Mr. Kipper just found out today that he's tentatively headed to Sasebo on August 25 through September 2. What should he try to see in the evenings, what should he avoid?

On each trip, he aways brings back some sort of souvenir for me, or if I travel with him, I pick up something. Hawaii was jewelry, Guam was a book about the war dogs from the war dogs memorial. Is there anything special I should suggest that he bring back for me? He's said that if there's something special, I should tell him, rather than not give him any ideas.

Likewise, if anyone will be in the area and wouldn't mind meeting up with him, let me know, and I'll pass along his information.

I gather this is for a military assignment of some sort ? Not too much going on in Sasebo...unless he gets taken out at night. It will still be quite hot and muggy so prepare him for that ! There is the famous Huis Ten Boch theme park just around the corner and Nagasaki City isn't too far away by car or train. Other things to do would be to take a trip to the nearby islands by boat. Ureshino onsen isn't too far, Imari/Arita in Saga Prefecture isn't that much further afield. The food in Kyushu is of high quality especially the fish, although summer is not the best time of year, the sashimi is usually delicious. Sasebo is also famous for it's burger shops that cater to the base there ! I have no idea what he will bring you back as a gift/souvenir!

It is for work at the base there. While he doesn't have his travel info yet, we're guessing they'll fly them to NRT, then they'll take a train to Sasebo, so he probably won't have a rental car there.

He'll love the food, I'm sure.

Train from NRT to Sasebo is a long ride. Worth flying to FUK or NGS if schedules permit - but it sounds like someone's working that out for you. If your husband has free time over the weekend and he doesn't want to rent a car, I'd suggest taking public transport to Nagasaki. (See threads on this forum for Nagasaki tips)

What to bring back? Um ... Arita yaki ? (not really my thang, but some people love it). Castella?

Ok, so perhaps he's wrong about the train. Yes, someone else is working out all of that for him.

He'll have free time that weekend, as he'll arrive on the 26th, but won't have to report to work until the 29th. I'm guessing he'd enjoy a trip to Nagasaki.

Arita yaki doesn't really look like my sort of thing either.

Apparently there are 25 officially sanctioned Sasebo Burger shops there. I'd give that challenge a go if I was there for a week.

I'm thinking that since he'll be working during the day, he probably wouldn't be up for that challenge.

Mikawachi pottery or a Sasebo top?

Are there any benefits to him buying any sort of jewelry there? Is there anywhere he could buy some sort of jewelry?

How about Castella earings?
http://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/tomocchi/item/923
(Scroll down to the fifth image)



On a more serious note, Japan is famous for having a tradition of pearl production. However, I don't think there are bargains to be had - especially with the current exchange rate.

Yes if you are interested in pearls they can be bought locally! The most famous pearl brand being Mikimoto with shops all over the place including one in the Sasebo Tamaya Department store on the 4th floor.

佐世保玉屋 Sasebo Tamaya
長崎県佐世保市栄町2-1
Nagasaki-ken, Sasebo-shi, Sakaemachi 2-1

TEL：(0956)-23-8181

Thanks!

Thought I should update this with my souvenir... After consultation with me, since they did not wander into Sasebo, but stayed on base, my souvenir was a set of katana/samurai sword letter openers. They're on display at work, and I use one regularly to open mail. I've had a lot of comments about them and I'm very happy with them.

Have to say, that does sound like the perfect souvenir for you.

It probably is. He purchased a set of 2 with a display stand, and then an additional one, because one in the set didn't look similar to the other in the set, and he wanted them to be matching, or close to matching. I use the one that doesn't match as my every day letter opener, and the others are basically just on display. It's practical for me.