A trip to Adventure World is a thrilling time to spend with the family. The wild animals encountered in the vast safari, the graceful dolphin show, the peaceful hot springs in the park and the moments when we touched the memories of pandas. Even after the pandas are gone, the diversity of creature fascination in this place remains a healing place to forget about everyday life. Here are my recommendations for the best that Adventure World has to offer, as my family and I discovered on this trip. The excitement of a safari, the elegance of Marine World, resting in a comfortable hotel and fresh local food. This trip is sure to leave a warm impression on your heart. Why not strengthen your special bond in the Shirahama wilderness with your family or loved ones?
Morning safari adventure at Adventure World
On the morning of your arrival at Nanki-Shirahama airport, head straight to Adventure World, which is a 20-minute bus ride away. This vast park is divided into three zones – Safari World, Marine World and Enjoy World – and is a theme park featuring 1,600 animals from around 120 species. On the fall morning of our visit, we first boarded the Kenya Safari bus. Seeing the lions, giraffes and grazing elephants up close, the kids were ecstatic: “It’s like a real safari! They were so excited. My husband and I waved our hands out the window and felt the look in the cheetah’s eyes that made our hearts race. The safari can be joined as many times as you want with a one-day pass and is a great way to experience animal life as a family. At the panda pavilion, the displays of deceased stuffed pandas made us nostalgic, and it was heartwarming to spend time with family looking at old photos. Adventure World is a place where children’s curiosities are satisfied and adults are delighted.
Admission is JPY5,300 for adults and JPY3,300 for children (from 2025). The safari is included in the entrance fee, making it good value for money. The park is open from 9am to 5pm (depending on the season). Check the official website (Adventure World) for opening times and booking information. Fall is cooler and the animals are more active.
Lunch: fresh seafood lunch at a park restaurant
After meeting the animals on safari, head to Ocean Grill, near Marine World, for lunch. This is one of seven restaurants in the park, with a menu featuring fresh seafood from Shirahama. The smell of the sea wafts gently as we enter the bright, wooden-walled restaurant. We order the Kaisen-don set (2,000 yen). Tuna, shrimp and scallops are lined up and the children’s eyes are sparkling with excitement: “It’s like a gem from the sea!” their eyes sparkled. My husband added a salad with locally produced pickled plums and said that the flavor was “refreshing and wonderful”. I was also impressed by the tangy flavor of the plums, which complemented the sweetness of the seafood. For dessert, we shared water ice from the shop to take home and rest on a bench with the family. The food prepared with Shirahama ingredients was an energizing part of the trip. The food in the park is varied and easily adaptable to the family’s tastes.
Open from 10am to 4pm (3:30pm). Please inquire in advance if the garden is very busy. For more information, visit the official website (Adventure World Shops & Restaurants ). Shirahama’s other specialties, dried plums and fruits, are also interesting, but seafood is the best way to cool down after animal viewing.
Evenings: relax in the hot springs at Bay Marine Hotel Resort & Spa.
In the evenings, you can stay at Bay Marine Hotel Resort & Spa, the park’s lodging. The hotel, which is directly connected to Adventure World, has spacious family rooms. These ocean-view family rooms have spacious beds, so you can relax while the kids watch the ocean view from the window. The view of the Pacific Ocean at dusk was the highlight of the trip. We had dinner at the hotel buffet, where we enjoyed Shirahama seafood and local vegetable dishes. The fried prawns and fresh sashimi were a big hit with the kids, who were pleasantly surprised by the plum-flavored dessert. At the breakfast buffet, the freshly baked bread and fruit were impressive. The warm hospitality of the staff was also delightful and they were happy to offer the children an animal quiz. The hot springs are gentle on the skin and the night baths warm the body. As it is directly connected to the park, you can enjoy it late into the night.
Accommodation starts from 30,000 yen per room per night, including two meals. Rooms with hot spring baths are also available. Check the official website (Bay Marine Hotel) for more information. The other hotels in Shirahama are attractive, but the comfort and resort atmosphere of this hotel is outstanding.
Morning: dolphin show and touch experience at Marine World
After breakfast, you can watch the dolphin show at Marine World, which is directly connected to the hotel. The sight of bottlenose dolphins jumping into the large pool is amazing. The kids were thrilled to see the dolphins jumping around. My husband and I clapped our hands. I also felt calm with the graceful movements of the dolphins. After the show, we took part in a special dolphin petting session (3,000 yen extra, reservations required). I was touched by the dolphins’ smooth skin and moved by their reactions when I called their names as a family. Although the pandas were sad to see them go, this kind of interaction created a new bond. The penguin area of the park was also visited and over 200 penguins were seen swimming around. The children had a great time at lunchtime. This area is ideal for families who want to discover the dynamism of nature.
Shows take place several times a day, from 9am to 4pm, by reservation only. Visit the official website (Adventure World Marine World ) for more information. We recommend coming in the morning when the weather is still cool.
Tips for a smooth trip
There are a few things to keep in mind to maximize your trip to Adventure World. First, the transportation used is a 20-minute bus or car ride from Nanki Shirahama Airport. As the park is very large, it’s a good idea to use a pass for multiple safaris. If you are bringing children, check in advance which routes are suitable for pushchairs. The shows at Marine World are very cozy and seating is reserved. Avoid the crowds at Ocean Grill for lunch and arrive by 11am. At Bay Marine Hotel, check the spa rules before checking in for peace of mind. Dolphin petting is popular, so use the official app to book. Check the official website for seasonal events (SUMMER CAMP in summer 2025, open every night from July 18 to August 31) to make your trip more colorful. Don’t forget moisturizer for kids and sun cream.
The harmony between nature and animals at Shirahama makes this family smile. When the children touch the dolphins, they say: “I want to come back again!” was the best thing they could say.
Summary of Private Wisdom
Adventure World trips fulfill the richness and spiritual sensibilities valued by Private Wisdom. The breath of the wild on safari stimulates our intellectual curiosity, while dolphin shows at Marine World give us the pleasure of experiencing the grace of nature with our families. Fresh seafood at Ocean Grill was a warm moment of discovery of Shirahama’s bounty, and hot springs at Bay Marine Hotel gently relieved travel fatigue. With memories of pandas close to our hearts, the bonds we forged with new animals made the trip even more special. You too can discover the serene charm of Adventure World and enjoy a heart-warming journey with your family or loved ones. In the comments, tell us about your favorite experience at Adventure World!
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