Bosch opened in 1992, during Japan’s economic bubble era, when themed parks were opening up all over the country due to the influx in money. Its name translates to ‘House in the forest’ in Dutch. It is believed that over 100 million bricks were used during the construction of the park, all imported from Europe to maintain authenticiy.
Unlike a traditional theme park, there are very few typical ‘rides’; Huis Ten Bosch focuses more on accurate theming of the Netherlands, with the attractions mainly being faithful recreations of European architecture. While Atmosphere is front of mind at Huis Ten Bosch, there are a few gentle rides, like a small Ferris wheel, a carousel, and boat tours through the canals. The park also has large illuminate events, and projection mapping shows are regularly held at night. The park also has museums, art galleries, and interactive exhibits throughout the multiple themed zones.
Seasonal flowers are also a defining feature of the park, with blooms in bloom year-round to keep the park feeling lively and vibrant. Guests can spend hours just roaming the park grounds, taking in the unique atmosphere, and taking in the many sites and unique buildings. To help get around the park quicker, guests can also rent bicycles or embark on canal boat rides – adding to the European atmosphere.
Huis Ten Bosch also has a number of themed hotels, such as the Hotel Europe, enabling guests to enjoy a full, immersive experience at the park. It should be noted that hotels within the park require both an admission ticket and a hotel reservation. Visitors can also find a variety of restaurants and cafés serving mainly Western-style dishes, as well as some Japanese options.
The park caters to a unique niche, allowing locals in Japan to experience European lifestyles, architecture, and foods – all without leaving Japan.
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Huis Ten Bosch Tickets
- Hours: Varies by Season
- 7,600 JPY (Pre-booking Recommended)
- Average Time Spent: 1 Day
Accessing Huis Ten Bosch
From Hakata:
Take the Midori-huis Ten Bosch Line from Hakata Station to Huis Ten Bosch Station. This journey will cost 4,950 Yen each way, and take 2 hours. This journey is covered by the JR Pass, and JR Kyushu Pass.
From Nagasaki:
Take the Nagasaki Line to Huis Ten Bosch Station using the Seaside Liner. This journey will cost 1,730 Yen each way and take 1 and half hours. This journey is covered by the JR Pass, and JR Kyushu Pass.
By Car, it will take about 1 Hour 10 Minutes from Nagasaki City to Huis Ten Bosch.
From Sasebo:
From Sasebo City, Take the Sasebo Line to Huis Ten Bosch Station. This journey will cost 340 Yen each way and take 20 minutes. This journey is covered by the JR Pass, and JR Kyushu Pass.
By Car, it will take about 20 Hour 10 Minutes from Sasebo City to Huis Ten Bosch.
Where to Stay
Hotel Europe Huis Ten Bosch
Staying at Hotel Europe in Huis Ten Bosch offers a refined, European-style experience with canal-side views, classical interiors, and live music. Guests arrive by boat, enjoy fine dining, and benefit from early park entry, creating an elegant and immersive resort stay.
Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch
Staying at Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch offers a comfortable, upscale resort experience just steps from the park. Spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and a relaxing onsen create a balanced stay, while its convenient location near the station makes it an easy and practical base for exploring.
Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch
Staying at Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch offers a relaxed resort experience right next to the park, with a private gate for easy access. Spacious rooms, large public baths, and multiple dining options create a comfortable base, blending convenience with a calm, slightly more affordable alternative to in-park hotels
Explore more in Nagasaki Prefecture
Gunkanjima
Battleship Island
Huis Ten Bosch
Japan's Slice Of The Netherlands
Kofukuji Temple – (Nagasaki)
Chinese style temple dating back to the 1600's
Mt. Inasayama
One of the three best night views in Japan
Nagasaki Peace Park
Site remembering the bombing of Nagasaki
Shimabara Castle
Castle reconstruction with coastal views