Huis Ten Bosch. The universe’s way of foreshadowing my eventual trip to Europe or its consolation prize for my Schengen Visa rejection from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Whichever it might be, it gave me a pretty good glimpse of what I could have found had I managed to fly off to the Netherlands. I guess the only thing missing was the Anne Frank House.
Read more: How to apply for a Schengen Visa via the French Embassy
In the Netherlands, Huis Ten Bosch is a royal palace in The Hague, one of the official residences of the Dutch Royal Family. In Japan, Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park that takes inspiration from an old Dutch town, at the same time gathering several Dutch landmarks in one vast area that merges classical European themes and modern Japanese technology.
Even from the train, Hotel Amsterdam dominates the Sasebo skyline of Huis Ten Bosch, a teaser of what’s to come.
Windmills in the distance. Heart fluttered and made an excited jump in my chest.
A walk down the flower road while marveling at the Netherlands’ most iconic structures.
Modeled from the 13th century old Dutch castle, Kasteel Nijenrode, this replica houses a teddy bear museum.
Teddy bear circus at the Teddy Bear Kingdom.
Just as Amsterdam is full of canals, Huis Ten Bosch also has a 6km canal that extends throughout the theme park.
These colorful umbrellas can surely cheer up even a gloomy rainy day.
Cobbled streets and Europe feels.
The giant chocolate bar hanging from the ceiling of Count Chocolate’s Mansion.
Flower Ice Cafe, a sub-zero cafe that either makes you leave your (very expensive) drink after a few sips, or make you down them in less than a minute.
Freezing flowers, trapped inside the cafe.
Make your drinks count. Choose the Passoa Orange or the Moscow Mule.
Pretty flowers at the square.
Narrow Dutch houses during dusk.
The Gyaman museum features artworks made of glass. Its main attraction is the 3.5 meters high chandelier.
Replica of the Dom Tower of Utretch, the highest church tower of the Netherlands.
Huis Ten Bosch from the observatory of Domtoren. Good thing that unlike its Dutch original, this tower has a lift!
Me, contemplating the pretty canal and the Domtoren.
The Rose Garden masquerading as a tulip garden at night.
The light and fountain canal has dazzling underwater illuminations and music-timed fountain shows. In the background, the White Ferris Wheel, a symbol of happiness.
The Palace Huis Ten Bosch, inspiration of the theme park.
Me, loving the umbrella street vibe.
Until next time, Huis Ten Bosch!
Read more: How to apply for a Japan Visa for Philippine Passport Holders.
How to get to Huis Ten Bosch
Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
From Hakata Station: 100 minutes by Hui Ten Bosch Limited Express Train to Huis Ten Bosch Station
Park Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Adult Admission Fees:
6,700 JPY (One Day Passport)
4,200 (Strolling Ticket)
Note: Winter Illumination Period: October 29th, 2016 – May 7th, 2017
October 20, 2016
***All photos were taken using iPhone 6
