Nagashima Spa Land is a major amusement park and resort near Nagoya in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Opened in 1966, it has become a popular destination offering a diverse range of attractions suitable for all ages, and it is only an hour or so away from Nagoya Station!
The park offers a wide range of attractions and experiences for all ages. Families, in particular, can find plenty of reasons to visit this amusement park, from thrilling roller coasters and water park fun to relaxation opportunities at the hot spring complex. The park also features scenic beauty and gardens, educational and interactive experiences, quality family time, dining and shopping options, special events and seasonal activities, and convenient accessibility.
Overall, Nagashima Spa Land is ideal for families seeking a break from routine and a fun-filled day out, creating lasting memories.
Thrilling Rides and Attractions
Roller Coasters
Steel Dragon 2000
Dominating the park’s skyline, the Steel Dragon 2000 is a major highlight. It’s known for its impressive length and high speeds, reaching up to 153 km/h, offering riders a mix of thrill and stunning views. This thrilling ride has gained global recognition among coaster enthusiasts for its record-breaking design, massive steel structure, and unique experience. When it opened in the year 2000, Steel Dragon 2000 held the record for the world’s tallest and longest roller coaster, and the ride offers an intense adrenaline rush with large drops and high speeds. Its length means that the experience lasts longer than most roller coasters.
Hakugei
The White Whale, as it’s nicknamed, is a hybrid coaster combining elements of wooden and steel structures. With speeds up to 107 km/h and featuring three inversions, Hakugei delivers an unforgettable ride experience. Hakugei, also known as the White Whale, is a steel hybrid roller coaster boasting an interesting history and several notable features that make it stand out in amusement parks—originally known as White Cyclone, this wooden roller coaster was transformed in 2018 by Rocky Mountain Construction, a well-known name in the roller coaster manufacturing industry. The conversion involved replacing the wooden track with steel, adding three inversions, and other modifications, resulting in a unique ride experience combining classic wooden coaster elements with modern steel coaster technology.
Arashi
This free-spin coaster lives up to its name, offering a dizzying experience with cars rotating along the track, reaching 70 km/h speeds. Arashi is a steel 4th dimension roller coaster manufactured by S&S Worldwide. Ride Centerline designed this 4D Free Spin model, the first of its kind in Asia. The coaster features green tracks and black supports with a unique spinning mechanism that makes every ride unpredictable and exhilarating.
Family-Friendly Rides
Besides the adrenaline-inducing coasters, Nagashima Spa Land also caters to families and children with a range of milder rides, including:
- Peter Rabbit Coaster: Specifically designed for younger children, this coaster provides a fun yet gentle ride experience.
- Merry-Go-Round: A classic carousel that’s a perennial favorite among younger children.
- Balloon Race: A visually appealing ride where families can enjoy gentle spins in balloon-themed gondolas.
The Giant Ferris Wheel
The Aurora Wheel stands at 90 meters (295 feet) in height and has a diameter of 83 meters (272 feet), making it a prominent feature of the park’s landscape. The Aurora Wheel offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding area, providing a more relaxed and scenic experience compared to the adrenaline-inducing roller coasters of the park. This ride particularly appeals to families and those looking for a gentler attraction within the amusement park.
Water Attractions
Joyful Waterpark is a summertime oasis within the park. It’s a haven for water lovers with 15 different pools and slides, including a wave pool and high-speed slides like the Kamikaze and Aqua Loop. The swimming pool also provides a space for more relaxed water activities.
Relaxation and Spa Facilities
The Yuami-no-Shima hot spring complex is an onsen theme park offering a variety of baths for relaxation. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate after a day of excitement.
Shopping and Dining
Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima, located nearby, offers a shopping experience with over 200 stores. Visitors can choose from 14 dining options within the park, ranging from traditional Japanese cuisine to international fast food.
Additional Attractions
Anpanman Museum: A family-friendly attraction, this museum is based on a popular Japanese anime character and offers interactive exhibits and activities for children. Based on the popular Anpanman animation, the museum caters to the interests and imaginations of kids with various interactive displays and activities. It’s situated conveniently next to the main entrance of the amusement park, making it easily accessible for families with small children who are visiting the resort. The museum offers an engaging and enjoyable experience, bringing the colorful and charming world of Anpanman to life, which is perfect for a family-friendly day out.
Nabana No Sato: This nearby flower park is known for its seasonal displays and winter illuminations, making it a beautiful addition to a visit to Nagashima Spa Land. This beautiful botanical garden is known for its seasonal flower festivals and stunning winter illuminations. During warmer seasons, it hosts one of Japan’s largest flower festivals, displaying a variety of blooms like tulips and dahlias. The winter illuminations are outstanding, transforming the garden into a luminous wonderland. Additionally, Nabana no Sato features Island Fuji, a moving observation deck that provides splendid views over the park, enhancing the visitor experience.
www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/nabana
Nagashima Spa Land
Where: 511-1144, Kuwana City, Nagashima cho, Komae Urushibata 270 (map)
Getting there: From the Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station, you can take a bus bound for Nagashima Onsen. The bus fare to Nabana no Sato is 950 yen and takes about 35 minutes, while Nagashima Onsen costs 1,100 yen and takes about 50 minutes. Buses depart approximately once per hour.
Alternatively, there are buses from the Sakae Bus Terminal in central Nagoya to Nagashima Onsen, costing 1,100 yen and taking about 55 minutes, operating once per hour in the morning and the opposite direction in the afternoon. These buses do not serve Nabana no Sato.
Website: www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp
Omiya, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
