Japan's hot tub theme park gets an opening date
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The world’s first spa-themed amusement park is expected to open this summer, in Japan’s Beppu City (about an hour-and-a-half flight from Tokyo).
Beppu City first teased audiences with the video last year, showcasing a concept of what the hot tub theme park would look like. In it, towel-clad visitors jump into cable cars and carousels filled with water, splash around in bathing pools, and lounge in steam-room gaming areas.
Beppu Mayor Yasuhiro Nagano had promised viewers that construction would begin on the park, dubbed Yuenchi, should the video reach one million views—which it quickly surpassed.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
More From Travel + Leisure
Now, the city is looking to fundraise 100 million yen (about US$887,721) towards the project, with a crowdfunding campaign kicking off on Japan’s version of Kickstarter, Campfire, on February 10, according to Japan Today.
The crowdfunding project has a target deadline of July 29, which is the current projected date of the park’s opening.
“The expectations are big for Yuenchi,” Nagano said in a press conference regarding the park’s development. “We’re hoping to create something that will live up to those expectations, delivering fun and excitement.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The city is already famous for its hot springs, making it a natural choice for the one-of-a-kind attraction.