Info on Nagashim Spaland?

I will be in Japan in early August and have am planning one addes day to go to Nagashima Spaland. (the rest of the time I have no control over my schedule)

If someone has been there, i would like to know:
How busy is it in August? (i.e., how long on the top coaster lines)
How much does it cost?
Is it easy to get there by public transportation? (I'l be comng by train from Osaka)
Can an adventuresome traveler with no Japanese language skills make a solo trip there and manage all right?
Any tip on a cheap but nice place to saty nearby? (hostel?)
Is there an English-language site with info on it?
TIA
Jill

Whoa, too much Saki!!!
-----------------
Is it the roar of Kumba or the kumba of Roar? Discuss!

Jill, I was there last August.  Check out my trip report:

http://www.coasterbuzz.com/forums/thread.asp?ForumID=13&TopicID=13666

I think I went on a Tuesday.  It was mid August.  The lines were quite resonable.  15 minutes for most of the big coasters.  The threat of rain probably helped too.  The amazing looking waterpark was pretty crowded, but I didn't go there.  As for price, it was around $40-50 for ride all day. (Something like 460 yen if I remember right)  When it was all said and done, I probably spent more than $100 when the day was over including some good meals and some merchandise.  Every penny was worth it.

As for getting there....I was lucky enough to have a native speaker or two with me all the time when I was in Japan.  I spent most of my time around Tokyo (doing what I was there to do), but someone drove me to Fujikyu-Highland, Nagashima Spaland, and Disneyland.  It was something I could have NEVER done by myself.   I imagine it's not hard to get there from Osaka by train.  I was never in Osaka, though.  Get a native speaker to help you figure out what you need to do, and I'm sure you'll be fine.  2 or 3 other people on this site have been there, and maybe they'll be able to help you out more than I can.  Drop me an email if you have any questions.

-----------------
- Peabody

Jill, the best thing is to e-mail me or Peabody.  I have been to Japan many times, and I know my way around, so I can help in that.  As for lines, don't expect it to be like the US.  In Japan, most people are there for the attractions, and to watch "thrill seekers" do their thing.  They like to watch, so to speak.  The lines are relatively short because of this.  It will be hotter than heck while you are there, so pack for that.  Last summer, the cost of an all day pass, including the spas and waterpark, was about $45 US.  It could be cheaper next year, relatively, due to the continued failure of the Japanese economy.  As far as travel, here are the sticking points.  The quickest (always) is the Shinkansen, but it only stops in Kyoto and Nagoya, so you have to either take a local train (many stops) or a bus to the park.  My suggestion?  Take the bus all the way from Osaka.  It is a 3 hour trip, and you can stay over in Nagoya for the evening prior to your day and perhaps after your day.  Nagoya is known for some amazing food dishes that are particular to that city, so go and find them.  Again, e-mail me, and my wife and I can brainstorm for you.  I have no idea about hostels, but the exchange rate can get you a business hotel for about $60 bucks a night US (in Nagoya) or you can do what I did, and meet someone at the park and they offered for us to stay at their home that evening....really.:)

E-mail me.  I can help.  One more thing.  Don't expect to pay for anything with a credit card.  Cash is the preferred, and in some places the only accepted, payment for food, clothing, services..etc.
--------------
Check out my website!

100 yen=one dollar ,  konnichiwa=hello,good afternoon,  watashiwa whatever your name is des=my name is blank....well just get a english/japanese dictionary
-----------------
You can hear the laughter, you can hear the mighty roar. From the brickyard down in Indy to the white Chicago shore. It's a rollin', twistin', turnin' and might we both suggest. You get you fanny ridin' on the Cornball Express!

I went there by train from Osaka.  Like nasai said, you need to take the Shinkanzen (bullet train) to Nagoya.  From there, you need to take another train to Nagashima.  Then you need to catch a bus that will make its last stop at Nagashima SpaLand.  I can tell you  more precise information if you choose this transportation method (like the number of the bus).  It seems difficult, but it really isn't; and it was a lot of fun just getting there, not to mention the amazingly good time I had at the park
-----------------
mmmmmmmmm.....coasters