Kujukushima (islands)

(Source : )

There are about 208 islands scattered in an area of 25 km of the ocean between Sasebo and Hirado. These islands are called Kujukushima (99 islands). Only four islands have residents and the rest are uninhabited. Most of this area is designated as a national park called Saikai National Park and more than 80% of its 288.5 km long coastline has been protected and left untouched. The islands near Sasebo are called “Minami Kujukushima.” Each island has its own beauty and together they form an especially stunning scenery. You cannot get enough of this scenery created by nature.

Cruise around the Islands by a Pleasure Boat

The pleasure boat available at Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort takes you on a cruise around Kujukushima so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery for about 50 minutes. The highlights of this cruise is the southern part of Kujukushima where you’ll see many unique islands such as Jogajima with oddly-shaped rocks and Nagahaejima with senjojiki rocks that look like a thousand tatami mats.

An Observation Deck to See a Gorgeous Sunset

If you want to see the scenery of Kujukushima from land, Tenkaiho is the most popular place for it. Viewing from this observation deck, the islands look like jigsaw puzzle pieces scattered about. The sunset from Tenkaiho is too gorgeous to miss.

Nagakushiyama Park

It is a great view spot which has an elevation of 234 m. The north slope is covered with around 100,000 azaleas which carpet the whole slope with red and pink flowers in April and May every year. The contrast between the blue of the sea and red of the flowers are spectacular. They have an annual festival called “azalea festival” that livens up the area with various programs and street stalls.

Local Specialty: Kujukushima Oysters

The famous local specialty in Kujukushima is oysters. The best season for meaty, juicy, rich Kujukushima oysters is winter. The oyster huts along the coast offer them from October to March. They also have rock oysters for which the best season is from June to August in summer. You can enjoy oysters both in summer and winter.

Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort

Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort is located at the gateway to Kujukushima. It is a sea-based theme park that offers various experiences like visiting an aquarium, pleasure boat cruising around Kujukushima, yacht sailing, sea kayaking in the sea and so on.