Junglia Okinawa: What We Know About the New Theme Park

What Is Junglia Okinawa?

Junglia Okinawa is a nature-immersive theme park that opened on July 25, 2025 in northern Okinawa. According to the official Junglia website, the park spans 60 hectares across Nago City and Nakijin Village — set within the Yanbaru (やんばる) region, the subtropical forest area that earned UNESCO World Natural Heritage status in 2021.

The concept, which the park calls "Power Vacance" (パワーバケーション), is built around the idea of a vacation that energizes rather than exhausts. Junglia combines high-adrenaline outdoor activities — ziplines, balloon rides, dinosaur-themed experiences — with the tropical landscape and Okinawan cultural elements. It is not a traditional theme park with roller coasters and mascots. Think adventure resort in a jungle setting.

This is one of the newer additions to Okinawa's theme parks and attractions. While the park is operational and accepting visitors, new attractions continue to be added — the Yambaru Tornado experience is scheduled for late April to early May 2026.

Key Attractions and Experiences

Adventure Activities: Sky Phoenix and Horizon Balloon

The headline attraction is Sky Phoenix (スカイフェニックス) — a 1,200-meter zipline that sends riders through the Yanbaru forest canopy at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph). According to NaviTime Japan Travel, the zipline offers panoramic views of both the forest and the sea. This is not a gentle canopy tour — it is one of Japan's longest and fastest ziplines.

For a less intense but equally striking perspective, the Horizon Balloon (ホライズンバルーン) lifts visitors in a 23-meter diameter gas balloon to over 200 meters altitude for 360-degree panoramic views. According to Rakuten Travel, the 10-minute flight includes complimentary sparkling wine — a touch that reflects the park's blend of adventure and luxury.

The upcoming Yambaru Tornado attraction is scheduled to open in late April to early May 2026, according to the official site. Details beyond the opening window have not been released.

Dinosaur Safari and Family-Friendly Experiences

Dinosaur Safari is a guided vehicle experience through a forest populated with life-size animatronic dinosaurs. According to Rakuten Travel, there is a minimum height requirement of 95 cm (37 inches), and children under 10 must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or older.

For families and younger visitors, Yanbaru Friends features characters inspired by Okinawan wildlife and culture — including Shishi, based on the shisa (シーサー) lion-dog figures that guard Okinawan homes, and Jan, based on the Okinawa rail (Yanbaru kuina / やんばるくいな), an endemic flightless bird found only in the Yanbaru forest.

The park also features approximately 37,500 tropical plants throughout the grounds and a central landmark — the Junglia Tree — standing 14.5 meters tall and 12 meters in diameter, composed of about 10 types of native Okinawan trees including banyan and deigo (デイゴ), Okinawa's prefectural flower.

The Yanbaru Setting: Nature Meets Theme Park

Junglia's location in the Yanbaru region is deliberate. Northern Okinawa's subtropical forests are home to endemic species found nowhere else — the Okinawa rail, the Okinawa woodpecker, and the Ryukyu long-haired rat among them. The UNESCO designation recognizes this biodiversity.

According to Japan Forward, the park was built on a former golf course rather than cleared forest, and the design aims to integrate with the surrounding natural environment. The park's attractions use the existing topography and vegetation — the zipline runs through the actual forest canopy, and the balloon rises above the real Yanbaru landscape.

This setting gives Junglia a character distinct from any theme park in mainland Japan. The combination of warm subtropical climate, dense tropical vegetation, and ocean views creates an atmosphere you will not find at parks in the Tokyo or Osaka areas.

Practical Information for Visitors

Getting to Junglia from Naha

Junglia is approximately 1.5 hours by car from Naha Airport. A rental car is the most practical way to reach the park — northern Okinawa has limited public transit connections, and the park's location between Nago City and Nakijin Village is not directly served by bus routes from central Okinawa.

If you are renting a car for your Okinawa trip (which most visitors do for northern Okinawa exploration), Junglia fits naturally into a northern Okinawa day that could include Pineapple Park in Nago or the Churaumi Aquarium.

Tickets, Hours, and Planning Tips

As of March 2026, specific admission prices are not confirmed in publicly available sources. Tickets are available through vendors like Klook and potentially the official website. Check current rates and availability before visiting, especially during peak periods.

• Book in advance: Ticket availability may be limited, particularly on weekends and during Japanese holiday periods (Golden Week, Obon, New Year)
• Allow a full day: With multiple attractions, dining, and the grounds to explore, plan for 5-6 hours minimum
• Dress for outdoors: The park is largely outdoor — wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and lightweight clothing. Okinawa's climate is warm and humid year-round
• Check attraction requirements: Height and age restrictions vary by activity. Confirm eligibility for Sky Phoenix, Dinosaur Safari, and other attractions before planning around them

How Junglia Fits into an Okinawa Itinerary

Junglia is a northern Okinawa attraction, which means it pairs best with other destinations in the same part of the island. A practical itinerary might combine Junglia with:

• Churaumi Aquarium (about 30 minutes further north) — Okinawa's most visited attraction
• Nago Pineapple Park (nearby in Nago City) — a lighter, family-friendly attraction
• Yanbaru forest walks — if the park sparks interest in the natural environment

For southern and central Okinawa activities like Chatan American Village or Naha's Kokusai Street, plan separate days. The 1.5-hour drive each way makes combining northern and southern Okinawa in a single day impractical.

Most Okinawa itineraries dedicate 1-2 days to the north and 1-2 days to the central/south. Junglia fills a full northern Okinawa day alongside one or two shorter stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Junglia Okinawa open now?

Yes. Junglia opened on July 25, 2025 and is currently operational. A new attraction, Yambaru Tornado, is scheduled to open in late April to early May 2026. The park continues to add experiences, so check the official site for the latest attraction availability.

How far is Junglia from Naha?

Approximately 1.5 hours by car from Naha Airport. The park is in northern Okinawa, spanning Nago City and Nakijin Village in the Yanbaru region. A rental car is the most practical way to reach it — public transit options to this part of the island are limited.

Is Junglia like Tokyo Disney Resort?

No. Junglia is a nature-immersive theme park focused on outdoor adventure, tropical forests, and Okinawan cultural elements. The concept — called Power Vacance — blends adrenaline activities like a 1,200-meter zipline with luxury touches like sparkling wine on a panoramic balloon ride. The atmosphere and experience type are fundamentally different from Disney.

Can families with young children visit Junglia?

Yes. The park has family-friendly experiences including Yanbaru Friends, featuring characters based on Okinawan wildlife. Some adrenaline attractions have restrictions — Dinosaur Safari requires a minimum height of 95 cm (37 inches), and children under 10 need a companion aged 16 or older. Check individual ride requirements before planning.

How much do Junglia tickets cost?

Specific pricing is not confirmed in available sources as of March 2026. Tickets are available through the official Junglia website and vendors like Klook. Check current rates before your visit, and book in advance during peak travel periods.