one-day tour of Kyushu Zoo in Oita,Ghibli Town & Animal Interaction Tour Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Ride the safari bus through Kyushu African Safari to hand-feed gentle herbivores and observe majestic predators in their naturalistic habitats.

• Climb to the scenic vantage points of Mount Yufu to capture breathtaking panoramic views of Oita's lush, healing landscapes.

• Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Yufuin Floral Village, often dubbed Ghibli Town, to discover quaint handmade shops and aromatic dessert cafes.

Hidden Gems

• Look for the tiny, hidden Ghibli-esque figurines and whimsical wooden signposts tucked away in the corners of Yufuin Floral Village.

• Visit the African Safari park during the early morning feeding times when the animals are most active and the crowds are thinnest.

• Discover the lesser-known footpaths around the base of Mount Yufu that offer serene, uncrowded views of the mountain reflecting in the nearby Lake Kinrin.

What Makes it Special

• The seamless combination of thrilling wildlife encounters and relaxing, fairytale-like village strolls in a single, expertly guided day trip.

• Exclusive access to the safari bus experience, allowing safe, up-close interactions with wild animals that you cannot get on a standard walking tour.

• A stress-free journey with round-trip transportation and a dedicated local guide, eliminating the hassle of navigating rural Kyushu public transit.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Spring from March to May and autumn from October to November offer the most comfortable weather and stunning seasonal foliage around Mount Yufu and Yufuin. To avoid peak domestic crowds and capture the best morning light for photography, joining the tour on a weekday is highly recommended.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Use a zoom lens or your smartphone's telephoto mode on the safari bus to capture detailed, close-up portraits of the lions and tigers without disturbing them.

• Capture the magical, misty atmosphere of Yufuin Floral Village in the early afternoon when the sunlight filters beautifully through the trees and illuminates the quaint cottages.

• Head to the designated viewing platforms on Mount Yufu during the golden hour just before sunset for dramatic, sweeping landscape shots of the Oita valley.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting the rural towns and natural sites of Oita, maintain a respectful volume and avoid picking any wild flora or disturbing the local wildlife. Tipping is not customary in Japan, so a simple, polite thank you is the best way to show appreciation to your guide and local shopkeepers.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Yufuin Bamboo Lantern Festival in autumn transforms the village and Lake Kinrin into a magical, glowing wonderland perfect for evening photography.

• Kyushu African Safari hosts special seasonal feeding events and baby animal meet-and-greets during the spring Golden Week and summer holidays.

• Winter visits offer the rare and breathtaking chance to see Mount Yufu and the Ghibli-style village blanketed in a pristine layer of white snow.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Always keep your hands and arms inside the safari bus at all times, and strictly follow the guide's instructions when feeding the herbivores to prevent accidental bites.

• Stay on the marked trails and designated viewing areas when exploring Mount Yufu, as the terrain can be uneven and steep in unmarked zones.

• Keep a close eye on young children in the animal interaction zones and Yufuin streets, ensuring they do not approach the animals without direct adult supervision.