Dinosaurs in the Yanbaru Jungle — The Birth of JUNGLIA
On July 25, 2025, Japan's first subtropical nature theme park JUNGLIA opened its gates in Nakijin Village, northern Okinawa. The park was masterminded by Tsuyoshi Morioka, the marketing strategist who engineered Universal Studios Japan's dramatic turnaround. With a total investment of approximately 70 billion yen, the project brought together Okinawa's largest beer company Orion Beer, JTB, Kintetsu Group, the Cool Japan Fund, and other major investors.
The park spans 60 hectares (equivalent to about 13 Tokyo Domes) and features 22 attractions, 15 dining venues, 10 shops, and a massive 26,000-square-meter spa facility. Built on the site of the former Arashiyama Golf Club, the development preserved the surrounding primary forest. The catchphrase is "Power Vacance!!" — real entertainment experienced with your whole body in the great outdoors.
Dinosaur Safari — A 19-Meter Brachiosaurus Charging Through the Forest
JUNGLIA's flagship attraction is undoubtedly DINOSAUR SAFARI. Board a 12-passenger armored off-road vehicle and race through the subtropical jungle as escaped dinosaurs appear before your eyes. Approximately 18 to 20 life-size animatronic dinosaurs lurk throughout the forest, including a towering 19-meter Brachiosaurus and a roaring Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Another dinosaur attraction, FINDING DINOSAURS, sends visitors on a thrilling expedition to rescue a lost baby dinosaur. This courage-and-exploration adventure is especially popular with families. Wait times can exceed one to two hours, so arriving right at opening or purchasing a Premium Pass (1,870 yen) is recommended.
Adventures Connecting Sky and Forest — Ziplines, Balloons, and Buggies
SKY PHOENIX is a zipline that sends you soaring 280 meters across a valley at a height of 40 meters. Riders must be at least 132 cm tall and under 120 kg, and children under 10 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older. The moment you fly like a bird over the subtropical canopy is an experience only JUNGLIA can offer.
HORIZON BALLOON is a tethered hot-air balloon that rises to 200 meters, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Yanbaru forest and Okinawa coastline — with sparkling wine available on board. Other adventures include BUGGY VOLTAGE with two off-road jungle courses (Adrenaline and Fun), TREE-TOP TREKKING above the canopy, and SKY-END TREKKING across aerial suspension bridges.
Guinness World Record Infinity Bath — SPA JUNGLIA
JUNGLIA's other star attraction is SPA JUNGLIA. This approximately 26,000-square-meter spa facility holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest infinity bath. Natural hot spring water drawn from approximately 1,600 meters underground contains skin-beautifying minerals, and the facility offers 10 bath types for women and 9 for men.
With outdoor saunas, rock baths, and cave-style pools, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. You can visit the spa without park admission (adults 3,080 yen, children 1,870 yen), making it viable as a hot spring destination on its own. The Park + Spa 1-Day Ticket costs 11,880 yen for adults and includes two 250-yen food coupons.
When Night Falls the Festival Begins — Shows, Fireworks, and Kachashi
A day at JUNGLIA doesn't end when the sun goes down. JUNGLIA NIGHT FES is an evening finale show blending emotion and thrills, while JUNGLIA "HANABI" paints the tropical night sky with fireworks. Before the excitement of daytime adventures fades, the night festivities deliver a whole new wave of wonder.
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The KACHASHI PARTY features live traditional Okinawan music. Kachashi is a traditional dance performed at the climax of Okinawan festivals where everyone joins in — elegant yet explosively energetic. WILD BEAT offers tropical music performances, and JUNGLIA SPLASH FES is a party show with water and foam. Even the Afternoon Ticket (entry from 1:00 or 2:00 PM, adults 4,950 yen) includes access to nighttime shows, offering excellent value.
The Okinawa Rail and the UNESCO World Heritage Forest
The Yanbaru region where JUNGLIA stands was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2021. Designated as Japan's 33rd national park in 2016, it contains the country's largest subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest. This forest is home to over 4,000 species, including 11 endemic animals and 12 endemic plants.
The iconic creature of this forest is the Yanbaru Kuina (Okinawa Rail), an endangered bird found nowhere else in the world. Nearly flightless, this rare species inspired JUNGLIA's mascot character Jan. The park's other character, Shishi, draws from the traditional Okinawan guardian lion-dog statues called Shisa.
Tickets, Access, and Accommodation — Complete Visitor Guide
Ticket Prices (tax included): 1-Day Ticket — adults (12+) 8,800 yen, children (4–11) 5,940 yen, under 3 free. Park + Spa 1-Day Ticket — adults 11,880 yen, children 7,810 yen. Afternoon Ticket (from 1:00 or 2:00 PM) — adults 4,950 yen, children 3,300 yen. Spa only — adults 3,080 yen, children 1,870 yen. Premium Pass (priority access) 1,870 yen is purchased separately.
Access: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Naha Airport via the Okinawa Expressway. The dedicated JUNGLIA EXPRESS shuttle bus runs 2,500 yen from Naha Airport, 500 yen from other stops, with 6 daily services (50-seat buses, advance reservation recommended). Churaumi Aquarium is just 30 minutes away by car, making a combined day trip very feasible.
Recommended Hotels: Official partner hotels include Oriental Hotel Okinawa (Nago), Orion Hotel Motobu, and Kanucha Resort (Nago), all offering 15-minute early entry privileges. Visitor Tips: (1) Download the official app for wait times and maps, (2) arrive right at opening since popular attractions have 1–2 hour waits, (3) visit on weekdays for shorter lines, (4) bring rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes, (5) October–November or March–April offer the most pleasant weather.
