If you like, please repeat it out loud in Japanese.
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2025年12月11日。
December 11, 2025.
今日は、冬に一度は訪れてみたい光のテーマパークをご紹介します。
Today, we’ll introduce you to a light theme park that’s worth visiting at least once in the winter.
まず驚いていただきたいのは、ハウステンボス全体を包み込む1300万球のイルミネーション。
The first thing that will amaze you is the 13 million light bulbs that envelop the entire Huis Ten Bosch.
これは、世界最大級のイルミネーションです。
This is one of the largest illumination displays in the world.
そのスケールは圧巻で、まるでヨーロッパの街が光で呼吸しているような感じです。
The scale is breathtaking, and it feels as if a European city is breathing with light.
これほどまでに街全体が光に染まる光景は、他に類を見ません。
You’ll never see an entire city bathed in light on such a scale again.
光のトンネルや光の滝、街並み全体を使ったショーなど、テーマパークとしても魅力満載です。
As a theme park, it’s packed with attractions, including a tunnel of light, a waterfall of light, and shows that use the entire cityscape.
アトラクションやグルメも充実しており、一日中楽しめる冬の楽園といえます。
With a wide range of attractions and gourmet food, it’s a winter paradise you can enjoy all day long.
今日は一つだけメッセージをお伝えします。
I have just one message to share with you today:
「イルミネーションに迷ったら、スケールで選ぼう。」
“If you’re not sure which illumination display to choose, choose based on its scale.”
その答えは、まさにハウステンボスです。
The answer is Huis Ten Bosch.
スマホをかざすと、すぐに絵になります。
Just hold your smartphone over it and it will instantly become a picture.
ただ歩いているだけで、非日常の世界を旅しているような気分になります。
Just walking around will make you feel like you’re traveling to an extraordinary world.
それがこの場所の一番の魅力です。
That’s the greatest charm of this place.
冬は根菜が甘くなる季節。
Winter is the season when root vegetables become sweeter.
にんじんと玉ねぎのスープは朝食にぴったりです。
Carrot and onion soup is perfect for breakfast.
朝食にありがとう。
Thank you for breakfast.
💡 Huis Ten Bosch: The Charms and Highlights of the “Kingdom of Light”
The main draw of the Huis Ten Bosch illumination is its world-class scale. Here is a summary of the most prominent highlights you should see.
Spectacular Scale and Guinness-Worthy Light Count
- World’s Largest: 13 Million Lights: The entire Huis Ten Bosch resort is blanketed in 13 million lights, boasting an overwhelming scale unlike any other.
- The History of the “Kingdom of Light”: Huis Ten Bosch’s illumination is famous under the name “Kingdom of Light” and constantly evolves, updating its total light count and special effects every year.
- The Whole Town as a Stage: The decorations aren’t just standalone displays; they utilize the entire landscape of the park—including the European streets, canals, and palaces—to enhance the feeling of an extraordinary, immersive world.
Popular Spots and Key Illuminations
- Illumination Waterfalls (Art Garden): A breathtaking spot featuring a massive “waterfall” that appears to be streaming down from 66 meters high, radiating vivid, changing colors of light.
- Illumination Umbrella Street: An extremely photogenic area where colorful umbrellas and lights cover the entire ceiling. Whether day (with natural light) or night (with light-up), walking beneath them feels like stepping into a fantasy world.
- Illumination Canal: You can enjoy the illuminations up close from a cruising boat, where the lights reflecting off the water create a deeply romantic and magical atmosphere.
- Amusement Square Light Show: A popular, large-scale lighting show set against the European backdrop of the square, where lights dance in sync with music.
Interactive and Experiential Attractions
- Illumination Ferris Wheel: A special, winter-only experience where you can get an exceptional view of the entire park’s illumination from a high vantage point.
- Jewel Illumination: A highly immersive area where you can walk, take pictures, and enjoy being surrounded by lights that sparkle like scattered jewels.
- Projection Mapping Show: During the illumination period, projection mapping shows are held on specific buildings, offering a stunning visual surprise.
Year-Round Charm of Huis Ten Bosch (Beyond the Lights)
- Authentic European Atmosphere: Every street, cobblestone, and building is genuinely styled after European architecture, making you feel as though you’ve traveled overseas.
- Diverse Attractions: Beyond the illuminations, the park is packed with VR rides, museums, and shopping, offering entertainment for a full day, from morning to night.
- Great Food: Dining options and cafes are plentiful, featuring Dutch cuisine and local specialties from Nagasaki, with many warm dishes perfect for a winter visit.
📝 Other Huis Ten Bosch Information
- Location: Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.
- Access: Directly connected to JR Huis Ten Bosch Station (Ohmura Line). Bus and boat services are also available from Nagasaki Airport and the Fukuoka area.
- Best Season: While the illumination (“Kingdom of Light”) generally runs year-round, visiting in winter is highly recommended because the crisp air makes the lights appear particularly stunning.
🌟 Recommended Illumination Spots
| Spot Name | Highlights and Charm |
| Illumination Waterfalls | An overwhelming, 66m-high light display that mimics a cascading waterfall, changing colors to create a mystical scene. Located near the Art Garden, which features a vast illumination area. |
| Illumination Umbrella Street | Adorned with colorful umbrellas and lights overhead. It is the most photogenic spot in Huis Ten Bosch and offers a different look between day and night. |
| Sky Carousel | Japan’s first 3-story carousel, beautifully lit up at night. You can enjoy a graceful view of the illuminated town from 15 meters above the ground. |
| Illumination Ferris Wheel | The white Ferris wheel is covered in about 70,000 LEDs. From the top, you get a full panoramic view of the “Kingdom of Light.” The gondolas are air-conditioned for a comfortable, special experience. |
| Illumination Canal | Take a pleasure cruise along the canal and enjoy the lights up close, with romantic reflections dancing on the water’s surface. |
| Illumination Aurora Garden | Enjoy a colorful and dynamic light display that mimics the real Northern Lights. This spectacle of light and water is incredible when combined with the adjacent Water Magic (fountain show). |
🎢 Recommended Attractions
Huis Ten Bosch offers a wide variety of attractions—from thrilling to immersive and relaxing—perfect for enjoying before the illumination starts.
Thrill and Action Rides
- Sky Rail Coaster Hayate:
- One of Japan’s largest single-rider rail coasters, which speeds through the forest. It offers a thrilling, exhilarating experience, similar to a zip line.
- Mission Deep Sea Xsense Ride:
- An immersive, motion-simulated ride using the latest technology to take you on a deep-sea exploration mission with high-definition visuals and vibrations.
Relaxing and New Experiences
- Carillon Fantasia: Universe Fantasia:
- A futuristic musical experience where beautiful lights sync up with the sound of the rare Carillon (a set of tuned bells). You can even touch the lights to make the bells ring.
- VR World:
- A collection of various VR attractions, allowing you to step into a world of virtual reality using cutting-edge visual technology.
History and Scenery
- Horizon Adventure:
- A theater attraction where you can experience the power of natural disasters like floods and lightning through massive screens and special effects.
✨ Suggested Way to Enjoy Your Day ✨
Start your day by enjoying active attractions like the “Sky Rail Coaster” and strolling through the European streets. Then, as dusk settles, head to the “Illumination Ferris Wheel” or “Sky Carousel” to fully appreciate the stunning lights from above.
✈️ Getting to Huis Ten Bosch from Fukuoka
You can travel from Fukuoka to Huis Ten Bosch primarily by Express Train, Car, or Highway Bus.
The fastest and most direct way to get to Huis Ten Bosch is by Express Train.
JR Express Train (Limited Express Huis Ten Bosch)
This is the most popular and convenient travel method.
| Item | Details |
| Route | JR Hakata Station → JR Huis Ten Bosch Station |
| Travel Time | Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours |
| Fare Estimate | ¥4,000 – ¥5,000 (Base fare + Express fee) |
| Note | Taking the Limited Express “Huis Ten Bosch” train from Hakata Station will get you there without any transfers. The station is directly connected to the park entrance, making for a very smooth arrival. |
Car (via Expressway)
This option offers flexibility and the shortest driving time.
| Item | Details |
| Route | Fukuoka City (Varies by starting point) → Huis Ten Bosch |
| Travel Time | Approx. 1 hour 37 minutes (Based on expressway route data) |
| Highway Route | Via the Kyushu Expressway / Nagasaki Expressway, etc. |
| Note | You can arrive in about 1.5 hours via the expressway. However, be aware that highways and local roads can become congested on weekends and holidays, so plan to allow extra time. |
Highway Bus
This is a useful option if you want to save money compared to the train.
| Item | Details |
| Route | Nishitetsu Tenjin Bus Terminal (or Hakata Bus Terminal) → Huis Ten Bosch |
| Travel Time | Approx. 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Note | Although it takes longer than the train, the fare is often cheaper, and the bus travels directly to Huis Ten Bosch. |
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