Sasebo is home to a U.S. Navy base, as well as a base for the Japan Self Defense Force.
The nearest airport is in Nagasaki,(Omura Airport located 30 min to 1 hour away from Nagasaki by car) from which you can reach Sasebo by bus (80 minutes, \1350).
Another nearby airport is in Fukuoka, from which you can reach Sasebo by bus (about 2 hours, \2200).
Sasebo, the terminating station on the '''JR Omura Line''', is the westernmost point on the entire Japan Railway.
Sasebo is connected to Hakata station, the last stop on the San'yo Shinkansen in Fukuoka, by the ''Midori'' limited express train. The train reaches Sasebo in 1 3/4 hours, reversing direction at Haiki station, and the trip costs \3740 each way. For its price, it is probably of use only to '''Japan Rail Pass''' holders (where the train can be taken at no additional charge), or to passengers transferring from the Shinkansen.
Local trains from Hakata cost only \2070, but can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, requiring a multiple change of trains; in which case, you're better off using the bus (see below). Taking the Midori Limited Express, a one-way ticket from Hakata to Sasebo cost \2500, return tickets cost \4500. The ride will only take about 1 hr and 47 minutes.
Sasebo is also connected to Nagasaki by the hourly ''Sea Side Liner'' rapid train (100 minutes, \1600).
Frequent highway buses connect the Hakata bus terminal in Fukuoka to Sasebo (about 2 hours, \2200).
You can also take an overnight bus from other parts of the country into Fukuoka or Nagasaki, and connect to another bus or train for the final run to Sasebo.
'''Pearl Island Resort, Sasebo Aquarium and IMAX Theater''' - A small shopping mall with small speciality shops and restaurants. Aquarium is small and shows animals unique to the Sasebo area and currents around Nagasaki Prefecture and surrounding Islands.
'''Kenji Jojima Memorial Museum''': Visit Kenji Jojima's museum detailing his rise as baseball player from the kiddie leagues to the Seattle Mariners.
'''Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces Museum''' - See the glorious history of the Japanese SDF.
99 Islands tour on a pirate ship located at Kashimai pier.
Look for restaurants that are "certified" by the Sasebo Burger Association, that way you'll know you are getting the "real" deal. Most certified shops are located in the downtown Sasebo area.