8 Spots for Parents and Children in Kyushu and Okinawa Area
2023-05-26
Even if you have a long-awaited holiday coming up, it may not be as easy as you think to choose a place where both adults and children can enjoy themselves. It would be a real waste of time to waste time worrying about where to go. In this issue, we have picked up spots in Kyushu and Okinawa that can be enjoyed by the whole family, from adults to children, by prefecture. Please take a look at them for your reference.
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Nagasaki Bio Park
When it comes to places for parents and children to go together, the zoo is the first place that comes to mind. Not only is it a distraction, but it is also a stimulating place to discover and learn about a wide variety of creatures. "Nagasaki BioPark "is favored by many people for its unique approach.
The feature is an ecological exhibition system.
When you visit a zoo, how do you usually interact with the animals? Most of them are in a small space separated by cages or barricades, and you may have the image that it is somewhat cramped for the animals to move back and forth. This is called the "specimen exhibit "method, and has been used in many zoos. In contrast, Nagasaki BioPark uses the "ecological exhibition "method. The idea is not to confine the animals to a space, but to create a comfortable environment for them to live in and for humans to visit. The animals are able to thrive in an environment that is suitable for them, allowing them to be observed in an environment that is closer to their natural ecology.
Direct communication with animals
One of the main features of Nagasaki Bio-Park is its extensive hands-on menu. Visitors can touch the animals throughout the park. In addition, you can feed the animals that are sold in the park. You can experience feeding a variety of animals, but since there are not many opportunities to come in contact with large animals such as hippopotamuses and tapirs in particular, I highly recommend that parents and children give it a try. It is definitely an unforgettable and extraordinary experience.
"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Nagasaki Bio-Park
Address: 2291-1, Nakayama-go, Nishihon-cho, Saikai, Nagasaki 851-3302
Phone number: 0959-27-1090
Opening hours：10:00～17:00 (admission 16:00)
Official website: https://www.biopark.co.jp/
Saga Prefectural Space & Science Museum
Takeo City, which has been thrust into the limelight with the opening of the West Kyushu Shinkansen in September 2022, is home to a facility that is a must for space-loving parents and children. ""The Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum ", nicknamed Yumegiga ", is the perfect place for the whole family to explore the wonders of the vast universe. If you live in the area, why not include it as a potential destination?
Three Permanent Exhibits
As a facility that deals with space, the magnificent wilderness is divided into three zones, each with a different theme to delve deeper into its attractions. "In the Discover Earth zone ", visitors can learn about the Earth's role as a bridge between the universe and our life, and in the "Discover Space zone ", visitors can learn about the solar system and the facilities and history of space exploration through a variety of hands-on experiences and exhibits. "Saga Discovery Zone "has a wide range of exhibits on the geography and biology of Saga Prefecture. Visitors can deepen their knowledge of minerals, fossils, aquatic life, and more.
Observe the real universe from an observatory
The fact that Yumegiga is a museum with its own observatory makes it different from many other astronomy museums. No matter how many exhibits you see, there is no substitute for the excitement of catching a glimpse of the real universe through a telescope. In addition to the "Astronomy Observatory "held every Saturday night, the "Blue Sky Observatory ", which targets the sun and Venus during the day, is also a highlight.
Also check out our workshops!
Visitors to the permanent exhibition are entitled to participate in workshops with a changing menu for a limited time. Visitors can enjoy unusual learning experiences, such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium tanks, which are usually not open to the public.
"Facility Information "
Name: Saga Prefectural Space & Science Museum
Address: 16351 Nagashima, Takeo-cho, Takeo-shi, Saga 843-0021
Telephone number: (0954)20-1666
Official website: https://www.yumeginga.jp/
Minami Shimabara Dolphin Watching
Japan is an island nation surrounded by the sea, as we all know, but there are not many places where you can observe dolphins in the wild. In Minamishimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture, there is a facility called "Minamishimabara Dolphin Watching "that offers just such an experience. This is a must-see destination candidate for animal lovers.
High probability of encountering dolphins at any time
Approximately 200 wild dolphins have been confirmed to inhabit the Hayasaki Strait facing Minamishimabara City. Of course, there is no 100 percent guarantee because we are dealing with nature. Nevertheless, we have a very high probability of seeing wild dolphins because we use a wealth of information and the conditions of the day to identify the points where they are currently living. We set sail in search of dolphins that are somewhere in the ocean.
Pre-dolphin class
If you have come all the way to see dolphins, you will be glad to have the opportunity to learn more than just gazing at them. The time of dolphin watching will be more enjoyable only if you have prior knowledge. You can learn more about the dolphins living in the Hayasaki Strait by listening to the explanation given 10 minutes before the departure time.
Safety measures are also in place
The news of occasional strandings and maritime accidents makes us a little concerned about the safety of participating in such dolphin watching. In this respect, Minami-Shimabara Dolphin Watching can be enjoyed with peace of mind. We take safety measures from the basics, such as safety management of the vessel in accordance with the law, thorough enforcement of the wearing of life jackets, etc., and insurance for all participants.
"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Minami Shimabara Dolphin Watching
Address: Kuchinotsu Port Terminal Building, 4358-6, Hei, Kuchinotsu-cho, Minamishimabara-shi, Nagasaki 859-2504
Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Regular day off: New Year's Day
Official website: https://www.iruka-watching.com/
Tanegashima Space Center
For families interested in space, we have already introduced the Saga Prefectural Space & Science Museum, but for those who live in the southern part of Kyushu or have the budget to travel a bit further, we recommend the Tanegashima Space Center. For those who live in the southern part of Kyushu or are on a slightly longer budget, we recommend the Tanegashima Space Center, which is already well known as Japan's largest rocket launch site.
The most beautiful rocket launch site in the world
With a total area of 9.7 million square meters, the Tanegashima Space Center is said to be the most beautiful rocket launch site in the world, not only because of its size. This is due to the fact that the facilities are scattered among green mountains and the launch pad is located near the tip of a cape surrounded by coral reefs. The beautiful scenery is a great point of interest for the installations.
Authentic quality and atmosphere
As the site of space development, it offers an atmosphere that is distinctly different from the many observatories and science museums that exist. There is a place where rockets and satellites are actually maintained and inspected, a general command center, and an engine test site. Many people will surely find it romantic to see the battlefields of those who challenge space.
"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Tanegashima Space Center
Address: Aza Azazu, Oaza Keminaga, Minamitane-town, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima 891-3793, Japan
Official website: https://www.jaxa.jp/about/centers/tnsc/
Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago "
If you want to enjoy diverse marine life in the Kyushu area, visit "Umitamago "in Oita Prefecture. The facilities are abundant and well-equipped, and you can spend a full day relaxing and learning about the creatures. The variety of jellyfish, tropical fish, dolphins, and sharks is something not to be missed.
Beautiful location surrounded by nature
Umitamago is located in a very scenic location between Mount Takasaki and Beppu Bay. Not only is the space inside the aquarium comfortable, but the open ocean view outside is also an attraction of the aquarium.
playground
The main facility of Umitamago is a large migratory tank in which 1,500 fish of 90 species swim freely. Visitors can immerse themselves in the feeling as if they have stepped into the sea. Another facility that is unique to Umitamago is "Atobi-chi ", a relatively new facility that opened in 2015. It is a very precious experience for both children and adults to be able to interact with sea creatures at close range.
"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago "
Address: 3078-22, Aza Uto, Oaza Kanzaki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture 870-0100
Phone number: 097-534-1010
Official website: https://www.umitamago.jp/
Cape Toi (port city near Tokyo)
If you are looking for a romantic landscape surrounded by magnificent nature, we recommend that you head for Cape Toimisaki in Miyazaki Prefecture. Cape Toimisaki is located at the southernmost tip of Nichinan Kaigan National Park. The tip of the cape juts out into the Pacific Ocean, and the shining white lighthouse there is truly a beautiful sight.
Wild horses roam
It is not a seemingly boring place to just enjoy the scenery. The area around the cape is known to be home to the "Misaki Horse ", which is designated as a national natural treasure. It is said that these horses were originally wild horses used by samurai during the Edo period (1603-1867). Why not view these wild horses, which are rare in Japan, while also taking a guided wild horse tour?
Beautiful sunrise is a must-see
The direction of the cape faces east, so you can enjoy the sunrise in the early morning hours. The sunrise is a very special sight as it seems to rise out of the water of the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular spot, especially lively on New Year's Day.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Cape Toimisaki
Official website: https://kushima-city.jp/toi/
Marinoa City Fukuoka
No parent-child outing should be complete without a shopping spot. "Marinoa City Fukuoka "is Kyushu's largest outlet mall and is large enough that you can walk around and play all day long without getting tired of shopping. It is also easily accessible from the city center, taking only about 20 minutes by car from Hakata Station.
160 stores
As the largest in Kyushu, it goes without saying that we have a wide variety of products to offer. With approximately 160 stores, you are sure to find what you are looking for.
Novolt
Not only is there shopping, but there is also space for children to have fun to the fullest, including playing in one of the largest indoor sports and athletic facilities in the country, called "Novolt ". A day with the whole family will definitely pass by in no time.
"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Marinoa City Fukuoka
Address: 2-12-30, Odo, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 819-0001
Phone number: 092-892-8700
Official website: https://www.marinoacity.com/
Ocean Park
The last park we will introduce is the Ocean Expo Park in Okinawa Prefecture. This national park was established to commemorate the Okinawa International Ocean Expo held in 1975, and has many popular spots within the park. There is such a wide range of things to do that one day is not enough to fully enjoy the park.The charm of Okinawa's beautiful sea is concentrated
The park is a collection of many facilities. The contents are very luxurious, including the nationally known Churaumi Aquarium. After soaking up the pleasant atmosphere at Emerald Beach, how about enjoying lunch at a restaurant overlooking the ocean view? You will want to fully enjoy the crystal clear ocean, nature, and taste sensations that only Okinawa can offer in Japan.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Ocean Expo Park
Address: Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Official website: https://oki-park.jp/kaiyohaku/
summary
How was it? We hope you enjoyed our list of facilities that will stimulate not only your children's interest but also your adult's curiosity. We hope you will take a look at the potential destinations we have introduced and fill your family holiday time with fun memories.
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