Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari

African Safari spreads over a lava plateau north of Mt Tsurumi, in the Ajimu district of Usa, about 50 minutes by bus from Beppu. Around 70 species and 1,400 animals live here, most of them roaming large enclosures along a 6-kilometre safari road: lions, bears, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and herds of deer and bison.

You can drive the road in your own car, but the Jungle Bus is the better ride. It is a bus wrapped in bars; each passenger gets a tray of food and long tongs to feed lions, bears, elephants and grazing animals through the gaps as they crowd against the windows. It costs extra on top of admission and tickets are sold first come, first served on the day, so sign up as soon as you arrive.

After the safari there is a petting zone with small animals and a kangaroo enclosure you can walk into. This is a zoo rather than a ride park, and feeding through cages will not suit everyone. Allow half a day, and pair it with the onsen in Beppu.