Latest news with #JungliaOkinawa
Japan Times
2 days ago
- Japan Times
"Junglia Okinawa" theme park shown to press
Junglia Okinawa, a vast theme park scheduled to open July 25 in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa Prefecture, has been shown to the press. Covering about 60 hectares, the park sits between the city of Nago and the village of Nakijin and was designed around the concept of blending nature with luxury. Its symbol, the Junglia Tree, stands 14.5 meters tall and 12 meters wide. The park features iconic Okinawan trees such as banyans and Erythrina variegata. Another highlight is Infinity Spa, where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of beautiful forests and the sky. Junglia Okinawa also features a zip line that allows visitors to glide through nature and an attraction that makes them feel as if they are being chased by a dinosaur. At the Tropical Oasis restaurant, located next to the spa facility, meals packed with Okinawan ingredients will be served.
3 days ago
- Business
Junglia Okinawa Theme Park Shown to Press
News from Japan Economy Jun 7, 2025 20:39 (JST) Nakijin, Okinawa Pref., June 7 (Jiji Press)--Junglia Okinawa, a large-scale theme park scheduled to open July 25 in the northern part of the main island of Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, was partially shown to the press Friday. Spanning about 60 hectares, the theme park, located between the city of Nago and the village of Nakijin, was built under the concept of nature and luxury. Its symbol, Junglia Tree, is 14.5 meters in height and 12 meters in diameter, featuring signature trees of Okinawa, such as banyan trees and Erythrina variegata. Another highlight is Infinity Spa, where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of beautiful forests and the sky. Junglia Okinawa also features a zip line that allows visitors to glide through nature and an attraction that makes them feel as if they are being chased by a dinosaur. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Asahi Shimbun
15-05-2025
- Business
- Asahi Shimbun
Booming Okinawa marks anniversary amid challenges
Junglia Okinawa, a new theme park expected to boost local tourism, is under construction on May 3 in Nakijin, Okinawa Prefecture. (Tatsuya Shimada) NAHA–Things are looking up for Okinawa's economy thanks to surging tourism as the prefecture marks its 53rd anniversary of its return to Japan on May 15, after 27 years of post-war rule by the United States. However, the long-standing stigma of the heavy U.S. military presence persists, alongside the emerging challenge of a shrinking population. Okinawa has seen a significant rebound from the economic blow of the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 9.95 million tourists visiting the subtropical island in fiscal 2024, according to the prefecture. This marks a 16.6 percent increase from the previous year, the second-highest figure on record after fiscal 2018. The tourism sector is expected to receive a further boost in July with the opening of Junglia Okinawa in the northern part of the prefecture, a new theme park funded by local and national investors. Driven by this recovery, personal consumption has risen and employment figures have improved, prompting prefecture officials to declare for the fourth consecutive quarter that 'economic recovery is gaining strength.' However, the region's overreliance on tourism remains an economic vulnerability, as officials also worry about the effects of overtourism on residents' lives. In addition, Okinawa is now facing a new challenge: a declining population. According to the internal affairs ministry, the prefecture's population stood at 1.466 million as of Oct. 1 last year, marking the third straight year of decline. Depopulation is particularly severe in remote islands and northern parts of the main island, where understaffed local governments are struggling to maintain essential services. Despite the prefecture accounting for less than 1 percent of Japan's total land area, it hosts 70 percent of all exclusively U.S. military facilities in the country. This has led to frequent incidents and accidents involving U.S. service members, including recent sexual assault cases that have sparked outrage among the public and local and prefectural officials. In response, the prefectural assembly unanimously passed formal protest resolutions against both the U.S. military and the Japanese government in July and again this month. In addition, just two days before the anniversary of Okinawa's return to Japan on May 15, 1972, a U.S. military helicopter accidentally dropped a gear bag containing a flammable item in a suspected civilian area, raising fresh safety concerns.
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits travelling to Japan issued warning about five tourism rule changes
If you're planning a trip to Japan this summer, you might want to take note of some new rules that are reportedly set to be enforced on foreign tourists heading to the Asian island Before you set off to Japan this summer, make sure you're up to speed with the latest rule changes that are set to impact tourists. Japan is fast becoming a favourite among holidaymakers worldwide, and over 437,000 UK visitors flocked there in 2024 alone - the highest number in the last decade. While the number of Brits heading to Japan last year may seem small compared to the whopping 17.8 million who jet off to our favourite holiday destination, Spain, those seeking an authentic adventure and complete cultural immersion are placing the Asian island at the top of their must-visit lists. Japan's tourism industry has been on the rise, and according to the Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards, it is the best country to visit worldwide. With the current weak state of the Japanese yen, where £1 will get you 188 yen, Japan has become an enticing destination for even budget-conscious travellers, leading to a significant spike in visits. However, the tourism surge has placed strain on Japanese businesses and attractions, which are seeing rises in overcrowding, littering, and inappropriate behaviour. To combat this, Japan is set to introduce several new regulations that could impact all tourists entering the nation, possibly making your trip pricier. A Japanese local, known as Meowko, posted details about these imminent rule adjustments on TikTok, including plans for a "tourism tax" applicable to anyone not residing in Japan. She said: "The price will be increased only for tourists, which means you have to pay more than locals in Japan. Anywhere you go, anything you buy, literally everything will be more expensive for tourists." This price change was confirmed in a CBC report, which stated Japan is set to introduce a dual pricing system that will see tourists paying more across the board, from eateries to amusement parks. Come July, those wishing to scale Mount Fuji will be charged 4,000 yen (£21) for a climbing permit, twice the figure from last year. In addition, the newly opened nature-themed attraction Junglia Okinawa is asking tourists to fork out 8,000 yen (£42) for a single-day pass, while residents pay just 6,300 yen (£33). But the hike in prices isn't the only shift on the horizon for visitors. Meowko has also revealed that "tax-free" shopping is over in Japan. Tourists will need to pay the full price upfront and seek a tax rebate at the airport when departing. Meowko further suggested that currency exchange could become trickier, although details on how this will be implemented remain vague. She explained: "That's the only thing I have heard from the government. I don't know how they are going to make it more difficult, but more information is coming soon." Additionally, she claimed that certain spots might begin denying access to tourists and mentioned that Japan is considering the introduction of a tourist visa. At present, Brits can visit Japan for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without needing to apply for a visa in advance, as one is granted upon arrival. However, changes to this policy could require you to apply for a tourist visa before your trip, potentially adding an extra expense to your holiday. Travel advice for Japan As per there are several travel regulations you should be aware of prior to travelling to Japan. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, but no additional period of validity beyond this is necessary. You'll also need a blank page in your passport for your visa stamp. Currently, there's no need to apply for a visa before entering the country, as you can obtain one upon arrival. If you require a multiple-entry visa or need to stay for more than 90 days, you should consult with immigration officials. It is prohibited to bring meat products into Japan, including sausages, bacon, and ham, without permission from the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service. While whale meat can be purchased in Japan, importing it into the UK or the EU is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence.
Japan Times
29-01-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Junglia Okinawa theme park to open July 25
Junglia Okinawa, a new theme park in northern Okinawa Prefecture, is set to open July 25, marketing company Katana and others said Tuesday. The roughly 60-hectare park, themed around nature and luxury, will be built on a former golf course straddling the village of Nakijin and the city of Nago. Admission fees for domestic residents are set at ¥6,930 ($44.5), including tax, for a one-day adult ticket and ¥4,950 for a child ticket. Katana is headed by Tsuyoshi Morioka, known as the mastermind behind the turnaround of the Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka Prefecture. According to estimates by experts including Katsuhiro Miyamoto, professor emeritus at Kansai University, the park is seen generating an economic impact of ¥6.8 trillion over its first 15 years and creating some 880,000 jobs. "Developing the northern part of Okinawa is very important for the Japanese government, and the opening of Junglia is of great significance," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at a Junglia-linked event in Tokyo. Junglia will have 22 attractions including "Dinosaur Safari," in which visitors can enjoy the thrill of being chased by a dinosaur. It will also feature restaurants that use Okinawa ingredients and a spa surrounded by tropical plants.
