Sasebo- Local Flare

Sasebo, for good reason, earned the nickname “Sas-Vegas”. Between the efficient cargo/loading operations maximizing port time, the location of the town to the base and the multitude of fun bars, Sasebo is a good time waiting to happen. Like the restaurants in Sasebo, many of the “bars” are very small and frequently change names. If you and 3 other people enter the establishment, you may be taking up 75% of the space. While the bars are small, there are many with have their own theme. With that being said, many liberty incidents occur in Sasebo. As you may have guessed, alcohol is usually involved. Remember, always drink in moderation and respect the locals. Don’t be that person. When it comes to respecting locals understand that you may not have access to every establishment. While the locals are friendly and welcoming, some establishments are “Japanese only”. This predominantly occurs in Sake Town.  

Off of the Ginza, you will see a yellow sign for a bar called Pele’s. This bar has great wings, a nice owner and good chuhai. Once you pass Pele’s, sailor town beings. Sailor town is a strip of bars that includes G-rock, gramophones, jumble saloon, shooters, playmates and more. Also in the area is a bar called Greenies which is a three-story pool hall adorned with Christmas lights and an all you can drink 90-minute bar. Around the corner from Sailor town is a place called Snake alley. This is a literal alley full of more small bars. Most of these bars are Filipino style karaoke bars. Be careful in this area the girls in the bar will try and swindle money from you by getting you to buy them drinks. However, there are a few good bars in this area like the video game bar, garden bar, river run, Kings, and AA’s. Please note, not all of bars are open every day, especially since COVID, and the names often change. 

On the other side of the Ginza is Sake town. Sake town is like Sailor Town as it is a bunch of small bars in a localized area. The Sake town clientele is more inclined to be locals, whereas sailor town is mostly MSC and Navy people. Be careful in this area as there are some “Japanese only” establishments. 

By the Ginza, there is a building that looks like an apartment complex called Lions Tower. Instead of apartments, it is more small bars. Again, the names of the places frequently changed, but there have historically been some golf themed bars and more karaoke bars inside. 

If the description of the bar scene sounded like it could get wild, nothing is as chaotic as being mid-drink and realizing that your ship is anchored out and the last liberty boat leaves in 10 minutes. Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT miss the last liberty launch and make sure you get on the right one. You cannot swim to your boat If you miss the launch, finding a last-minute hotel is difficult and expensive. Many a CIVMAR have really earned their stripes and slept in the middle of Liberty Park or in the Fleet Landing bathroom. The list of CIVMARs who have slept in the Fleet Landing bathroom is long and distinguished. Neither are recommended. People forget how far North Japan really is and how cold it can get. Missing the last liberty launch in winter means you are in for a long cold night and a rough day at work. 

To locals, Sasebo is considered a rural area. If you have been to Sasebo many times and want to try something new, you can take a taxi to the train station at the end of the Ginza. Fukuoka is a city about 2 hours away, and where the airport is located. Fukuoka has a younger local crowd and will not be filled with Navy personnel. This is also a good place to watch a professional Japanese baseball game. Slightly close to Sasebo is Nagasaki. Nagasaki is about 45 minutes away where you can explore a new town and some historical sites.