Discover Adventure World’s Beloved Pandas and How to Get Your Tickets

Nanki Shirahama Adventure World, located in Wakayama Prefecture, is a popular theme park that gained nationwide attention in 2020 when the giant panda Fuhin was born. Situated near Shirahama Airport, this well-loved destination features three main zones: the Marine World, where visitors can enjoy captivating dolphin shows and marine animal exhibits; the Safari World, where guests can view land animals up close from a vehicle; and the Amusement Park, offering roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and family-friendly rides. Recognized as one of Wakayama’s top tourist attractions, Nanki Shirahama Adventure World offers fun for all ages—from young children to adults. Here, we’ll introduce the park’s beloved pandas and provide essential information on tickets to help you plan your visit.

1. What is Adventure World

Adventure World is a popular theme park located just a short distance from Nanki-Shirahama Airport in Wakayama, Japan. This expansive park is divided into three main areas: Marine World, Safari World, and the Animal Interaction & Play Zone.
In Marine World, visitors can encounter fascinating marine creatures, while Safari World offers close-up experiences with land animals from around the globe. The Animal Interaction & Play Zone features open spaces where guests can touch and feed animals, along with an amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and more family-friendly rides.
One of Adventure World’s unique charms is that visitors don’t just observe animals from behind glass or walls—they can also meet them up close, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters for all ages.

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2. Giant Pandas at Adventure World

Adventure World is one of Japan’s most famous theme parks where you can meet giant pandas. In fact, there are only three places in all of Japan where you can see these adorable creatures, and Adventure World is among them. It was once home to Japan’s largest panda family. However, in February 2023, the father panda Eimei and his twin daughters, Ouhin and Touhin, born in 2014, returned to China.
Today, you can meet four pandas: Rauhin, Yuihin, Saihin, and Fuhin, who was born in 2020. The park also offers special panda encounter tours and educational tours where visitors can learn more about these rare animals and their conservation. It’s a must-visit for panda lovers and families seeking a memorable wildlife experience.

3. How to Buy Tickets for Adventure World

Adventure World tickets can be purchased online through the official ticket store starting from early in the month before your planned visit.

4. Marine World

Marine World is a must-visit attraction where you can meet fascinating marine animals such as penguins, polar bears, dolphins, and whales. One of the highlights is the “Marine Live” show, where dolphins and whales perform spectacular tricks and synchronized routines.

There’s also a special observation deck that lets you watch dolphins swimming gracefully up close, offering incredible photo opportunities.
Inside the Sea Animal Pavilion, you’ll find polar bears and penguins in carefully designed habitats, giving you the chance to see these amazing creatures in action. Marine World’s charm lies in the way it showcases the lively and natural behavior of sea animals, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

5. Safari World

Safari World offers a thrilling wildlife adventure where you can see both herbivorous animals like zebras and giraffes, and carnivorous predators such as cheetahs and lions. You can explore the park aboard a safari train-like vehicle, cycle through designated paths, or take a jeep tour for an immersive experience.
For those who prefer a slower pace, walking tours are available—perfect for families with young children in strollers. For an even more memorable visit, try the paid feeding tours where you can get up close with animals rarely seen this near, including lions, giraffes, rhinos, and elephants. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife lovers and photographers.

6. Play Zone

The Play Zone is a vibrant amusement park area designed for both children and adults, featuring exciting attractions like a Ferris wheel and a thrilling roller coaster. From the Ferris wheel, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Adventure World, while the roller coaster promises heart-pounding excitement.
In addition to these highlights, there are around 17 different attractions to explore, including carts and a merry-go-round perfect for younger kids, as well as a Kids Park suitable even for infants as young as 0 years old. The Play Zone also offers indoor attractions, making it an enjoyable destination no matter the weather.

7. Animal Encounter & Play Zone

At the Animal Encounter & Play Zone, popular spots like the “Fureai Plaza” and “Fureai no Sato” let you get up close with animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits. Visitors can also enjoy unique experiences like feeding hippos or joining a tour to help walk capybaras.
There’s also the “Wanwan Garden,” where you can interact with dogs and even take them for a walk. For children or first-timers who may be shy around large animals, “Fureai no Sato” offers a gentle introduction with smaller animals like otters. Since the experience is guided by keepers who hold the animals, kids can feel safe and enjoy the moment without fear.

8. Cafés and Restaurants

Adventure World offers a delightful dining experience with eight cafés and restaurants spread across different areas of the park, plus several takeout-only shops. Visitors can enjoy a variety of themed eateries, including a safari-themed restaurant, a seafood spot featuring the fresh marine treasures of Wakayama, and hearty dishes like hamburg steaks, Japanese curry, seafood rice bowls, and soba noodles. For lighter bites, you’ll find sandwiches, waffles, and ice cream perfect for a quick snack.
Some menus are as visually appealing as they are tasty — think adorable panda or giraffe-inspired dishes that are Instagram-ready. Families with small children will love Smile Kitchen, a kid-friendly restaurant equipped with a play area and baby care room for a stress-free dining experience.
Takeout fans will enjoy the park’s unique themed food stalls, including a lion-themed pizza shop, a hippo-themed burger joint with custom buns, and a bakery offering panda-shaped steamed buns — a must-visit for lovers of cute food.

9. Shops and Recommended Souvenirs

Adventure World is also a shopper’s paradise with seven shops offering animal-themed goods inspired by the residents of Marine World and Safari World. The most popular items are giant panda merchandise, so much so that there’s an entire shop dedicated to it called Panda Wagon. At Island, located in the Marine Mammal House, visitors can even stuff their own plush toy to take home — the perfect keepsake.
Top souvenir picks include the beloved Kagerou, a delicate treat of fluffy, crispy biscuits filled with buttercream, and the charming Panda Umeboshi (pickled plums), available in various flavors and individually packaged in adorable panda-themed wrappers — perfect for gifting.

10. Access & Parking Information for Adventure World

If you’re traveling to Adventure World by train, the most convenient route is to take the Kisei Main Line Limited Express and get off at JR Shirahama Station. From there, hop on a local bus, and in just about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at Adventure World. JR West and Adventure World also have a special collaboration—if you’re lucky, you might get to ride a panda-themed “Kuroshio” Limited Express, making your journey even more memorable.
For those driving, simply exit at Nanki-Shirahama Interchange, and you’ll reach Adventure World in approximately 15 minutes. If you exit at Nanki-Tanabe Interchange, it’s about a 30-minute drive. A spacious parking lot is available, and with flat-rate daily parking fees, you can enjoy your visit without worrying about the time.

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Discover Adventure World’s Beloved Pandas and How to Get Your Tickets