Sasebo, Japan

Get ready for an experience that smells like clay, history...and lunch. Set off from Arita, where iconic Aritayaki ceramicware reigns supreme,, and then head up to Okawachiyama, the legendary “village of secret kilns” hidden in the mountains. Amongst boutiques where everything glitters (and tempts), little streets that look like something out of a movie set, and porcelain that seems to scream "take me with you", you'll find yourself shopping with the same level of dedication as a collector. End your day with a happy stomach, and a sense of certainty: in Japan, even a plate can become a work of art.

• Aritayaki Market: the origin of the famous “Aritayaki” ceramics
• Shopping in the little stores, surrounded by iconic works in porcelain
• Okawachiyama, the “village of secret kilns”, immersed in nature
• Walk amongst the ancient kilns, workshops and ceramic works of art in the open air

Ready to immerse yourself in the art form that made Japan a global icon of ceramics? Start off from Arita, the home of sophisticated “Aritayaki” porcelain, much loved for centuries for its intense colors and elegant decorative patterns. The local market is a microcosm composed of bowls, plates and cups that tell stories of artisans and traditions that have been carefully passed down through the generations.

Then, it's time for the most magical part: Okawachiyama. A village nestling between three mountains, so isolated that it became the perfect place for safeguarding secret techniques and hidden workshops during the Edo period. Wandering through its little streets is like taking a journey through time: ancient kilns, silent workshops, natural scenery and porcelain pieces appearing unexpectedly along the way.

With nature, history and art that is scented with fire and patience, this tour is pure Japanese enchantment. And with lunch included, you can savor it all…without even having to choose between beauty and good food.

• This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.

Hirado will surprise you with a blend of history, European charm and local curiosities. Step inside the walls of the Dutch Trading Post, wander through the gardens and rooms of the Matsura Historical Museum, and enjoy a Samurai-style matcha. Then, explore the Hirado Seto Ichiba market, with its fresh fish, colorful fruits and souvenirs, ready to put straight into your "incredible photos" folder.

• Visit to the Dutch Trading Post, the first western building in Japan
• Gardens and rooms of the Matsura Historical Museum, with matcha drink (optional)
• Hirado Seto Ichiba market: fresh fish, local products and original souvenirs

Get ready for an experience that combines history, culture and a pinch of explorer craziness. Set off from the port and be amazed by the Dutch Trading Post, built right back in 1639: elegant, imposing and with a history that would make any reality show pale in comparison. Then, immerse yourself in the gardens of the Matsura Historical Museum, wandering amongst the unique residences, and if you like, sipping a cup of matcha in the Kanuntei tea house: because even Samurai warriors would have approved of a bit of relaxation.

To end on a high, the Hirado Seto Ichiba market awaits you, with fresh fish that almost seems to shout "buy me", local fruits and unusual gifts. Photographs, scents and colors - this is Japan, with the perfect blend of charm and fun!

Immerse yourself in the marine world of Umi-Kirara, the aquarium in Sasebo that reproduces the sea of Kujukushima. Here, you can admire more than 100 species of jellyfish, hypnotic plays of light and spectacular tanks, all accompanied by relaxing music. Then, between a fish here and a selfie there, enjoy a stroll through the Shopping Arcade, with its stores, coffee shops and unmissable souvenirs.

• Visit to the Umi-Kirara aquarium, with more than 100 species of jellyfish
• Free time at the Shopping Arcade, the longest in Japan

Get ready to dive into the most fascinating blue depths in Japan! Inside the Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, the Umi-Kirara Aquarium takes you on a discovery of local marine life, from spectacular tanks to the biggest display of jellyfish in the country. The soft lights and the relaxing music create an almost magical atmosphere: you could stay fixated in front of a single tank for minutes at a time!

After the visit, get your feel back on solid ground but keep your mind light: the Shopping Arcade awaits you - a kilometer of shops, restaurants and cafés where you can browse, taste and dig out unique souvenirs, before heading back to the port.

A tour that sets off with XXL views, and finishes up with benevolent deities and good fortune. First, admire the spectacular views of Sasebo and the infinite Kujukushima islands from Yumihari Park, then head down to Pearl Sea Resort for cruises, luminous jellyfish and an aquarium that's just like a living art installation. And just when you think you've seen it all, it's time for the temples: Miyajidake Shrine and Kameyama Hachiman-gu, two stops brimming with history, spirituality and an extra pinch of good luck.

• Panoramic views from Yumihari Park
• Boat cruise to Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort
• Umi-kirara Aquarium with more than 100 species of jellyfish
• Miyajidake Shrine and Kameyama Hachiman-gu Shrine

Set off from Yumihari Park, an observatory that looks out over everything: the port, the city and the famous “99” islands of Kujukushima. A powerful view, perfect for helping you understand just how spectacular this area is.

Then, it's back down to the Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, where the sea takes center stage: cruise among the islands, little restaurants, stores and above all the Umi-kirara Aquarium. Here, more than 100 types of jellyfish dance in tanks illuminated by soft lighting and relaxing music, while the giant central aquarium takes you on a voyage into the depths of the nearby ocean.

During the second part of the tour, the atmosphere shifts, and you'll step into the world of temples. At the Miyajidake Shrine, dedicated to Okinagatarashi Hime no Mikoto (better known as the emperor Jingū), Pilgrims and visitors come to ask for prosperity, good fortune and protection. Then, move on to the Kameyama Hachiman-gu Shrine, linked to the historic parade of the Sasebo Kunchi Festival, where the sacred mikoshi set off on their ancient procession.

The day ends with a stop at a local store: the perfect place for snapping up some authentic souvenirs or a typical delicacy to savor. A light end to a journey that combines the sea, jellyfish, panoramic views and spirituality, in a surprising yet perfectly balanced way.

Ready to sail between 99…or even hundreds of reasons to fall in love with the Japanese ocean? Set off for Yumihari Park, with views to make your head spin, and then it's down to Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort: cruises between the islands, the Umi-kirara Aquarium with its glowing jellyfish and stores brimming with irresistible souvenirs. Between the lights, waves and marine discoveries, here the sea becomes your personal playground.

• Panoramic views from Yumihari Park over the port of Sasebo and Kujukushima
• Cruise between the islands of the Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort
• Umi-kirara Aquarium: the biggest display of jellyfish in Japan

Welcome to the 99 islands…or even better, to the sea of Kujukushima, where “kuju-ku” literally means “lots”, and promises stunning views as far as the eye can sea. We'll set off from Yumihari Park: an observatory from which the entire port of Sasebo and the surrounding islands stretch out like a 3D postcard.

The heart of the tour is the Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, a real marine park where you can choose how you want o experience the sea: a relaxing cruise among the islands, a tour of the souvenir shops or a stroll along the canals. The Umi-kirara aquarium is a little miracle, perfect for amazing you, and for snapping a few great shots: it faithfully reproduces the waters of Kujukushima, is home to over 100 types of jellyfish, and will lull you with relaxing lights and music.

End your day with local souvenirs and fresh fish, or, if you're feeling adventurous, hire a canoe for one last dip in the beauty of the Japanese sea. With its panoramic views, jellyfish and picture-perfect scenery, Kujukushima will leave you with just one thought: “When can I come back?”

• The tour does not include a guide, but you will accompanied by a chaperone.

Set off to discover Yutoku Inari, one of the three most important shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, prosperity... and the famous guardian foxes. Then, it's time for Arita Porcelain Park, a little taste of Germany in Japan: European architecture, a brewery, Zwinger-style buildings and flowers wherever you look. Between sake tastings, porcelain shopping and a relaxing lunch, this tour blends culture, flavor and color at every corner of the park.

• The Yutoku Inari Shrine
• Arita Porcelain Park: Zwinger Palace in miniature, plus gardens in bloom
• Sake tasting and porcelain workshops
• Shopping and free time in the park

Start your day at the Yutoku Inari Shrine, a place that enchants visitors with its famous red torii gates, paths through the forest and fox statues protecting the temple. Here, you can discover the popularity of Inari, god of rice and prosperity, as wander through rows of torii gates that create an almost magical atmosphere.

Then it's time to move on to Arita Porcelain Park, where Japan meets Germany: At the heart of the park is a miniature replica of Dresden's famous Zwinger Palace, surrounded by flower gardens and beautiful avenues. The park offers experiences for all tastes: Sake tastings, porcelain workshops for anyone who wants to get their hands dirty, and shops full of ceramics to take home. And, of course, lunch is included so you can relax and enjoy the view of flowers blooming everywhere.

From spirituality to art and a touch of European madness, this is a day that flows by lightly but leaves its mark: return to the ship with your mind full, your stomach happy and at least one souvenir you hadn't expected to buy.

• English guides available in limited numbers, we recommend that you book early.

Climb up to the Yumihari Observatory and enjoy unique views over the port of Sasebo and the Kujukushima islands. Then, step inside the Shopping Arcade, the longest in Japan, with its stores, coffee shops and restaurants. Look, snap and savor: views, shopping and flavors, in one fell swoop!

• Climb up to Yumihari Observatory with views over Sasebo
• Free time at the Shopping Arcade

Discover Sasebo from a unique perspective: the Yumihari Observatory looks out over the port and the Kujukushima islands, offering views that stretch from the Goto Sea to the city center. It's the perfect place to take some spectacular photos and breathe in the tranquility of the nature all around.

After the view, let yourself be seduced by the Shopping Arcade, a kilometer of stores, restaurants and cafés. Whether you want to browse the souvenirs, sample local specialties or simply stroll between the picturesque shops, here you'll find everything you need for an enjoyable break, before heading back to the port.

Explore at your own pace with our Costa GoRound bus. It'll be waiting for you under the ship, ready to take you straight to the center of Nagasaki, to discover the city's most iconic attractions. Wander around in total freedom and enjoy the city right up to the last minute: the bus will take you back to the ship at the right time.
Costa GoRound is the most convenient, flexible and safe way to explore the city.

• Nagasaki, your way

Off we go! From the port of Sasebo, hop on the Costa GoRound bus and head to Nagasaki, the city where East and West come together to create a unique mix.
Planned stop:

China Town. Red lanterns, spicy scents and aromas and colorful signs welcome you to the lively heart of Nagasaki. It's one of the three most ancient Chinatowns in Japan, perfect for browsing the shops, street food and souvenirs.
Just a stone's throw away, Sofukuji Temple will amaze you with its sculpted dragons and decorated roofs, while in the Minami-Yamate Park you can enjoy panoramic views over the port.
If you're hungry for some authentic Nagasaki, try champon, the city's most famous noodle soup: a mixture of ocean and tradition that wins everyone over.

An interesting fact: champon was first created in Nagasaki, invented by a Chinese chef to nourish the students in the neighborhood.

• There is no guide on this tour.

Welcome to Huis Ten Bosch, an entire Dutch village…in Japan. Canals, mills, palaces worthy of the Dutch royal family and an avalanche of flowers that burst with color at all times of year. Here, you can wander among medieval houses, relax along the canals, visit museums, experience the many attractions or rent a bike and feel like you're on an endless holiday. A place where the watchword is guaranteed amazement.

• Huis Ten Bosch Palace, an official replica of the royal Dutch residence
• Canals, gardens and neighborhoods in perfect European style
• Colorful flowers and scenes during every season
• Museums, attractions and shopping inside the park

Get ready to step into...Holland. Or nearly. Huis Ten Bosch is a resort that's as big as the Principality of Monaco, designed to resemble a 17th-century European village: Canals wind everywhere, with romantic bridges, little houses with sloping roofs and an atmosphere that makes you want to buy a bike and move here forever.

The best bit? The Huis Ten Bosch Palace, reproduced with the permission of the Dutch royal family: elegant, regal and so perfect that you'd almost expect to see the Queen pop her head out at any moment.

The park is an explosion of colors: 152 hectares of gardens, flowers that bloom in every season, fascinating museums, irresistible shops and plenty of attractions for anyone looking for a little adrenaline. If you prefer a more “Zen” pace, you can wander along the canals, hire a bike and enjoy the scenery like a local... even if the place is technically Japan disguised as Holland.

Whatever you decide to do, Huis Ten Bosch offers one guarantee: you'll have fun. Lots of fun.

• The tour does not include a guide, but you will accompanied by a chaperone.