Family Trip: Self-Drive to Kuju Natural Zoological Park from Yufuin

On this self-drive trip, we traveled from Fukuoka to Yufuin, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery along the way. The roads were not crowded, making the drive very comfortable. However, traveling with children can be challenging due to the long distances, so it's best to plan a stop at an attraction to stretch and take a break. That's why we included a visit to the Kuju Natural Zoological Park midway. The zoo is easy to find, and the animals are mostly free-roaming in their natural habitats, not confined to cages. The best way to tour is by vehicle. You can either take the park's sightseeing bus to view and feed the animals or drive your own car through the park, but you must keep the windows closed. We chose the latter, so we'll have to wait until next time to see the lions and tigers up close. The park wasn't too crowded when we visited, so even with self-driving, there was no traffic congestion. After seeing the savannah animals, you can also visit the indoor salon to pet dogs or cats, and for an additional fee, feed the ponies. These activities are separate from the car tour but offer a full experience, and the kids had a lot of fun. Petting the cats is not highly recommended, as they were mostly sleeping, and we didn't want to disturb them; it's better to just watch from a distance. Overall, the zoo offers great value for money and beautiful scenery. I highly recommend a visit! Address: Ajimumachi Minamihata, Usa, Oita 872-0722, Japan