15 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Offering Stunning Views

Have you heard of Saikai City, located in the western part of Nagasaki Prefecture? It’s pronounced "Saikai," not "Nishi-umi." Saikai City, which comprises the northern part of the Nishisonogi Peninsula and nearby islands, is home to numerous parks offering breathtaking views. Whether you want to enjoy the scenery or simply relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Saikai City is the perfect place to do so.

Another charm of Saikai City is its easy accessibility from other famous tourist destinations in Nagasaki Prefecture, such as Nagasaki City, Huis Ten Bosch, and Sasebo. When visiting Nagasaki, why not take a little detour to explore Saikai City? Here, we introduce 15 recommended sightseeing spots in Saikai, so please take a look.

1. The Smallest Park in Japan

Accessible by a 10-minute ferry ride from Seto Port, Matsushima is home to a unique tourist attraction: the Smallest Park in Japan. True to its name, this park features only a single palm tree and a wooden bench on a tiny plot of land. Visitors can sit on the bench, gaze out at the sea, and enjoy a peaceful, quiet moment.

The park is especially recommended for its sunsets. With no obstructions to block the view, you can marvel at the stunning sight of the sun sinking below the horizon. It’s a particularly romantic spot for couples. Don’t miss this charming destination during your Saikai City visit, especially at dusk.

2. Isanoura Park

Nestled by a lakeside and surrounded by lush forests, Isanoura Park is a beloved tourist destination in Saikai City, offering seasonal delights. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom spectacularly, drawing crowds to admire their beauty. The park features cottages and bungalows, making it a popular spot for camping and barbecues in summer. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the vibrant foliage, while in winter, the clear skies provide a perfect opportunity to stargaze.

The park also offers bicycle rentals, allowing visitors to explore its scenic natural surroundings by bike. Additionally, there’s a shop where you can purchase local Saikai souvenirs—don’t forget to check it out.

3. Ōshima Bridge Park

Opened in 1999, Ōshima Bridge is an iconic landmark visible from the aptly named Ōshima Bridge Park. The park boasts expansive lawns, making it an ideal place to relax.

Visitors can also gather tourist information at the park’s information center before heading out to explore Saikai City. By submitting a prior application, you can even enjoy camping or barbecuing at this location.

4. Yurigatake Park

Located on Yurigatake, the highest peak on Ōshima Island, Yurigatake Park offers panoramic views of Saikai’s cityscape, the Gotō Islands, and the Nishisonogi Peninsula. The park features a youth campsite, an outdoor music theater, an azalea garden, and an observation deck, providing plenty to see and do.

In spring, the park is lively with cherry blossom viewers and hikers, while summer attracts campers to its grounds. A popular relaxation spot for locals, it’s an excellent place to unwind and take in the natural beauty of Saikai City.

5. Kōbutsu Riverside Park

Located upstream of the Yukinoura Dam, Kōbutsu Riverside Park is a popular spot, especially in summer, bustling with children enjoying water activities in the river.

The park is also a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts who come for camping and other activities. Additionally, a river festival is held here in August, making it a great time to visit Saikai City. With ample parking, it’s a convenient stop during your Saikai sightseeing trip.

6. Nanatsugama Limestone Cave

Designated as a national natural monument, the Nanatsugama Limestone Cave is one of Saikai City's proudest attractions. This area was once underwater, giving the cave a distinct atmosphere compared to typical limestone caves. Stretching over 1,500 meters, it’s a place where you can truly feel the power of nature.

The cave is open for tours, and you can also participate in a "Subterranean Exploration Tour." Make a reservation in advance if you’re interested in this unique adventure.

7. Shirikusazato Beach Park

With its unusual name, Shirikusazato Beach Park derives its name from the idea of being so captivated by the beach's beauty that you "forget yourself." This park attracts visitors year-round, not just during the summer swimming season, thanks to its stunning natural scenery.

The untouched nature here boasts a highly transparent sea, perfect for enjoying the pristine waters. The rocky areas also make this spot a haven for fishing enthusiasts. With facilities such as toilets, showers, and parking, you can fully enjoy your visit without worries.

8. 33rd Parallel North Observatory

Located at the northernmost tip of Sakito Island, the 33rd Parallel North Observatory offers stunning views of the Gotō Islands and Hirado Island. With its 360-degree panoramic scenery, this spot is a must-visit during your trip to Saikai City. The sunsets viewed from here are especially breathtaking, making it a great destination during twilight hours.

Nearby, you’ll also find remnants of old facilities, such as a former Japanese Navy base for detecting underwater propeller sounds and coal mining structures. These preserved relics provide a glimpse into the area's historical significance, so be sure to explore them as well.

9. Tsuganeotoshi Waterfall

Located downstream in the Iwaseto Gorge, Tsuganeotoshi Waterfall got its name from the "tsugane," a type of crab that used to inhabit the area, as they were said to fall into the waterfall.

A unique feature of this waterfall is its lack of a plunge pool. Instead, the flowing water crashes onto large rocks below, scattering water droplets dramatically—a sight worth experiencing up close.

Additionally, a small tunnel in the area leads to an excellent hiking spot, renowned for its cool atmosphere even during summer. It’s a great spot to explore when visiting Saikai City.

10. Nagasaki Bio Park

Nagasaki Bio Park in Saikai City is a beloved destination where visitors can interact with animals. Children will enjoy feeding and touching animals like ring-tailed lemurs and capybaras. For an additional fee, the pet interaction area "PAW" allows you to spend time with friendly dogs and relaxed cats, making it a healing experience for visitors of all ages.

A free shuttle bus operates from Huis Ten Bosch Station to the park. Since space may be limited, making a reservation in advance is recommended. Be sure to check the schedule if you plan to use this service.

11. Port Hoorn Nagasaki

Port Hoorn Nagasaki is a revamped attraction that reopened in 2016, transforming the former Nagasaki Holland Village into a destination for sightseeing, dining, entertainment, and learning. Saikai City, with its abundant fresh seafood, offers a variety of dishes that can be enjoyed here.

Visitors can also experience sea kayaking in Ōmura Bay, providing a unique perspective of Saikai's scenic beauty. For families, there’s a children’s play area, making it an ideal spot for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the facility includes an art museum, a local produce market, and more, ensuring a fun-filled visit.

12. Yanagi-no-Hama Beach

Yanagi-no-Hama Beach is a shallow sandy beach, making it an ideal spot for family trips with children. The calm waves ensure that even small kids can play safely. It’s also a popular destination for clam digging in Saikai during spring, attracting many tourists. Additionally, it’s well-known for surf fishing, particularly for catching whiting, drawing fishing enthusiasts as well.

From Yanagi-no-Hama Beach, you can also enjoy a distant view of Ōshima Bridge, making it a scenic spot in Saikai. The beach is equipped with showers, allowing visitors to continue exploring Saikai after swimming or clam digging.

13. Michi-no-Eki Saikai Mikan Dome

If you’re looking for souvenirs from Saikai, Michi-no-Eki Saikai Mikan Dome is a great choice. The dome-shaped facility offers fresh seafood, vegetables, and other local specialties, making it popular among tourists. Saikai is also renowned as a mandarin orange-producing region, so don’t miss the freshly squeezed mandarin juice, available only from September to the end of April during harvest season.

Another must-try is the mandarin sherbet, a unique Saikai dessert that’s just as popular as the juice. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on experiences at the facility, such as soba noodle-making or bread-making workshops, which require reservations at least a week in advance.

14. Onyoku Museum

Located in the mountains of Saikai City, the Onyoku Museum was established in a former branch of a Showa-era elementary school. The museum exudes a nostalgic atmosphere and is dedicated to sound, featuring exhibits like spring-driven gramophones and a collection of 150,000 Showa-era records. You might even find items you once owned. Visitors can play some of the devices to experience the sounds for themselves.

The museum also has a speaker listening area where you can enjoy the warm analog tones. It’s a unique and nostalgic destination in Saikai City.

15. Ishiharadake Forest Park

Ishiharadake Forest Park is a unique site that has been developed from a former military base, built with stones, earth, and concrete to defend against enemy attacks. The park still preserves stone-made rooms and other remnants, offering visitors a distinctive atmosphere.

The park is also equipped for camping, with cooking facilities and restrooms available. If you’re planning a camping trip in Saikai City, this park provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.

◎Summary

We’ve introduced 15 must-visit sightseeing spots in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Were there any that caught your interest? Saikai City, with its intricately indented coastline, offers numerous breathtaking views unique to the area. Moreover, the region is rich in fresh seafood due to its geographical features.

In addition to the mandarin oranges mentioned earlier, Saikai is also famous for watermelons and tomatoes. Be sure to enjoy these local specialties alongside your sightseeing adventures in Saikai City.

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