Imagine driving your car through vast plains, lions roaming freely just meters away, and feeding a giraffe from a towering bus.
This isn't a scene from a movie; it's a real adventure waiting for you at Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari, often simply called African Safari Oita.
If you're visiting Japan's southern island of Kyushu and looking for a unique, family-friendly activity near the hot spring resorts of Beppu, this is an experience you won't want to miss.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your visit, from the famous Jungle Bus to practical tips for a smooth day.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather. Weekdays are less crowded. |
| Time Needed | 3-4 hours |
| Nearest Station | JR Beppu Station (then a 50-minute bus ride) |
| Price Range | ¥2,700 (Adults), ¥1,600 (Children) for park entry. Jungle Bus is an additional fee. |
| Payment Methods | Cash, Credit Cards |
| Crowd Level | Can be very crowded on weekends and holidays, especially for the Jungle Bus. |
| Accessibility | The main park area is generally accessible, but the safari experience has limitations. |
An Authentic Safari Experience in Japan
Located in the highlands of Usa City, Oita Prefecture, African Safari is Japan’s largest safari park . It offers a rare opportunity to see approximately 70 species of animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, living in a vast, open environment that mimics their natural habitats. Unlike a traditional zoo, here the animals roam freely across large zones, and visitors are the ones who are contained—either in their own vehicles or the park’s special Jungle Bus. The experience feels less like observing animals in enclosures and more like being a guest in their world.
Best Time to Visit
The park is open year-round, but the most comfortable seasons for a visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild. Summer can be hot, while winter may see occasional light snowfall in the highlands. To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for a weekday visit. If you plan to ride the popular Jungle Bus, arriving well before the park opens is highly recommended, as tickets can sell out quickly, especially on weekends and national holidays .
How to Get to African Safari Oita
African Safari is located in a mountainous area, making access a key part of your planning.
By Public Transportation:
From JR Beppu Station’s West Exit, take the Kamenoi Bus bound for African Safari (Bus Stop #41). The journey takes approximately 50 minutes and costs around ¥900 one-way. The bus stops directly in front of the park entrance .
By Car:
Driving is the most convenient way to reach the park. It’s about a 7-minute drive (approximately 6 km) from the Beppuwan Smart IC on the Oita Expressway. The park has a large, free parking lot available for visitors.
The Two Ways to Explore: Jungle Bus vs. Your Own Car
There are two main ways to experience the safari zone, each offering a different perspective.
The Famous Jungle Bus
The Jungle Bus is the park’s signature attraction. These large, caged buses, shaped like lions, rhinos, and other animals, take you on a guided tour through the safari zone. The highlight of this 50-minute tour is the opportunity to feed the animals, including lions, bears, and elephants, directly from the bus using long tongs. This up-close encounter is thrilling and a huge hit with both children and adults. However, its popularity means tickets are in high demand. It is strongly advised to arrive early to secure a spot, as there are no advance reservations available online .
Driving Your Own Car
If you prefer more flexibility or if Jungle Bus tickets are sold out, you can drive your own rental car through the safari park. This allows you to explore at your own pace, spending as much time as you like observing each animal. The course takes about an hour to complete, and you can go around as many times as you wish. While you can’t feed the animals from your car, the experience of having a herd of zebras or a massive rhino walk right past your window is unforgettable. Park staff patrol the area to ensure safety .
What to Do Beyond the Safari Zone
African Safari is more than just the drive-through experience. After your safari, be sure to explore the other areas:
•Petting Zoo & Animal Encounters: Get hands-on with smaller, friendly animals. You can hold guinea pigs, pet miniature horses, and feed kangaroos in a walk-through enclosure.
•Cat & Dog Salon: Spend some time with adorable cats and dogs in a dedicated indoor space.
•Horse Riding: Enjoy a short, guided horse ride for a different view of the park.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
•Arrive Early:
This is the most important tip, especially if you want to ride the Jungle Bus.
•Payment:
While credit cards are accepted, having some cash on hand for smaller purchases like animal food is a good idea.
•Food:
There are several restaurants and food stalls in the main park area offering light meals and snacks.
•Accessibility:
The main park area with shops and restaurants is largely wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, the Jungle Bus requires navigating steps.
•For Families:
The park is extremely family-friendly, with plenty of space for kids to enjoy. The petting zoo is a particular highlight for younger children.
Where to Stay Nearby
Since African Safari is a bit remote, most visitors stay in the nearby onsen towns of Beppu or Yufuin. Both offer a wide range of accommodations and are convenient bases for exploring the region.
•Beppu: Known for itsfamous “Hells of Beppu,” this city has numerous hotels and ryokans, many with their own hot spring baths. It’s a bustling, convenient option with easy bus access to the safari park.
•Yufuin: A more tranquil and upscale hot spring town, Yufuin is known for its scenic lake, art museums, and charming streets. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
Where to Eat Nearby
The park has its own restaurants, but for a wider selection, you’ll find many options in Beppu. Oita is famous for toriten (chicken tempura) and fresh seafood from the Bungo Channel. Driving back towards Beppu, you will find numerous local restaurants along the main roads.
Suggested Mini-Itinerary (Half-Day)
•9:00 AM: Arrive at African Safari. Immediately purchase tickets for the Jungle Bus.
•9:30 AM – 10:20 AM: Ride the Jungle Bus and enjoy feeding the animals.
•10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Explore the petting zoo, walk through the kangaroo enclosure, and visit the Cat & Dog Salon.
•12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Have lunch at one of the park’s restaurants.
•1:00 PM: Depart from African Safari, perhaps heading to Beppu for an afternoon of onsen hopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I buy Jungle Bus tickets in advance?
A: No, Jungle Bus tickets can only be purchased on-site on the day of your visit. There are no online or advance reservations.
Q: Is it better to take the Jungle Bus or drive my own car?
A: It depends on your preference. For the thrill of feeding animals up close, the Jungle Bus is a must. For a more relaxed, flexible experience at your own pace, driving your own car is a great option.
Q: How much time should I spend at African Safari?
A: Plan for at least 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy both the safari zone and the other animal interaction areas.
Q: Is the park accessible by public transport?
A: Yes, there is a direct bus from JR Beppu Station that takes about 50 minutes.
Q: Are there restaurants inside the park?
A: Yes, there are several restaurants and food stalls available in the main park area.
Q: Can I re-enter the park after leaving?
A: Yes, you can re-enter on the same day. This is useful if you want to leave for lunch and come back.
Sources
[1] Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari Official Website
[2] TripAdvisor – African Safari Reviews
[3] Ryosou Makibanoie – Access to African Safari
[4] Chisa na Sekai no Kurashi – How to get on the Jungle Bus
Last updated: February 7, 2026
Sources Checked: Official Website, TripAdvisor, Local Travel Blogs
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