A resort park where you can truly savor the rich waters of Kujukushima
Kujukushima is 25km north of Sasebo Port and is an area consisting of 208 large and small islands. The sea resort park which is the gateway to Kujukushima is known as Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, a facility where you and your family can enjoy a full day of cruising around the islands, shopping and dining, starting with the Umi Kirara Aquarium which introduces marine life from the area.
Umi Kirara, the aquarium where you can encounter dolphins and the marine ecology of Kujukushima
At Umi Kirara Aquarium, the Dolphin Show which is held 3 times a day is extremely popular. Against the backdrop of the ocean surrounding Kujukushima, the 20-minute show is held in the dolphin pool as it introduces the intelligence and physical fitness of the dolphins as they make large jumps, play catch and perform other amazing feats. The Kujukushima Bay Large Aquarium is a huge outdoor water tank which lets in natural light with 13000 examples of 120 species of marine life from the Kujukushima area as it recreates the changes in the natural environment from offshore to the coast. At the Jellyfish Symphony Dome, 300 examples from 11 species of the largest jellyfish in Western Japan are on display here where you can view the mysterious creatures amid wondrous music and light. There is also the valuable display of horseshoe crabs which are known as living fossils. The voice guide, Aqua Scope, which can be heard in English, Chinese and Korean, is available for rental free of charge.
Take a cruise among the 208 large and small islands
The Kujukushima pirate boat Mirai where you can thoroughly enjoy the waters in the area is Japan’s first 3-deck electrically-powered large ship. A cruise on the Mirai lasts about 50 minutes. The excursion boat Pearl Queen is also a large vessel with a chic interior whose cruise can also be enjoyed for about 50 minutes; its sunset cruise is particularly popular. The Relaxing Cruises consist of smaller boats where you can get a close-up view of the Kujukushima waters together with the captains. Also, there are other programs which include yacht sailing, sea kayaking and exploring on the deserted islands which can be accessed by ferries.