SAN-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY in Okinawa is a massive shopping paradise packed with fashion and food, and it's great for browsing and shopping.
The biggest surprise inside is the popular yakiniku restaurant Jojoen. You can make reservations online and enjoy premium yakiniku in air-conditioned comfort while taking in views of the blue ocean and dazzling sunset through the large windows—a luxurious meal and breathtaking ocean views all in one!
Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari
The African Safari is the largest safari park in Japan where around 1200 animals of 60 species roam freely in its enormous area. The park is divided into two zones; the “Animal Zone” with its 6km safari road where visitors can get close to the animals from the “jungle bus” and the “Interacting Zone” where visitors can actually touch the animals.
Before setting out, I thought this was an activity meant for kids, but unexpectedly, the adults in our group were just as captivated. Since we were staying in Beppu, we took a bus from the station for about an hour to reach Kyushu Natural Animal Park. If you’re not driving, like me, I recommend buying a package that includes admission and the bus fare from the tourist information center at the station. It’s both convenient and a good value.
The first thing you should do when you arrive is head straight over to reserve a time slot for the popular Jungle Bus feeding experience. While you wait, you can visit the adorable small animal area or the warm and relaxing cat house in the park.
Once I actually boarded the Jungle Bus and ventured deep into the large animal area, the excitement was beyond description. Watching lions, tigers, and giraffes stride over to be fed, and even getting sprayed with saliva by an elephant up close, were astonishing experiences I’ll never forget. This animal kingdom truly exceeded my expectations, and both adults and children can enjoy it. I recommend that animal lovers come experience it for themselves.
SNOOPY Chaya Yufuin
Located in some of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, SNOOPY Chaya offers a unique chance to step into the world of the globally beloved beagle Snoopy and his PEANUTS friends while also experiencing the charm of the local area.
Located at the end of Yunotsubo Street, SNOOPY Chaya is a dream destination that Snoopy fans visiting the area definitely shouldn’t miss.
Not only can you find a dazzling selection of unique souvenirs that are so cute you won’t want to put them down, but best of all, each SNOOPY Chaya location across Japan offers its own exclusive items, making them highly collectible. In addition to shopping, the cafe also serves beautifully presented meals and afternoon tea, making it a great place to sit down and catch your breath when you’re tired from shopping.
It’s not just the items inside that are irresistible. The facade, which blends traditional Japanese architecture with Snoopy elements, is also incredibly photogenic. The moment you step inside, you’re completely surrounded by a soothing atmosphere. If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting around 3 or 4 p.m. for a more comfortable experience.
Yufuin Floral Village
A compact theme park that recreates the streetscapes of the Cotswolds region in the UK, known as a filming location for the movie “Harry Potter,” with a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook. Inside the park, beautiful plants bloom throughout the seasons, and paths lined with stone cottages continue on, with plenty of photo spots scattered throughout.
Stroll along the lively Yunotsubo Street, and you’ll eventually arrive at Yufuin Floral Village, which feels like a fairytale wonderland. Modeled after the famous traditional villages of England’s Cotswolds, it perfectly recreates the cream-colored stone cottages and lush greenery of the English countryside.
As soon as you reach the entrance, you’ll see adorable red squirrels and owls warmly welcoming visitors from around the world. Although the village is small and charming, as you wander through it, you’ll find one uniquely designed themed shop after another tucked away inside. Whether they sell Japanese-style goods, anime merchandise, or cute, comforting items, every shop is full of surprises, making you want to slow down and carefully explore this fairytale-like English street. It’s a little place for taking photos and enjoying a romantic atmosphere from another country.
