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Ever felt the burning desire to see a place that’s completely different from where you live? You know, that yearning you may feel when you’re stuck at home or at your desk job and you suddenly feel bone-tired of the same old view, the same old routines…and you just can’t wait for the weekends that you live for. Well, I have a secret to share to you on this post to help you escape that dilemma even for a little while.
Most people I know have exclaimed their excitement about Europe trip plans but alas, one thing remains: Europe trips are damn expensive especially if you live in a country that needs to pay extra to get visas processed. In most cases, these hurdles are enough to prevent ordinary folks from visiting Europe.
Well, fear not people. I have recently gone on a trip and saw for myself a hidden gem right in Japan that will save you a trip to Amsterdam!
Huis Ten Bosch or “House in the Woods” in English, is a theme park in Sasebo, Nagasaki, which recreates the Netherlands. It ticks most of the boxes that people go to Holland for: canals, windmills, Dutch architecture, bicycles and endless flower fields…
There’s a canal cruise to get to different sides of the park. This experience reminded me of the canal cruise scene at The Fault in Our Stars and it would have been perfect if they were playing Boom Clap by Charli XCX while I was cruising…
A Brief History
For history buffs, there’s De Liefde, a replica of the Dutch ship that was casted ashore to Japan in the 17th century. This ship initiated the history of exchange between Japan and the Netherlands, which would one day inspire the creation of Huis Ten Bosch, a life-size Dutch city replica.
Attractions
There were so many attractions that I wasn’t able to go to. One day is definitely not enough. I wish I stayed till night to watch the light show and fireworks. So for people who want to stay overnight inside the theme park like I wish I had, there are a few hotel options.
Overall, the attractions were all mild and interesting so it’s suited for kids and kids at heart. I was able to do the maze (for people who like ducking a lot and getting lost), the obstacle course high up in the trees (for people who like a challenge in high altitudes), the unique digital fishing game (for people who want to give their arms a workout while reeling fake fish) and the shooting range game (for people who like releasing their pent up frustrations).
An extra bonus for One Piece anime fans is the One Piece Ride Cruise, a ride & shooting attraction based on the story of One Piece.
How it works:
You’ll be given a passport, which is basically a ticket stub that employees will stamp once you do a certain attraction. Some attractions are included in your passport for free (eg. one free ride then pay for the succeeding entries) and some are not. It’s outlined in the map guide the park provides.
For most attractions you do or restaurants you purchase from, you’ll be provided a card and once you collect six cards, you can collect a prize from the information centre. Unfortunately, I forgot to claim my prize so I have no idea what the prizes are.
Food
There are plenty of restaurants inside the theme park from themed restaurants, food stands, cafes and more. I couldn’t get enough of the yakitori they sell. It was so flavourful and tender. Oh dear lord, the cheesecake! I ate one at a cafe inside a store and it was by far the best and fluffiest cheesecake I have ever eaten.
For lunch, I ate at a seafood restaurant (海鲜祭) and got to try grilling fresh scallops and oysters. Thank goodness for the kind waitress who saved me from eating a raw scallop I thought was ready to eat.
Random info
Avid fan of photography or selfie-taking? Photo ops abound since almost every spot in Huis Ten Bosch looks photograph-worthy! Even the trash cans in the theme park look cute!
Next time you find yourself wondering where to go satiate your desire to explore acres of flower fields, windmills, canals and gorgeous architecture…why not go to Huis Ten Bosch? I know I would.