Saikaibashi Park
Today we had an easy day driving around the Saikai National Park stopping at various viewpoints and places for short walks.
We started by heading south to Saikaibashi park where we had a walk over the long bridge to a viewpoint. From the park we were able to see the unusual (and huge) concrete columns that form the Hario Radio Transmission Station, built in the 1920s.
Kujukushima Park
We then drove up into the hills to a park with a view over the island filled bay of Kujukushima
Tenkaiho Observatory
Just down the road was another small park with an observation tower and flower fields full of Cosmos
Awashima
Next we made our way back down to sea level and stopped in a little fishing village next to one of the islands that you could access via a bridge.
There were some walking trails around the island and a small shrine
Kujukushima Island Cruise
We then headed over to Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, a touristy area with an aquarium, shops and the starting point of short cruises around the island. We bought some tickets for the next cruise and then had some lunch whilst we waited. Due to the presence of a large American naval base in Sasebo, the ‘Sasebo burger’ has become a local dish, with lots of restaurants doing their own version. Usually it’s a beefburger with bacon, egg, tomato, onion, lettuce and kewpie mayo. We gave it a try at Lucky’s which was near the boat port.
It was then time to board the Pearl Queen for our 45min trip around the islands.
Yumihari Park Observation Deck
After a bit of a walk along the coast near the boats, we got back in the car for one last observation deck. This time we went inland, so we could look out over the city towards the sea.
Dinner
For dinner, we fancied ramen. There was a restaurant just down the road from where we were staying, however they were closed on Wednesdays! However, they had a vending machine outside the store that had frozen, ready to cook portions of their ramen to take away! We bought some and cooked it back at the house – it was surprisingly really really good!
