We went to Tenkaiho, located in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Tenkaifo is an observation spot with a spectacular view of the Kujukushima Islands (ninety-nine islands).
This article introduces the view of the Kujukushima Islands from Tenkaiho and the facilities around it.
Saebo’s popular tourist spot, Tenkaiho
An observatory with a panoramic view of Kujukushima Islands
In Nagasaki Prefecture, there are several observatories from which to enjoy the view of the Kujukushima islands (ninety-nine islands). One of the most famous is the Tenkaiho Observatory in Sasebo City.
What are the Kujukushima Islands?
The Rias coastline with many islands stretching from Sasebo City to Hirado City in Nagasaki Prefecture is called the Kujukushima Islands.
Although it is called Kujukushima Islands, the actual number of islands is much larger than 99, with 208 in total. Of these, the islands that can be seen from Sasebo’s Tenkai Peak are known as the “Minami Kujukushima Islands (Southern 99 Islands)”.
The Kujukushima Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture were named after the Kujukushima Islands in Kisakata, Akita Prefecture.
Nagasaki’s Kujuku Islands are part of the Saikai National Park, the westernmost part of Japan.
View from the Tenkaiho Observatory
Panoramic view of Kujukushima Islands
The slope from the parking lot to the observatory of Tenkaiho is gentle, and it takes about five minutes to walk there. From the observation deck, which is located on a hill, there is a 180-degree panoramic view.
This video shows the view of the Kujukushima Islands from the observation deck at Tenkaiho.
It’s a breathtaking sight with small islands scattered as far as the eye can see. It’s hard to capture in a good photo. It’s easy to understand why Nagasaki Prefecture has the most islands in Japan.
I was also able to find a pearl farm between the islands.
Access and parking at Tenkaiho
| Access | 18 minutes by cab from Sasebo Station. 16 minutes by car from Sasebo Chuo Interchange. |
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| Address | |
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours |
| Parking | Yes (there is a free parking lot that can hold 114 cars). |
Places to visit near Tenkaiho
Pearl Sea Resort, where you can experience the Kujukushima Islands up close.
If you want to get a closer look at the Kujukushima Islands, how about taking a sailboat or a cruise ship?
There is a tourist experience facility called the Kujukushima Islands Pearl Sea Resort, a 14-minute drive from Tenkaiho.
This is a coastal resort facility that also has a hotel, restaurants, and an aquarium.
Sightseeing boats and boards depart daily, and you can tour the islands of the Kujukushima Islands. Yacht sailing and sea kayaking are also available.
Access and parking at Kujuku Islands Pearl Sea Resort
| Access | A 10-minute cab ride from Sasebo Station, and a local bus runs to Pearl Sea Resort. It is a 7-minute drive from Sasebo Central Interchange. |
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| Address | |
| Parking | Yes (fee required) |
Summary of Sasebo’s Tenkaiho
Tenkaiho was a place where I could fully realize that Japan is a country with many islands. Why don’t you stop by at Tenkaiho in Sasebo city, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Southern Kujyukushima Islands?
Nagasaki Prefecture has been selected as one of the world’s top three nightscapes, and there are many other places with great views.
Other Places to Visit in Kyushu
You can also read more about other tourist spots in Kyushu here.