Huis Ten Bosch – Have you Been?
You’ve probably heard of it, but have you experienced it? Huis Ten Bosch, a 152-hectare wide residential-style resort styled after a medieval 17th century Dutch town and located near Sasebo, Nagasaki, literally blooms with botanical beauty all year-round. Established as a tribute to the shared history and culture of Holland and Nagasaki, it took five years to build on reclaimed land, and opened in 1992. As one of the top flower resorts in the world, it boasts over 400,000 trees, 300,000 flowers and six kilometers of canals. Great care has been taken to protect the environment, including the use of environmentally friendly bricks for pavement and recycled sewage water used for use in toilets and watering plants.
The architecture is equally impressive. There are five hotels within the grounds, dozens of shops featuring both local Nagasaki products and those from the Netherlands. After a stroll, or a visit to one of the galleries or museums, relax in a European-style cafe. Close your eyes for a moment, then reopen them and feel as if you’re actually in Europe – it’s that realistic! Spring is a great time to go. From the end of March to May over one million wild flowers are in bloom. Then, from May 10 to June 15, enjoy the fabulous displays and events as the roses come into full glory. Grab a friend, catch the direct train and enjoy an exotic day trip!
Unique Apple Cakes and More
Huis Ten Bosch has always been a fine place to shop, not only for souvenirs, but also for European goodies such as fresh cheeses, sausages, cakes and confectionaries. On March 15, a new shopping area opened called Le marche du Paradis. Don’t worry, it’s not a strip mall! Rather, it’s a series of shops housed in traditional Dutch town buildings. Stroll through and sample many of the goods including wines and spirits at the new and very sophisticated wine shop. Pictured here is Nagasaki-based Hexehaus’s “Mahou no Ringo Baumkuhen”. A whole fresh and juicy apple covered in cake! ¥1,260.
Swoooosh! Segway Fun!
Despite Huis Ten Bosch’s image as a center of history, culture, and nature, it’s actually one of only a handful of places in Japan where you can enjoy a ride on the world’s most modern means of transportation, the Segway Personal Transporter. These space-age two-wheelers are a way, way, way, cool way to explore the expansive grounds of Huis Ten Bosch. After a 10 minute orientation (Japanese language only), you’re ready to ride. They are surprisingly easy to balance and ride. There are no brakes, gears, or switches. Simply lean forward to accelerate. Lean left to turn left. Lean back to stop. Top speed is a comfortable but zippy 20kph. The battery powered engines are very quiet, so unless you bump into someone, you won’t disturb others. Rental rates: 90 minutes for ¥6,000 (¥4,000 for hotel guests). 50 minutes for ¥3,000 (¥2,000 for hotel guests). Rental fee includes use of some very snazzy helmets. Highly recommended!
Forest Villa For a Night
Huis Ten Bosch can be enjoyed as a day trip, but spending a night or two is certainly preferred. Enjoy a check-in via canal cruiser at Hotel Europe, VIP treatment and European elegance at the exclusive Royal Guest House, convenient center-of-town location at Hotel Amsterdam, or a sea-side view at Hotel Den Haag. The final, and our recommended choice, is cottage villa with forest and villa views. The two-story, maisonette-type rooms are ideal for families. There are 105 villas in total. After you’ve seen the sights, spend your time reading, taking a stroll or going for a relaxing bike ride. Villa rates: ¥46,000 for four-person occupancy.
Night Kayak
During the day, traditional-style canal cruisers ply through the canals. However, after their service is stopped in the evening, the canals become clear for touring in kayaks. Both single and double plastic kayaks are available for rent. They’re very stable, so even the inexperienced can enjoy paddling around after just a short orientation (Japanese language only). Life jackets and rubber coats and pants are supplied if needed. It’s amazing how far you can travel, and the view of illuminated hotels and shops is only slightly less spectacular compared to the sight of the moon and stars. This was definitely one of the highlights of our visit. Rental rates: ¥1,500 for 50 minutes. ¥3,000 for double kayaks.
