What Is JUNGLIA — The Theme Park Changing Okinawa Tourism
JUNGLIA is a massive nature-experience theme park that opened in 2025 across Nakijin Village and Nago City in northern Okinawa. It was designed by Morioka Tsuyoshi, the legendary marketer who revived Universal Studios Japan (USJ) from 7 million to 14 million annual visitors, through his company Katana (刀). Utilizing the subtropical forest around the former Orion Happy Park area, JUNGLIA introduces the concept of "Power Vacation" — an immersive, full-body entertainment experience set in nature. With a total investment of approximately 70 billion yen, backed by Orion Beer, JTB, Kintetsu Group, and others, it is one of Japan's largest tourism projects. Targeting over 2 million visitors annually, JUNGLIA is expected to fundamentally transform the tourism landscape of northern Okinawa.
Morioka Tsuyoshi and Katana — The Visionaries Behind JUNGLIA
Morioka Tsuyoshi is a legendary figure in Japan's marketing world. After working at P&G, he became the CMO of Universal Studios Japan and orchestrated its dramatic turnaround by introducing the Harry Potter area and innovative marketing strategies. After founding Katana Inc. in 2017, he led successful projects including Nesta Resort Kobe before launching JUNGLIA as his most ambitious venture. His core philosophy is "designing experiences that answer consumers' instinctive desires" — and JUNGLIA embodies this through real entertainment that engages the entire body in the heart of nature.
Key Attractions — Dinosaurs, Ziplines, Caves, and Night Jungle
Dinosaur Experiences: Life-Size Encounters in the Jungle
JUNGLIA's flagship attraction is the Dinosaur Safari. Visitors board armored off-road vehicles and speed through the subtropical forest, where life-size animatronic dinosaurs roar and emerge from the trees. A 19-meter-tall Brachiosaurus, a growling Tyrannosaurus Rex, and approximately 18 to 20 other full-scale dinosaurs are positioned throughout the forest, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of entering a real Jurassic Park. The Finding Dinosaurs experience is an interactive adventure where visitors search for a lost baby dinosaur in the jungle, making it especially popular with families with children.
Ziplines and Canopy Tours: Flying Over the Subtropical Forest
The SKY PHOENIX zipline sends visitors gliding 280 meters across a valley at 40 meters above ground, soaring over the subtropical canopy like a bird. This is an experience only JUNGLIA offers in Okinawa. The TREE-TOP TREKKING attraction lets visitors walk along elevated pathways through the forest canopy, observing flora and fauna up close. Participants must be at least 132 cm tall, and children under 10 must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or older.
Cave Exploration: Limestone Cave Adventures
The cave exploration attraction takes advantage of northern Okinawa's distinctive limestone terrain, making it a unique differentiator for JUNGLIA. Equipped with helmets and headlamps, visitors enter real limestone caves to observe stalactites and stalagmites while experiencing a subterranean world carved by nature over tens of thousands of years. Combined with atmospheric lighting, the experience delivers a powerful sense of immersion as an explorer.
Water Activities: Utilizing the Natural Coastline
Water activities using the natural coastline near JUNGLIA are also available. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports can be enjoyed in the crystal-clear waters of northern Okinawa, with marine adventure programs tied into the park's exploration concept. Note that water activities are subject to weather conditions, so checking availability on the day of your visit is recommended.
Night Jungle: The Forest Transformed by Light
The Night Jungle is an evening program where the subtropical forest transforms into an enchanting illuminated landscape. Thousands of lights illuminate the trees and plants while projection mapping and soundscapes create a dreamlike world completely different from the daytime experience. Combined with the JUNGLIA NIGHT FES show and JUNGLIA HANABI fireworks, nighttime at JUNGLIA delivers an experience every bit as moving as the daytime attractions. Afternoon entry tickets include access to night programs, making them excellent value.
VR/AR Integration: Where High-Tech Meets Nature
JUNGLIA also features cutting-edge VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) experiences blended seamlessly into the natural environment. Walk through the forest while ancient creatures appear before you via AR devices, or explore an underwater world through VR inside a cave. This fusion of advanced technology with pristine nature is what truly sets JUNGLIA apart from indoor theme parks in Tokyo and Osaka, making it a one-of-a-kind destination.
SPA JUNGLIA — The Guinness World Record Infinity Bath
Another highlight of JUNGLIA is SPA JUNGLIA, a massive spa facility covering approximately 26,000 square meters and home to a Guinness World Record-certified infinity bath. Using natural hot spring water drawn from approximately 1,600 meters underground, the spa features 10 bath types for women and 9 for men. With outdoor saunas, stone baths, and cave-style pools, it is the perfect place to recover after a full day of adventure. Spa-only admission is available without theme park entry (adults approximately 3,080 yen, children approximately 1,870 yen).
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Practical Information — Access, Tickets, and Tips
Getting There: Naha to JUNGLIA
JUNGLIA is located in northern Okinawa, requiring a significant drive from Naha. By rental car from Naha Airport via the Okinawa Expressway, the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The dedicated JUNGLIA EXPRESS shuttle bus runs from Naha Airport at approximately 2,500 yen per trip, operating 6 times daily (50 seats, advance booking recommended). From Nakijin Village, Churaumi Aquarium is just 20 to 30 minutes by car, making it easy to visit both in a combined trip.
Estimated Ticket Prices
One-day pass: Adults (ages 12 and up) are estimated at approximately 6,000 to 8,000 yen. Children (ages 4 to 11) pay roughly 60 to 70% of the adult price, and children under 3 enter free. Combined park-and-spa passes, afternoon discount tickets, and premium priority-access passes for popular attractions are also available. Check the official website for the latest pricing information.
Best Times to Visit and Tips
The best months to visit are October to November or March to April, when temperatures range from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius — ideal for outdoor activities with shorter queues outside peak season. For a full day of experiences, arrive at opening time. Popular attractions can have wait times of 1 to 2 hours or more, so download the official app to check real-time queue status. Rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are essential items to bring.
Combining JUNGLIA with Churaumi Aquarium — A 2-Day Northern Okinawa Itinerary
JUNGLIA's greatest geographic advantage is its proximity to Churaumi Aquarium, just 20 to 30 minutes away by car. A 2-day northern Okinawa itinerary combining both creates the ultimate trip.
Day 1: Depart Naha in the morning → Okinawa Expressway → Arrive at JUNGLIA (morning) → Enjoy Dinosaur Safari, zipline, cave exploration → Recover at SPA JUNGLIA → Watch Night Jungle and fireworks → Stay at accommodation in Nakijin or Nago area
Day 2: Leave accommodation → Churaumi Aquarium (morning, best to arrive right at opening) → After lunch, visit Nakijin Castle Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site → Afternoon return to Naha or stroll along the Bise Fukugi Tree Road
This itinerary allows efficient visits to northern Okinawa's two premier attractions and is especially recommended for family travelers. Booking accommodation in the northern area significantly reduces travel time between destinations.
How JUNGLIA Is Transforming Okinawa Tourism
Experts predict that JUNGLIA's opening represents a historic turning point for Okinawa's tourism industry. Previously, Okinawa tourism was concentrated around a few hubs — Naha, the American Village in central Okinawa, and Churaumi Aquarium. JUNGLIA's arrival is elevating the entire northern region as a new tourism destination. With a target of over 2 million visitors annually, it is driving large-scale investment in accommodations, restaurants, and transportation infrastructure across northern Okinawa. JUNGLIA aims for a complementary rather than competitive relationship with Churaumi Aquarium, creating a synergy where aquarium visitors also experience the theme park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time to visit JUNGLIA?
A. October to November or March to April offer the most comfortable conditions, with temperatures of 22 to 26 degrees Celsius ideal for outdoor activities and shorter wait times outside peak season. The summer months of July to September bring high temperatures and typhoon season, which may limit outdoor attraction availability. Winter (December to February) temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius are slightly cool for water activities, but the Dinosaur Safari and cave exploration operate year-round.
Q. Where can I buy tickets?
A. Advance tickets are available on the official JUNGLIA website. During peak periods and weekends, on-site tickets may sell out, so online advance booking is strongly recommended. Premium priority-access passes for popular attractions are sold separately. Check the official site for the latest information on combo deals with Churaumi Aquarium and other discount options.
Q. Are there hotels near JUNGLIA?
A. JUNGLIA's official partner hotels include Oriental Hotel Okinawa (Nago), Orion Hotel Motobu (Motobu), and Kanucha Resort (Nago), offering guests 15-minute early park entry. The Nakijin and Nago areas offer accommodations ranging from resort hotels to guesthouses. JUNGLIA's opening is also driving active development of new accommodations across the northern region.
Q. Can I visit both Churaumi Aquarium and JUNGLIA in one day?
A. It is possible, but we strongly recommend splitting the visit over 2 days. JUNGLIA alone requires a full day to experience all attractions. For a one-day double visit, you could spend 3 to 4 hours at JUNGLIA in the morning then move to the aquarium in the afternoon, but fully enjoying both is difficult. Staying one night in the northern area allows you to experience both destinations at a relaxed pace.
