A few weeks after returning to Japan from my aesthetic adventures in Taiwan, I decided to go to Nagoya City and attend an event called Touch & Go that some of my favorite artists were playing at. Before getting boozed up and meeting friends, I wanted to explore somewhere that I had never been to before within the area. Since most of Nagoya’s major attractions can been seen in 2-3 days and I had already seen them all, I decided to go somewhere on the outskirts of Aichi prefecture that was still on the way there from Tokyo. My research led me to an amusement park named Laguna Ten Bosch (also called Lagunasia). Not wanting to miss out on yet another aesthetic adventure, I decided to arrive around 5pm so I could catch the winter light shows and practice night photography with my GoPro. I was not disappointed by the beautiful floral displays and flashing neon lights:
About Laguna Ten Bosch/Lagunasia
Lagunasia is a amusement park/waterpark/spa that is geared towards younger ages but has attractions that everyone can enjoy. What caught my attention specifically is its brilliant winter illuminations. Since I have lived in Japan for over 4 years now, I have already seen a large variety of what this country has to offer, but I had never seen illuminations in Nagoya before. During the winter season, the outdoor waterpark is transformed into a brilliant display of Christmas decorations and lights that produce a mirror-like effect when they flicker at night:
I was amazed to see the different flowers that were in bloom during this time of year (which was January)! While walking to the garden area shown in the video above, I walked on a transparent bridge where I could see flowers planted below my feet. It truly was a unique experience. I saw a cosplayer doing a photoshoot here, so I knew I had come at the right time! Most of the light shows start around 6pm and last until the park’s closure at 9pm. You can see detailed information regarding the light shows on their official website.
Access & Entrance Fees
Compared to other amusement parks in Japan, entrance to Lagunasia is actually quite affordable. Admission only is around $20 USD, and $40 if you want unlimited rides. Because I have been to so many amusement parks already, I opted to pay the cheapest option for entrance only. There are a number of roller coasters, bumper cars, and water rides that looked fun, but in the winter I think it’s best to go the cheapest route since not all attractions are open. I was able to get a discounted nightpass as well (I believe the price changes with the season because it is not listed on their website, but I am unsure).
To get here from Tokyo takes approximately 2 hours and 25 mins. I rode the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Toyohashi Station. Then I took a local train to Mikawa-Otsuka Station. The ride was very easy compared to other trips that I have done, and getting to where I needed to be in Nagoya only took an hour and a half on local trains.
See the Access page of the Laguna Ten Bosch website for more information.
I thought it was funny that random cutouts of Boku no Hero Academia were placed around the park. It must have been part of a collaboration, but it was very subtle.
So is it worth it?
I give this amusement park an overall positive review because a lot of effort was put into the 3D mapping and light shows here. However, unless you really love amusement parks or have extra time to kill in Nagoya, I would first recommend checking out Universal Studios in Osaka or Lego Land (also near Nagoya). I will review these in separate posts when I have time. These places both have more attractions and are easier to access than Lagunasia, so they are better to see first in my opinion.
If you have been living in Japan for a while like me and are looking for something new to see, or are close to the Nagoya area, then this is it! This is the perfect day trip or getaway from Nagoya City. The lines are minimal here–you can easily ride all the rides you want within a few minutes. The illuminations are great for practicing photography and I had a lot of fun experiencing them. You may find yourself getting bored if you come too early, so I would recommend coming here in the afternoon so you can catch the light shows (the winter seems the most elaborate, but they change year-round).
I would come here again with a friend if the opportunity presented itself~
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