Travel

New Okinawa Theme Park to Open in July Featuring Dinosaur Escapes

NAHA, Jan 29 (News On Japan) - A new theme park spearheaded by Takashi Morioka, known for his role in revitalizing Universal Studios Japan (USJ), is set to open in Okinawa this July.

During a press conference held in Tokyo, Morioka, credited with planning popular attractions such as the "Harry Potter" area and "Super Nintendo World" at USJ, shared details about the upcoming park. Dubbed "JUNGLIA," the park is being constructed in Okinawa's northern Yanbaru region, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

With the theme of "Power Vacations," JUNGLIA will offer a range of attractions designed to immerse visitors in the island's natural beauty. Highlights include a dinosaur escape experience and hot air balloons providing panoramic views of Okinawa’s sea and forests from 200 meters above sea level.

The park is slated to open on July 25th, with Morioka expressing his enthusiasm, stating, "We aim to make this park the highlight of any trip to Okinawa."

Source: Okinawa News OTV

Why Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) to Near Okinawa Before Tracking East Over Long Weekend

As of the night of October 9, Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) was moving northwest over waters south of Japan. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, at 9 p.m. the typhoon was located about 300 kilometers east-southeast of Minami-Daito Island, traveling northwest at a speed of around 20 kilometers per hour.

Typhoon No. 22 Leaves Hachijo Island Devastated with Roofs Torn Off and Roads Blocked

Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction.

Japanese Teachers Still Work World’s Longest Hours

Elementary and junior high school teachers in Japan still work the longest hours among their peers worldwide, according to an OECD report released on Tuesday. While the 2024 results by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development showed working hours had fallen by around four hours per week compared with the previous survey in 2018, Japan’s teachers still far exceeded their global counterparts.

Beer Shortages Hit Japan's Izakayas

Beer deliveries from Asahi Group Holdings have been disrupted following a ransomware cyberattack, causing shortages that have already begun to affect izakaya and other establishments across Japan. Some bars have reported their beer stock falling to “only one left” as supply chain delays ripple through the industry.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Saitama Ranks Last in Japan’s Prefectural Popularity Rankings

Japan’s annual prefectural attractiveness ranking has placed Saitama Prefecture at the bottom for the first time, surprising even local restaurant owners. Now in its 17th year, the 2025 survey once again crowned Hokkaido as the most attractive prefecture — maintaining its perfect record since the ranking’s inception.

Historic Town of Imai Preserves Edo-Era Streets in Nara

In the heart of Nara Prefecture lies Imai, a town that has miraculously preserved its Edo-era landscape and traditions to this day. Established in the mid-Muromachi period as a temple-based settlement, Imai developed under the same Buddhist sect as Ishiyama Honganji.

The Secret Behind Japan's Imperial Train

During their visit to the Kansai region, the Japanese Emperor and Empress arrived in Kyoto aboard the “Imperial Train,” which operates on a special schedule reserved solely for the Imperial couple. During its operation, no other train is allowed to overtake or run alongside it, ensuring absolute safety and privacy.

Tokyo Rail Derailment Causes Commuter Chaos

Train services on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line remained suspended throughout the day on October 6th following a derailment the previous night, leaving commuters and students stranded and forcing many to queue for hours for replacement buses. In areas along the line, long lines formed at bus stops, and rental electric kick scooters quickly ran out as residents searched for alternative transport options.

Aboard a Japanese Scenic Train | Akita to Aomori along the Sea of Japan

The Resort Shirakami is a remarkable train because it’s available for those with JR Rail Passes! Just make a seat reservation. It takes you through some super scenic areas of Japan’s has a dining car and cafe, entertainment and more! (ONLY in JAPAN * GO)

Bear Family Spotted in Sapporo Neighborhood

A security camera installed at a home in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward captured three bears, including two cubs, walking through a forested area on October 5th, prompting police to heighten their alert.

Driver In Training Behind Tokyu Line Collision That Caused Train Derailment

A collision occurred on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line on the night of October 5th when a local train attempting to arrive at Kajigaya Station in Kawasaki City struck a stationary out-of-service train, causing several cars of the latter to derail. Investigators from the Japan Transport Safety Board arrived at the scene on the morning of October 6th to begin examining the cause of the accident.

Emperor and Empress Visit Kyoto for First Time in Six Years

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Kyoto for the first time in six years to attend an international forum that began on October 5th, where discussions focused on the role and implications of artificial intelligence in society.

< 2 3 4 5 >