Opposition Grows as “Junglia Okinawa” Nears Opening Despite 600 Billion Yen Economic Impact

A massive project exceeding 600 billion yen

Japan’s first jungle adventure park, Junglia Okinawa, will open on July 25.

The park is set in the Yambaru Forest in Nakijin Village, in the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture, and features over 20 attractions as well as an outdoor infinity bath — with no visible edges around the tub, creating the sensation of merging with the sky and sea — which has been certified by Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind. Covering about 60 hectares (equivalent to 13 Tokyo Domes), the site surpasses the size of both Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

“According to estimates by Professor Emeritus Katsuhiro Miyamoto of Kansai University and Visiting Researcher Shuho Wang of Osaka Prefecture University, Junglia Okinawa is expected to generate an economic impact of approximately 658.25 billion yen in its first year and create around 70,000 jobs. After opening, it’s projected to lead Okinawa’s tourism industry and attract inbound demand, drawing attention as a major project with the potential to influence Japan’s economy,” said a national newspaper’s economics reporter.

However, the path to this point has been far from smooth. When construction began in 2023, many local residents voiced opposition, saying things like, “Building a theme park in a region where rare species such as the Noguchigera (Okinawa woodpecker) and Yanbaru kuina (Okinawa rail) live will harm the ecosystem and lead to environmental destruction,” and “We’re worried about traffic congestion on the roads around the facility.” Although the operating company held explanatory meetings for residents, the issues remain unresolved.

Still, Yu Shiochi of the Japan Amusement Park Society, an expert on theme parks in Japan and abroad, commented, “I don’t believe there are any major problems regarding environmental concerns.”

The key to success

“As for environmental destruction, the fact that the construction site was originally a golf course, and that the environmental assessment confirmed extremely minimal impact, are important points. However, the effects on water resources from large-scale groundwater extraction can’t be ignored.

Regarding traffic congestion on surrounding roads, initially the operating company gained a certain level of trust by repeatedly explaining things to local residents, but in practice, all intersection improvements and related work are being handled by the local government. Normally, either the operating company would manage road improvements, or the municipality would develop the roads beforehand as part of the invitation process — but even simple things like trimming roadside trees are only now being done by Nago City and Nakijin Village.”

While hopes are high that Junglia Okinawa will stand alongside Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium as a twin attraction, many challenges remain.

“The success of Junglia Okinawa hinges on how many inbound tourists it can attract. Improving transportation access will be a major issue. I think it’ll be essential to enhance the convenience of buses from the Naha area, and to create experiences inside the buses themselves that feel like an extension of the theme park,” said Shiochi.