This Summer – Go Dutch!
This month we return to Huis Ten Bosch, a 152-hectare wide residential-style resort styled after a medieval 17th century Dutch town and located near Sasebo, Nagasaki. Established as a tribute to the shared history and culture of Holland and Nagasaki, it took five years to build on reclaimed land, and opened in 1992. As one of the top flower resorts in the world, it boasts over 400,000 trees, 300,000 flowers and six kilometers of canals. Great care has been taken to protect the environment, including the use of environmentally friendly bricks for pavement and recycled sewage water used for plumbing and watering plants. Of particular interest this season are the decorative 'potager' gardens full of herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees surrounding the cottage-style "Forest Villa" lodgings. For a summer destination not too far from Fukuoka, but very far from your everyday world, consider a visit to Huis Ten Bosch.

So Much to Do and See
With so much open space and beautiful nature, Huis Ten Bosch is the ideal destination for families and couples. The "Summer 100 Selections" guide to Huis Ten Bosch offers ten categories of activities, each with ten suggestions, for you and your family to enjoy. The activities range from leisurely to active, so there is something for everyone. Details on the Huis Ten Bosch website.

Summer Segway!
These futuristic transportation units are a must-try! Easy to ride, safe, and virtually silent, after a quick lesson you'll be zipping along the cobblestone roads, pathways, and even over grassed areas for a sensational guided tour of the expansive HTB grounds. Rental rates: 90 minutes for ¥6,000 (¥4,000 for hotel guests). 50 minutes for ¥3,000 (¥2,000 for hotel guests). Rental fee includes helmets. If you're a hotel guest, consider signing up for the 50 minute "mini-morning tour" (¥2,000) as a great way to see the sites and beat the heat.

See it from the Sea!
Another way to stay cool, yet active, is to take to the sea. Professional sea kayak instruction and guiding is available for both individuals and groups. Not to worry though- it's safe, simple, and no previous experience is required. If you prefer to leave the exercise to your mate, both single and double kayaks are available. Enjoy sea level perspectives of Huis Ten Bosh's architecture and scenery while getting closer to nature. It's good exercise too! Fees: 50 minutes, ¥2,000 (hotel guests), ¥2,200 (day guests).

Fantomatico!
Even after the sun sets there's still plenty to do. This summer, Huis Ten Bosch presents "Fantomatico", a night festival produced by the famous Japanese cinema art director, Yohei Taneda. The town center is filled with festival booths offering food and drinks, while entertainment can be enjoyed onstage. Combined with the nightly fireworks display, families and couples can enjoy their summer nights until late. Between Aug. 13 (Wed.) and 17 (Sun.) special fireworks are planned.

Alternative Accommodations
There are several hotels to choose from within Huis Ten Bosch, but none as unique as 'Forest Villa', a collection of 100 cottage-style villas set within Forest Garden. Each two-story unit has its own wooden balcony overlooking a small lake. With a living room on the first floor and two bedrooms on the second floor, these units are ideal for couples and families alike. Consider renting a bicycle (¥2,000/day registered guests only), and pedal over to the 'Le marche du Paradis' to stock up on delicatessen goods and drinks, and then enjoy those treats inside home-away-from-home. "Splash Summer Plan": four guests, one villa, admission tickets, breakfast and Wellness Center pool access, all for ¥12,500/person. Reservations accepted online between July 1 ~ August 23.

15th Huis Ten Bosch Cup
On Aug. 24, the annual Huis Ten Bosch Cup, one of Japan's biggest yacht races, takes place. Although all the action happens on the water, much of the excitement and activities related to the event can be enjoyed from shore. Alternatively, book a ride on a cruiser and catch the action up close. More info: 0956-27-0258