About this tour
When Alex from our team ran this Beppu tour, we headed straight to Kyushu African Safari in the Ajimu Kogen Highlands—a sprawling animal park where lions, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife roam across open grasslands with mountain backdrops. It's a solid half-day option for cruise passengers or Beppu visitors after something different from the usual hot-spring routine. The tour leans heavily on local knowledge: your guide is someone who actually lives in Beppu and shapes the itinerary to what you're keen on, rather than running a fixed script. Five to six hours door-to-door, including park time and driving.
Highlights
- Lions and giraffes genuinely roaming open habitat, not cramped enclosures
- Local guide who adapts the route based on your interests mid-tour
- Ajimu Kogen's highland views frame the safari experience nicely
- Wheelchair accessible throughout—ramps, accessible transport, facilities
- On-board WiFi and bottled water included; no surprise upcharges
- Infant seats and pram-friendly for families with very young kids
- Skip Beppu's famous Hells if wildlife feels more appealing today
What to expect
You'll be picked up and driven into the Ajimu Kogen Highlands, a genuinely scenic stretch of rural Kyushu with open grasslands and clear views. The safari park itself is the centrepiece—you'll spend your time on a wildlife drive or walking through designated areas spotting cats, hoofed animals, and other residents in what feels like proper space rather than a zoo squeeze. The operators have clearly thought about pacing: you're not herded through; instead, the guide reads the group's energy and can linger where interest is highest or skip sections if the light's fading or crowds build up.
Reality check: this isn't African savanna. It's a managed wildlife park in Japan's countryside, professionally run but inevitably more curated than wild. That said, the animals do look well-cared-for, and the highland setting genuinely adds something to the experience. Lunch isn't included, so either eat beforehand or expect to grab something basic nearby. If you're hoping to see Beppu's thermal-spring "Hells" (coloured geothermal pools), those are add-ons and cost extra—plan accordingly.
What travellers say
- Itinerary tweaks live—guide reads the group and pivots if needed
- Full accessibility setup: vehicles, facilities, pram-friendly paths throughout
- Local Beppu guide actually invests in your experience, not script-reading
- Safari animals clearly have proper space; highlands setting adds visual appeal
- Sensible pick-up option for cruise passengers with limited shore time
- Infant-seat availability and family-friendly without being patronising
- Lunch not included; plan eating beforehand or budget extra
- Not wild Africa—curated wildlife park in rural Japan countryside
- Half-day park experience after lengthy drive; tight timing on short visits
- Beppu Hells attractions cost extra if added on; read the fine print
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Local guides genuinely adapt itineraries on the fly, which beats a rigid tick-box tour. If you're mobility-limited, this tour is properly set up—accessible vehicles, accessible park facilities, pram-friendly paths. Families with infants get infant seats without fuss. For cruise passengers with a tight Beppu window, it's a clever alternative to yet another temple or souvenir shop.
It's a private tour, so it costs more than a group departure. Lunch is your own tab—bring cash or plan ahead. If you're expecting wild African conditions, you'll be gently disappointed; this is Japan's take on a safari. The drive to Ajimu Kogen takes time, so the 5–6 hour window is mostly travel plus a 2–3 hour park experience. Peak season (summer school holidays, Chinese New Year) can mean busier park areas.
Bring a hat and sunscreen for the highlands, which can be exposed. Wear comfortable walking shoes—you'll be on your feet a fair bit. The tour includes guide, park admission, fuel, transport, water, and WiFi. Lunch, Beppu Hells admission (if you fancy them), and any snacks are separate costs.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.