Kyushu Theme Park Guide: Conquering African Safari & HarmonylandThe best family travel spots near Beppu, from a safari to the world of Sanrio characters
1. African Safari
Located near Beppu, this is Japan's largest safari park, divided into a Safari Zone where you can meet wild animals up close, and an Fureai (Interaction) Zone where you can touch and feed them.
1) Operation & Fee Information
- Admission: Adult (High school and above) 2,600 JPY / Child (4 years to Junior High) 1,500 JPY
- Jungle Bus: An additional 1,500 JPY per person is charged on top of the admission fee.
- Usage Tip: While tickets are generally sold on a first-come, first-served basis, they are highly likely to sell out on weekends or during peak seasons, so we strongly recommend booking in advance via the official website.
- Private Car Safari: If you have a rental car, you can pay only the admission fee and tour the Safari Zone in your own vehicle.
- Caution: Animals may lick or touch the car, which could cause minor damage. Opening windows or exiting the vehicle is strictly prohibited.
| Category | March 1st ~ October 31st | November 1st ~ End of Feb |
|---|---|---|
| Reception Hours | 08:50 ~ 16:00 | 08:50 ~ 15:30 |
| Closing Time | 16:30 | 16:00 |
2) How to Get There
- Public Transport: Use the local bus from Beppu Station West Exit (900 JPY one-way / 1,800 JPY round-trip).
- Free Pass Recommendation: If you plan to ride the bus 3 or more times in the Beppu area, purchasing the "My Beppu Wide Free Pass" (1,800 JPY) is much more economical.
Discontinuation Notice! The previously sold "African Safari Kippu" (a set including Free Pass + Admission + Bus fare) was discontinued as of February 2025. Please note that you must now purchase tickets for each item separately when planning your travel budget.
💡 TourCast Tip
As the African Safari is located in a mountainous area, the perceived temperature is 2–3 degrees lower than in downtown Beppu. Always bring a light jacket during the changing seasons. Also, if entering with your own car, ensure the child-safety locks are engaged and familiarize yourself with how to use the horn (to call staff in an emergency) for safety.
2. Sanrio Character Theme Park, Harmonyland
Located in Oita Prefecture, Harmonyland is an outdoor theme park where you can meet Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters. It is highly popular among family travelers for its attractions, including roller coasters and daily live shows.
1) Ticket Information & Discounts
- Passport (Admission + Attractions): 3,600 JPY for all ages (Free for under 4 years)
- Foreigner Discount: Present your passport at the ticket booth to receive a 300 JPY discount.
- Birthday Discount: If you visit during your birthday month, present your passport at the Information Center for special benefits.
- Advance Purchase: You can purchase tickets for 1,000 JPY off at Sanrio character shops.
2) How to Get There
If departing from Fukuoka (Hakata Station), the Limited Express Sonic train is the fastest and most efficient way.
- Train: Hakata Station → Get off at Kitsuki Station (approx. 2 hours).
- Bus/Taxi: Take a bus (approx. 10–15 mins, 270 JPY one-way) or a taxi from Kitsuki Station to Harmonyland.
- Caution: Not all Limited Express Sonic trains stop at Kitsuki Station, so you must check the train timetable in advance.
3) Utilization Tips
- Luggage Storage: Paid coin lockers are available at the entrance. Large suitcases can be stored at the Information Center for a fee.
- Train Reservations: If not using the Kyushu Rail Pass, compare the fares between the Hakata–Kitsuki section and the Hakata–Beppu section. Depending on the route settings, discount ticket options (Kyushu Net, etc.) may vary for the same train.
- Operating Hours: Hours vary by season, so you must check the day's performance and parade schedule on the Official Website before visiting.
💡 TourCast Tip
Since Harmonyland is an outdoor theme park, checking the weather beforehand is essential. Also, Sanrio's live shows are highly satisfying, so check the performance schedule you receive at the entrance to plan your route. Seeing Hello Kitty and the characters dancing right in front of you will be an unforgettable memory for adults as well as children!
Exclusive TourCast Tips!
How to go to Harmonyland for less
When booking individual tickets without a Northern Kyushu Rail Pass, here is a pro-tip for saving money depending on your destination setting.
Generally, if you search for "Hakata → Kitsuki Station," a "Kyushu Net Ticket" for 3,490 JPY one-way will appear.
However, if you search for the same train on the "Hakata → Beppu" route, there is a high probability that the "Kyushu Net Hayatoku 3" ticket, which offers a larger discount, will be found.
Note: Not all Sonic trains stop at Kitsuki Station. Therefore, first search "Hakata → Kitsuki" to identify the train number that stops there, then find that same train number when searching the "Hakata → Beppu" route to book your journey more affordably.