When families plan a trip to Kyushu, they often picture serene hot springs or bustling city shopping. However, hidden in the hills of Usa City, Oita Prefecture—just a short drive from the famous hot springs of Beppu—is one of the most exciting experiences for children in all of Japan: African Safari.
Officially known as the Kyushu Natural Zoological Park African Safari, this is not your typical zoo. It is a massive wildlife park where animals roam freely in large zones, and humans are the ones in “cages” (buses or cars). For parents traveling with animal-loving children, this location is an absolute must-visit.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about visiting African Safari with kids, from securing the coveted Jungle Bus tickets to finding the best discounts and navigating the park stress-free.
This attraction is a major highlight of our broader regional guide, The Ultimate Guide to Oita with Kids: Hot Springs, Sanrio Characters, and Safari Adventures, so be sure to check that out for nearby accommodation and activity ideas.
What is African Safari?
African Safari is the largest safari park in Western Japan. It is divided into two main sections: the Safari Zone, which is a 6-kilometer drive-through course, and the Contact Zone, a walk-through area where kids can pet smaller animals.
The appeal here is the proximity. Unlike traditional zoos where animals might be sleeping at the back of an enclosure, the animals here—lions, bears, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs—approach vehicles looking for food (if you are on the Jungle Bus) or simply crossing the road right in front of your rental car.
For families on a multi-day trip, fitting this into your schedule works best when you are already staying in Beppu or Yufuin. If you are following our 7-Day Kyushu Family Itinerary: Fukuoka, Beppu, and Kumamoto by Train, this is an easy day trip from your Beppu base.
The Jungle Bus Experience: Is It Worth It?
The highlight of African Safari is undoubtedly the “Jungle Bus.” These are large buses designed to look like animals (rhinos, lions, tigers) with wire mesh sides instead of glass windows.
Why Kids Love It
The Jungle Bus offers a direct feeding experience. When you board, you are given a tray of food (chunks of meat, carrots, fruit pellets) and a pair of long metal tongs. As the bus drives through the different zones, animals come right up to the mesh.
- Lions & Bears: You feed them raw meat. Hearing a lion crunch a bone inches from your face is a thrill your children will never forget.
- Elephants: You feed them carrots. They use their trunks to sniff out the food and take it gently from the tongs.
- Giraffes & Camels: You get to see their long eyelashes and tongues up close.
Ticket Strategy (Crucial!)
The Jungle Bus is incredibly popular, and tickets cannot usually be reserved online in advance for individual travelers (reservations are often limited to Japanese websites or sell out instantly).
- Arrive Early: On weekends and holidays, Jungle Bus times slots fill up within an hour of opening. You should aim to arrive at the park gate 30–45 minutes before opening time.
- Book Immediately: Once inside, head straight to the ticket counter to secure your bus time.
- The Wait: You might book a slot for 2 hours later. That’s fine—you can explore the “Contact Zone” (petting zoo area) while you wait.
Jungle Bus vs. Your Own Car
If you have rented a car for your Kyushu trip (see our guide: Do You Need a Rental Car for a Family Trip to Fukuoka? for advice on driving in the region), you can drive your own vehicle through the Safari Zone.
- Pros: It is cheaper (no bus fee), you can go at your own pace, and it is private (great for crying toddlers or nursing babies).
- Cons: You cannot open your windows, and you cannot feed the animals. You are strictly observing.
- Our Verdict: Do the Jungle Bus first for the excitement, and if the kids want more, drive your rental car through the course afterward (you can usually drive through as many times as you want with the entrance fee).
The Contact Zone: Hands-On Fun
While waiting for your Jungle Bus slot, or after the tour, the walk-through area provides a more relaxed pace.
- Petting Zoo: There are areas to pet kangaroos (yes, they hop right around you), miniature horses, and guinea pigs.
- Cat & Dog Salons: Unique to Japanese parks, these are indoor “houses” filled with specific breeds of dogs or cats. There is a small extra fee to enter, but for kids who miss their pets back home, spending 20 minutes cuddling a calm cat can be very comforting.
- Miniature Horses: You can experience pony rides (check age/height restrictions on the day).
Logistics: Getting There and Discounts
African Safari is located in a mountainous area, making access slightly tricky without a car, but it is manageable.
Access from Beppu
- By Bus: The Kamenoi Bus runs from Beppu Station (West Exit) to African Safari. The ride takes about 50 minutes.
- Discount Tip: Look for the “Monkey Marine Safari” bus pass or specific round-trip sets at the Beppu Station tourist information center. These often bundle the round-trip bus fare with the park admission fee, saving you a significant amount.
Access by Car
- If you are driving, it is about a 25-minute drive from the Beppu IC (Interchange).
- Navigation: Enter the phone number 0978-48-2331 into your car’s GPS.
Admission Discounts
- Credit Cards: If you are a member of certain Japanese auto clubs (JAF) or have specific credit cards, show them at the ticket booth to check for discounts.
- Convenience Stores: Before heading up the mountain, stop at a Lawson or 7-Eleven. Their ticket terminals (even with limited English) often sell advanced tickets at a slightly reduced rate compared to the gate price.
- Online: Check Klook or other travel activity sites, though availability fluctuates.
Practical Tips for Parents
To ensure a smooth day out at African Safari, keep these tips in mind:
- Weather Matters: The park is in the highlands. It can be significantly cooler than Beppu city center. Bring layers, even in late spring or early autumn. If it rains, the Jungle Bus still runs (it has a roof and plastic flaps), but the Contact Zone becomes difficult to enjoy.
- Food: There are restaurants on-site serving curry (often shaped like animals!) and burgers. However, on busy weekends, lines can be long. We recommend packing a bento or snacks if you have hungry toddlers.
- Strollers: You can use strollers in the Contact Zone, but you must park them in designated areas before boarding the Jungle Bus.
- Toilets: There are plenty of restrooms and a nursing room in the main complex area near the entrance/exit of the Jungle Bus station.
- Timing: Plan for a stay of about 3 to 4 hours. This covers the 50-minute bus ride, lunch, and time in the petting zones.
Combining the Trip
African Safari is rarely a standalone destination; it is usually part of a wider exploration of Oita Prefecture. Most families pair this with a visit to the “Hells of Beppu” (steaming hot spring pools for viewing) or a stay in a traditional Ryokan.
If you are planning a longer route through Kyushu, seeing the animals here contrasts beautifully with the cultural and historical stops elsewhere. For ideas on how to structure your week, our Kyushu Family Itineraries: The Complete Guide to Planning Your 3 to 7-Day Trip offers excellent templates for balancing adventure and relaxation.
If you are starting your journey from the main hub of Kyushu, make sure you are prepared for the initial leg of the trip by reading Fukuoka with Kids: The Ultimate Travel Guide (Food, Transport, Tips).
Final Thoughts
African Safari in Oita offers a level of interaction that is hard to find in Western zoos. The Jungle Bus experience—feeling the breath of a lion and the wet nose of a camel—is something your children will talk about long after the trip ends. While it requires a bit of logistical planning regarding bus tickets and transport, the payoff is a high-energy, memorable adventure in the heart of Kyushu nature.