Entrance to the Wild World - Kyushu Natural Animal Park
ℹ️ Practical Information at a Glance
🕰️ Opening Hours:
Daily 09:00–17:00 (Jungle Bus departs at scheduled times, advance booking recommended)
🏖️ Environment/Facilities:
Open-air zoo, Jungle Bus, walking observation area, restaurant, souvenir shop, parking lot.
📍 Address: 2-1755-1 Minamihata, Ajimu-machi, Usa City, Oita Prefecture (approximately 30 minutes by car from Beppu city center)
💰 Average Cost:
• Admission: Adults 2,600 yen, Children (ages 4 to middle school) 1,500 yen
• Jungle Bus: 1,100 yen for both adults and children (additional ticket required)
🦁 Into the Wild! Wildlife Adventure at Kyushu Natural Animal Park
When visiting Beppu in Oita Prefecture, you can not only enjoy hot springs but also experience a direct connection with nature. Located on the Beppu Plateau, the Kyushu Natural Animal Park (African Safari) is renowned for its "open-air zoo" concept. The park's vast grasslands and valleys recreate the atmosphere of the African savanna, allowing visitors to interact closely with various animals.
Unlike traditional zoos, the animals here are not confined to cages but roam freely on the grasslands or in the woods. This design gives visitors a breathtaking sense of stepping into a "wild world" as soon as they enter the park.
🚌 Jungle Bus — The Most Thrilling Animal Adventure
A must-try experience in the park is the Jungle Bus. This unique sightseeing bus, designed like a giant cage and painted to resemble lions, tigers, or giraffes, excites children at first glance. The highlight of the Jungle Bus ride is the guided tour through the grassland area, where you can observe animals up close. The most anticipated part is "feeding wild animals by hand" — passengers are given special feed to offer through the cage. You can hand meat chunks to lions or carrots to giraffes, who stretch their necks to enjoy the treat. This interaction is both thrilling and novel, making it the highlight of a family trip.
🐘 Daily Encounters with Animals — Natural Observation on the Grasslands
In addition to the Jungle Bus adventure, the park also offers a walking area where you can leisurely observe more gentle animals. Watch kangaroos hopping on the grass, capybaras soaking lazily in the water, and raccoons and alpacas strolling around. The walking area is especially popular with families, as it provides opportunities to take heartwarming photos with small animals and learn about their habits. Compared to the excitement of the Jungle Bus, the walking area offers a more relaxing and healing experience.
🎠 Fun and Facilities — More Than Just a Zoo
Kyushu Natural Animal Park is not just a place to observe animals. The park also features dining areas, souvenir shops, and small amusement facilities. Visitors can enjoy light meals with a view of the grasslands or purchase adorable animal-themed souvenirs. With its vast grounds, it is recommended to allocate at least half a day to a full day to avoid a rushed itinerary. Pairing this visit with a trip to Beppu's hot springs allows you to enjoy both nature and relaxation, making it a perfect family travel combination.
The charm of Kyushu Natural Animal Park lies in its "authenticity" and "interaction." The Jungle Bus offers a thrilling experience of being close to wild animals, while the walking area provides a warm sense of connection. This is not only a paradise for children but also a place for adults to rediscover their inner child.
For nature lovers, animal enthusiasts, or travelers seeking family-friendly destinations, this is a must-visit highlight in Kyushu.