Adventure World

Adventure World is a theme park with a zoo and aquarium in Shirahama that covers several zones and combines rides with animal enclosures. The grounds display species from Africa, Asia and other continents in areas that replicate their natural habitats, while a separate aquarium presents marine life from the region.

The facility opened in 1978 as one of the first in Japan to combine entertainment with animal care and education programs. Over the following decades the operator expanded the grounds several times, adding new enclosures and aquarium sections to accommodate more species.

The facility runs its own breeding program for giant pandas in partnership with Chinese institutions and has successfully raised several cubs. Visitors can watch the animals in enclosures that resemble their natural habitat in the bamboo forests of China, giving them room to climb and feed.

The park opens daily at 10 in the morning and typically closes around 5 in the afternoon, though times may vary slightly depending on the season. Admission covers access to all animal areas, shows and most rides without additional charges.

The facility sits close to the coast and uses this location for a large outdoor pool where dolphins and whales train and perform against a backdrop of open sea. This natural setting sets the shows apart from those in enclosed stadiums and gives visitors the feeling of being closer to the ocean.

Location: Shirahama

Inception: 1978

Official opening: April 22, 1978

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Website: https://aws-s.com/en

GPS coordinates: 33.66775,135.37580

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:34