Okinawa's "Junglia" Nature Theme Park Begins Operations
In the heart of Okinawa's Yanbaru region, a new family-friendly destination has opened its doors to visitors. Junglia Okinawa, a sprawling nature-themed amusement park, spans 60 hectares and promises an immersive experience into Okinawa's unique natural environment and prehistoric life.
The park, which straddles the village of Nakijin and the city of Nago, offers a variety of attractions designed to appeal to both children and adults. At its core are thrilling rides, such as the Dinosaur Safari, where visitors can embark on a land rover journey through a savannah filled with life-sized herbivorous dinosaur replicas. The adventure reaches its climax with a suspenseful chase by a roaring T-Rex, creating an exciting, prehistoric experience.
For those seeking a more educational encounter, the Yanbaru Friends Theater Experience offers interactive storytelling featuring local animal characters like Jan, a Yanbaru kuina bird, and Shishi, a shisa lion-dog guardian. This experience aims to educate guests about the rare animals and ecology of the Yanbaru forest, encouraging engagement with Okinawa’s natural heritage.
Visitors can also explore the Dino Park Yanbaru Subtropical Forest, where more than 80 realistic dinosaur replicas inhabit a subtropical forest. The park also offers a "Dinosaur Shop" selling related goods like snacks, toys, and books. Guests can enjoy unique forest plants and hunt for hidden dinosaur eggs during a 30-40 minute stroll.
For a bird's eye view of the Yanbaru forest, Okinawa's coastline, and the surrounding natural scenery, the Horizon Balloon offers a peaceful hot air balloon ride. This aerial experience provides a unique perspective on the island's landscape from above.
When hunger strikes, visitors can choose from 15 restaurants offering local cuisine and refreshments. However, it is unclear if Yusuke Ubukata, a resident of Saitama prefecture, north of Tokyo, dined at any of them during his visit.
Mr. Yara, a Nago resident, had previously expressed anticipation for enjoying the attractions at Junglia Okinawa, but it is unknown if Yusuke Ubukata shared this sentiment. Mr. Yara hopes that the park will draw more tourists to northern Okinawa, and he waited from 3 a.m. for the park's 9:15 a.m. opening.
Yusuke Ubukata aimed to create memories at Junglia Okinawa, as he expressed his desire to experience Okinawa's distinctive natural environment. The park, which opened on July 25, offers a comprehensive family-friendly park focused on nature and Okinawan heritage, blending dinosaur adventures, ecological education, interactive theater, and scenic vistas.
- Yusuke Ubukata, during his visit, might have taken a photo of the unique forest plants in the Dino Park Yanbaru Subtropical Forest or the scenic vistas while on the Horizon Balloon ride, capturing memories of Okinawa's natural environment.
- To document his lifestyle during his travel to Okinawa, Yusuke Ubukata may have dined at one of the 15 restaurants offering local cuisine within Junglia Okinawa, experiencing a taste of the Yanbaru region's distinctive culture.
