NAKIJIN, Okinawa Prefecture—The highly anticipated Junglia Okinawa theme park opened its doors on July 25, drawing early-morning crowds and boosting tourism in the region.
Despite the official opening time of 9:15 a.m., excited visitors began lining up hours earlier.
The first guest to arrive, Tomoki Abe, a 22-year-old university student from Osaka Prefecture, reached the gate at 3 a.m.
“I love theme parks,” Abe said, noting that visitors to Junglia can enjoy both the forest and local beaches.
“I’m excited to try the adventure attractions, and I’m definitely starting with the zipline!” he said.
Located near the region’s subtropical forest, which is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, the park aims to blend adventure with Okinawa’s natural beauty.
Built on a former golf course covering 60 hectares, Junglia features around 20 attractions, as well as restaurants and spa facilities.
Among the standout attractions is the Horizon Balloon, a massive 23-meter-wide gas balloon that can rise up to 200 meters, offering panoramic views of the sea and mountains.
Although the Horizon Balloon flight was canceled during the media preview on July 23 due to bad weather, the experience includes the option to bring drinks onboard and snap photos.
The park’s most talked-about attraction is the Dinosaur Safari, an off-road ride that simulates escaping from a charging dinosaur.
Guests ride in large vehicles driven by staff members who guide them through tranquil scenes with animatronic triceratops and brachiosaurus—until the sudden arrival of a rampaging T-Rex.
One staff member gets “eaten” in front of the guests, and the ride takes a chaotic turn through rugged terrain and splashing ponds.
For a more relaxing experience, Finding Dinosaurs allows guests to walk through the jungle in search of baby dinosaurs, offering up-close encounters with the cute creatures.
BOOSTING NORTHERN TOURISM
The project cost 70 billion yen ($475 million) and is being led by Tsuyoshi Morioka, the marketing strategist known for revitalizing Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
His company, Katana Inc., spearheaded the park’s development. Local businesses, including Orion Breweries Ltd., have invested in the park’s operating company, reinforcing ties to the Okinawan community.
At a pre-opening ceremony on July 24, Morioka emphasized a steady and sustainable approach.
“We’re not aiming for explosive success from day one,” he said. “We want a solid, reliable takeoff—one that contributes to the future of Japan’s tourism industry.”
According to estimates by Katsuhiro Miyamoto, an economist and professor emeritus at Kansai University, Junglia’s economic ripple effect could reach 6.8 trillion yen over the next 15 years.
Located in northern Okinawa, the park is part of a broader effort to balance tourism, which has long been concentrated in the southern part of the island.
Local business leaders hope Junglia will attract more visitors northward and boost the regional economy.
AloJapan.com