Nagashima Spa Land
Experience Japan's best roller coasters and massive water park resort
Nagashima Spa Land opened in 1966 as a hot spring resort and amusement park, operated by Nagashima Tourism Development Company. The park was developed on land reclaimed from Ise Bay, creating a massive entertainment complex that combined traditional onsen bathing with modern amusement park attractions. From its early days, the park focused on providing diverse entertainment for all ages, positioning itself as a destination resort rather than just a day-trip amusement park.
The park achieved national prominence by consistently investing in record-breaking roller coasters. Steel Dragon 2000, opened in the year 2000, held the record as the world's longest roller coaster at 2,479 meters. The park continued adding world-class attractions including Acrobat (opened 2015), Japan's first flying roller coaster, and Hakugei (opened 2019), a hybrid wooden-steel coaster ranked among the world's best. Adjacent to the amusement park, Nagashima Jumbo Seawater Pool opened in 1987 and became Japan's largest water park.
Today, Nagashima Resort encompasses the amusement park, Japan's largest outlet mall (Jazz Dream Nagashima with over 300 stores), multiple hot spring facilities including Yunoshima Spa, hotels, and Nabana no Sato flower park. The resort attracts over 14 million visitors annually to its various facilities, making it one of Japan's most successful resort destinations. The combination of thrilling rides, shopping, dining, and hot springs creates a comprehensive entertainment experience that keeps visitors returning throughout the year.
Key Highlights
- Steel Dragon 2000 - one of world's longest roller coasters at 2,479 meters
- Hakugei hybrid wooden-steel coaster ranked among world's top rides
- Over 60 rides and attractions including 13 major roller coasters
- Jumbo Seawater Pool - Japan's largest water park (summer only)
- Yunoshima natural hot spring complex with ocean views
- Jazz Dream Nagashima outlet mall with 300+ brand stores
- Multiple hotels for multi-day resort stays
- Free shuttle buses from Nagoya, Kuwana, and Kintetsu Nagashima stations
Access Information
Location
333 Urayasu, Nagashima-cho, Kuwana, Mie 511-1135
Nearest Stations
- • Kuwana Station (JR Kansai Main Line, Kintetsu Nagoya Line) - 20-minute bus ride
- • Kintetsu Nagashima Station (Kintetsu Nagoya Line) - 20-minute bus ride
Opening Hours
Hours vary greatly by season and day of week. Typical: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (winter weekdays), 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (summer weekends). Jumbo Seawater Pool: Late June to late September only. Check official calendar before visiting as hours change frequently.
Admission Fee
Passport (entry + unlimited rides): Adults ¥5,700, Children (elementary school) ¥4,400, Ages 2+ ¥2,700. Entry only: ¥1,600. Water park additional ¥2,300-¥4,000 (summer only). Combo tickets with outlets/onsen available. Online advance purchase recommended for discounts.
How to Get There
From Nagoya
Take direct bus from Meitetsu Bus Center (near Nagoya Station) to Nagashima Spa Land (45 minutes, ¥1,200 round trip). Buses run every 30-60 minutes. Alternatively, train to Kuwana then local bus (15+20 min).
45 minutes
From Osaka
Take JR or Kintetsu Limited Express to Kuwana Station (80 minutes), then shuttle bus to resort (20 minutes, ¥300)
2 hours
From Tokyo
Take Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (100 minutes), then direct bus to resort (45 minutes)
3 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Best Days to Visit
Weekdays have significantly shorter wait times (10-30 min vs 60-120 min on weekends). Avoid major holidays and summer vacation peak (mid-July to mid-August). September weekdays offer great weather with minimal crowds. Check park calendar for hours before planning.
Ticket & Fast Pass Strategy
Buy tickets online in advance for discounts and skip ticket lines. Fast Pass available for major coasters (¥1,000-¥2,000) - worth it on busy days. Season pass pays for itself in 2 visits if you live nearby (¥24,000 adults).
Coaster Priorities
Hit major coasters first: Steel Dragon 2000, Hakugei, Acrobat. Lines build quickly. Steel Dragon may close for high winds. Height restrictions vary (120-140cm for major coasters). Arashi (hybrid coaster) is also excellent. Over 13 roller coasters total.
Water Park (Summer)
Jumbo Seawater Pool operates late June-September. Arrive early as entry is limited when capacity reached. Bring or rent swimwear and towels. Multiple pools, lazy river, and water slides. Very crowded July-August weekends. Combination park+pool tickets available.
Dining Strategy
Many restaurants inside park (¥1,000-¥2,000 per meal). Lunchtime is crowded - eat early (11:00 AM) or late (2:00 PM). Re-entry allowed with hand stamp - can leave for outlet mall dining. Convenience store outside entrance for budget option.
Hot Springs & Relaxation
Yunoshima natural onsen has ocean views and multiple bath types (¥2,200 for day use, discounts with park ticket). Perfect for relaxing after riding coasters. Separate admission required. Open until 9:00 PM. Bathing suits not allowed - traditional onsen etiquette.
Outlet Mall
Jazz Dream Nagashima outlet (separate from park) has 300+ stores including international brands at discounted prices. Free admission. Can combine park visit with shopping. Requires separate time allocation - outlet alone needs 2-3 hours. Free shuttle between facilities.
Multi-Day Resort Stay
Consider staying at on-site Hotel Nagashima or Official Hotel for full resort experience. Multi-day packages offer significant savings. Early park entry for hotel guests. Combine amusement park, water park, onsen, shopping, and Nabana no Sato gardens nearby for 2-3 day trip.
FAQ
What are the most popular roller coasters?
Steel Dragon 2000 is the star attraction, once the world's longest roller coaster at 2,479 meters. Hakugei (White Cyclone) is a hybrid wooden-steel coaster ranked among world's best. Arashi is an intense spinning coaster. Acrobat features flying positions. Thrill seekers should prioritize these four rides.
Should I buy a Fast Pass?
Fast passes are highly recommended on weekends, holidays, and during summer vacation. Without them, popular coasters can have 60-120 minute waits. Fast passes come in different tiers covering various numbers of attractions. Consider your budget versus time available and crowd levels.
Can I visit both the theme park and outlet mall in one day?
It's challenging to fully enjoy both in one day. The theme park alone deserves a full day, especially on busy days. If you must combine them, arrive at park opening, enjoy major attractions until mid-afternoon, then spend 2-3 hours at outlets. Alternatively, visit outlets on arrival/departure day.
Are there height and age restrictions on rides?
Yes, major coasters have height requirements ranging from 110cm to 140cm. Some rides require children to be accompanied by adults. A comprehensive chart is available at the entrance and on the website. Measure children beforehand to avoid disappointment. Plenty of gentler rides exist for younger children.
What time should I arrive to maximize my visit?
Arrive 30 minutes before official opening to get through gates quickly and head straight to popular rides. Hakugei and Steel Dragon 2000 develop long queues by mid-morning. Late afternoon (after 3pm) often sees reduced crowds as day visitors leave. Evening rides offer different atmospheres.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Outside food and drinks are officially prohibited except for baby food and guests with allergies. However, there are picnic areas outside the main gate where you can eat before re-entering. Numerous restaurants and food stalls inside offer various options from Japanese to Western cuisine.
Is the water park (Jumbo Seawater Pool) worth visiting?
If visiting in summer (July-August), the water park is excellent with various pools, slides, and wave pools. It's one of Japan's largest. However, it gets very crowded on hot weekends. Consider bringing waterproof bags for valuables. The pool requires separate admission or combination ticket.
How do I get there from Nagoya?
Take a direct bus from Nagoya Station (Meitetsu Bus Center) which takes about 40 minutes. Buses run frequently during operating days. Alternatively, take trains to Kuwana Station then a shuttle bus. Having a car is convenient if also visiting nearby Nabana no Sato or outlets.
Are there lockers for storing bags?
Yes, coin lockers of various sizes are located near the entrance and throughout the park. Larger lockers accommodate backpacks and small bags. Some attractions require loose items to be stored. Consider bringing minimal belongings and using a secure waist bag for essentials.
Is the park suitable for non-coaster fans?
Yes, besides thrill rides, there are family attractions, kids' areas, shows, and gentler rides. The Ferris wheel offers great views. Seasonal events and illuminations provide non-ride entertainment. However, thrill rides are the main draw, so non-coaster fans might prefer other attractions in the area.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Ise-Shima National Park
Coastal national park featuring ria coastline, pearl cultivation sites, scenic islands, and sacred shrines along Mie Prefecture's beautiful shores.
Ise Grand Shrine
Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami
Nabana no Sato
Spectacular flower park featuring seasonal displays year-round and Japan's largest winter illumination with millions of LED lights.
Toba Aquarium
Japan's only aquarium housing dugongs, featuring diverse marine life from around the world in a free-flow layout without fixed routes.