The Best Summer Activities From Water Parks to Hot Springs

With a thrilling water park and a bounty of natural wonders, Japan’s smallest prefecture is packed with things to do. Stroll a path once walked by feudal lords in 400-year-old Ritsurin Park. Or walk hand-in-hand across the mysterious Angel Road–a 500-meter sandbar that appears just twice a day–to secure everlasting love. Then try some of Kagawa’s famous square noodles–Sanuki Udon–that bear the prefecture’s former name. Kagawa is a magical place for families and couples alike.

With more onsen than any other prefecture, Oita is a hot spring lover’s paradise. Embark on a Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hells Tour) to see the 7 famous hot springs ranging in colors from cobalt blue to blood red. You’ll find one of its popular onsen towns, Yufuin Onsen, at the foot of Mt. Yufu, where you can visit galleries, cafes, and museums before staying in one of its many traditional ryokans. And whether as a snack or a meal, order up some toriten (short for "chicken tempura"), an Oita original of crispy, juicy chicken morsels soaked in sake, soy sauce, and garlic powder.

Nagasaki is steeped in world history. Situated on the northwestern edge of Kyushu, Nagasaki includes hundreds of small islands in the surrounding area. The prefectural capital that bears the same name is famous for being a gateway to Japan for early Europeans. Hop on a trolley to the port of Nagasaki for the remains and recreations of Portuguese and Dutch trading posts in Dejima. Then stroll around Glover Garden and take in the majestic Western mansions built after Japan relaxed its borders. Or to truly step back in time, head to nearby Sasebo’s Huis Ten Bosch for a Netherlands-inspired theme park.