The Kyushu Safari Park (African Safari) is the largest zoo in Japan—just this alone makes your trip worth it! Visitors of all ages will have a fantastic time. And if that’s not enough, there are plenty of other famous and beautiful attractions nearby! Planning a family trip? Transportation is probably your biggest concern, right? We've got you covered! We've estimated the driving times and selected several well-known attractions near the zoo that are just a short drive away. Whether you're driving yourself or booking a private car, you can enjoy freedom and comfort throughout your journey. Let’s go!！

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African Safari in Kyushu: Get up close with wild animals and enjoy a self-driving tour!
If you're looking for a deeper experience, join the Jungle Bus Feeding Adventure!
Drive your own car into the park! Chinese audio guide DVDs available for rent
Adorable interactive zone: Small animals right in front of you!
African Safari in Kyushu – Opening Hours and Ticket Information
Recommended Nearby Attractions: More adventures within an hour’s drive!
2025 TTtrips Exclusive Early Bird Discount
TTtrips Japan Charter Service / Contact Us (One-on-One Travel Consultant)
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African Safari in Kyushu: Get up close with wild animals and enjoy a self-driving tour!
Located in Beppu, Ōita Prefecture, Kyushu, the African Safari is the largest wildlife park in all of Japan!
The park adopts an open-range style of animal care, allowing the animals to roam freely. You can ride the Jungle Bus to observe lions, giraffes, tigers, and other animals up close—and even hand-feed them! This thrilling experience is sure to leave an unforgettable impression.


Jungle Bus Adventure – The Easiest Way to Explore the Park

The park’s specially designed Jungle Buses are irresistibly cute—but don’t be fooled by their appearance, as this is actually a heart-pounding predator encounter that will get your adrenaline racing!
Hop on the bus and come face to face with the king of the jungle, witness the graceful movements of tigers, and watch cheetahs sprint at full speed!
The entire ride takes about one hour and passes through several zones, including the Mountain Animal Zone, Lion Zone, Herbivore Zone, Tiger Zone, Cheetah Zone, and Antelope Zone—each packed with surprises and non-stop excitement!

If you're looking for a deeper experience, join the Jungle Bus Feeding Adventure!
Led by trained staff, you’ll get the rare chance to hand-feed lions, giraffes, and more. Seeing these powerful animals open their jaws wide to devour food right in front of you is a truly unforgettable thrill!



Drive your own car into the park! Chinese audio guide DVDs available for rent

One of the highlights of the African Safari in Kyushu is that visitors are allowed to drive their own vehicles into the park to observe wild animals up close—an absolute treat for independent travelers!
(Important: When driving through the park, you must not open your windows or feed the animals at any time.)

Best of all, there's no additional charge for self-driving—just purchase the regular admission ticket as usual!
For those who want a deeper understanding of the park and don’t want to miss any surprises, a tablet (DVD) guide is available for rent at the entrance for ¥600 per rental. The system even includes a Chinese-language guide—super convenient!

Adorable interactive zone: Small animals right in front of you!
In addition to the larger animals, the park also features a Cat & Dog Salon, where you can enjoy close-up interactions with adorable cats and dogs. There's also the Kangaroo Forest, where you can get up close with kangaroos, and even try pony riding!
These activities are especially great for families with children—guaranteed to bring lots of joy to the little ones!

African Safari in Kyushu – Opening Hours and Ticket Information
Ticket Sales：

March 1 – October 31: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

November 1 – End of February: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Park Hours：

March 1 – October 31: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

November 1 – End of February: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

General Admission – Self-Driving Allowed (On-site ticket purchase only)：

Adults (High school & above): ¥2,600

Children (Ages 4 to junior high school): ¥1,500

Jungle Bus Ticket (For visitors aged 4 and above)：

¥1,500 per person

Recommended Nearby Attractions: More adventures within an hour’s drive!

Since you’re already here, why not explore other amazing nearby attractions? Here are some great spots you can reach within an hour’s drive to make your trip even more vibrant and fulfilling:

1、Yufuin Onsen Town
Distance: Approximately 50 km, about a 1-hour drive.
Highlights: This charming hot spring town is famous for its stunning natural scenery and relaxing hot springs. Take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Kinrin, admire the mountain views, or unwind at a traditional ryokan—perfect for recharging your body and soul.

(圖片來源：SNOW MONKEY RESORTS)
 

(圖片來源：THE GATE)


3、Mount Yufu (Yufudake)
Distance: Approximately 20 km, about a 40-minute drive.
Highlights: This 1,583-meter active volcano, often referred to as the "Bungo Fuji", offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. The hiking trails cater to all levels of hikers—lush green in spring and summer, and turning golden in autumn. It’s a hidden gem that nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts should not miss.
Best Hiking Season: May to November (Spring, summer, and autumn are ideal; winter hiking requires professional gear).
Official Website: https://www.yufuin.gr.jp

(【由布院之森（ゆふいんの森）】觀光列車​​​​​​​ 圖片來源：樂吃購！日本)

4、Usa Jingu Shrine
Distance: Approximately 30 km, about a 40-minute drive.
Highlights: This grand shrine is the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines in Japan, boasting a long history and impressive architecture. It’s a culturally significant site well worth a visit.

(圖片來源：宇佐市旅遊官網) )

5、Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi (Kokonoe "Yume" Grand Suspension Bridge)
Distance: Approximately 70 km, about a 1-hour drive.
Highlights: This is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan. From the bridge, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding gorge—especially breathtaking during autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold.

 

6、Kijima Kogen Park
Distance: Approximately 40 km, about a 50-minute drive.
Highlights: This amusement park offers a wide variety of attractions, including "Jupiter," Japan’s first wooden roller coaster, as well as kid-friendly rides and zones. The warm weather in May makes it an ideal time for a fun-filled family outing.
Official Website: https://www.kijimakogen-park.jp


7、Harmonyland
Distance: Approximately 30 km, about a 40-minute drive.
Highlights: This theme park features beloved Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty and My Melody. It offers various attractions and live shows perfect for fans of all ages.
Official Website: https://www.harmonyland.jp


8、Beppu Rakutenchi Amusement Park
Distance: Approximately 35 km, about a 50-minute drive.
Highlights: Although relatively small in scale, this amusement park features a variety of rides such as a Ferris wheel and carousel. There’s also a charming animal zone where children can observe and interact with animals up close.
Official Website: https://www.beppu-rakutenchi.jp

(圖片來源：觀光施設連絡協議會 )


All of these attractions are located within an hour’s drive from African Safari in Kyushu, making them perfect additions to your itinerary.
With TTtrips' private charter service, you can explore these charming destinations with ease and comfort—ensuring an unforgettable travel experience!
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your wild animal adventure today!
Feel free to contact us!


2025 TTtrips Exclusive Early Bird Discount

Book two months in advance and enjoy the following limited-time offers:

• Get ¥1,000 off for two consecutive days of charter service
• Get ¥2,000 off for three consecutive days
• ​Complimentary child safety seat for children under six (market value: ¥500/day)
   

Perfect for family trips—safe, convenient, and cost-saving! Limited availability, so book early to secure your spot.

TTtrips Japan Charter Service / Contact Us (One-on-One Travel Consultant)
Reach out to us anytime! (Personalized one-on-one travel consultation available)
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Image Credits:
Official website of African Safari,
Japan National Tourism Organization, Beppu City – Council of Tourism Facilities,
Official Website of Yufu City, Ōita Prefecture,
THE GATE Japan Travel Magazine,
Yufuin Onsen – SNOW MONKEY RESORTS