Summer in Japan is all about finding creative ways to beat the heat, and Sakura City in Chiba Prefecture is launching a brand new event designed to do exactly that. The first-ever Splash Hills will take over Inbanuma Sunset Hills, a campsite overlooking Lake Inbanuma, for a day of water play, local food, and family-friendly fun.
The biggest draw is the water play area, where visitors can embrace the summer heat with children's pools, sprinklers, mist, water balloons, and water gun battles. Guests are welcome to bring their own water guns, making it nice and easy to join in the fun. Young children should be accompanied by an adult, and organizers ask everyone to play safely and help keep the grounds clean.
When it's time to dry off, a variety of local food vendors will be serving refreshing treats and hearty meals. Expect everything from fluffy shaved ice and smoothies to freshly made rice balls using locally grown rice, spice-filled curry, craft drinks, sweet potato desserts, and even locally brewed beer for adult visitors.
The event also highlights Sakura City's agricultural community. As Chiba Prefecture's first municipality to declare itself an Organic Village, Sakura will have local farmers selling seasonal vegetables, fruit, honey, jams, and other farm products, giving visitors the chance to sample the region's fresh flavors.
