JUNGLIA OKINAWA has set April 29, 2026 as the opening date for its new large-scale ride attraction, YAMBARU TORNADO. Located within the park's Jungle Extremes area, the attraction is designed to give visitors—from young children to adults—a shared thrilling experience amid the natural landscape of Yambaru.
YAMBARU TORNADO: A Thrill Ride Among the Valleys and Sky
YAMBARU TORNADO is one of the park's largest ride attractions, featuring a ride diameter of approximately 16 meters. As the ride begins to rotate and tilt, it gradually rises to a maximum height of approximately 20 meters above the Yambaru valley. At the peak, riders are completely inverted, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sky swirling into view with each rotation. The attraction is designed as Okinawa's only thrill-style ride of its kind.
YAMBARU TORNADO Overview
- Attraction Name: YAMBARU TORNADO
- Type: Ride Attraction
- Area: Jungle Extremes
- Ride Diameter: Approximately 16 m
- Maximum Height: Approximately 20 m
- Maximum Capacity: 48 riders
- Eligibility: Age 4 and above, minimum height 120 cm
Designed Around Yambaru's Natural Terrain
Rather than leveling the Yambaru terrain for construction, the attraction's structure was designed to work with the existing landscape. The natural elevation changes of the valley were incorporated as part of the ride experience, and no trees were removed during the installation process. As the ride rotates, the view alternates between the dense green valley below and the open Okinawan sky above, creating a different perspective each time around.
Park Operations Continue to Grow
Since opening in July 2025, JUNGLIA OKINAWA has been steadily improving its operations. Through a range of measures—including streamlined attraction guidance, afternoon-entry ticket options, an app-based lottery system for popular attractions, and crowd distribution strategies—the park has significantly expanded the number of guests it can serve. Attendance over the 2025–2026 year-end period reached levels comparable to the opening weeks, and January 2026 saw a record high in visitor numbers, with wait times substantially reduced compared to the early days of operation.
With these operational improvements in place, the addition of YAMBARU TORNADO—which accommodates up to 48 riders simultaneously—is expected to expand overall park capacity and help distribute guests across more attractions, reducing wait times at other popular areas. During peak periods such as Golden Week and the summer holiday season, the park anticipates being able to raise its current guest limit of around 5,000 and welcome more visitors comfortably.
Construction Progress Report
Construction on YAMBARU TORNADO began in September 2025, and approximately 70% of the work has been completed as of now. Work is proceeding daily toward the April 29 opening.
New Food Menus Using Okinawa Ingredients
Starting April 22, 2026, new food menus will be available at JUNGLIA OKINAWA's dining facilities and food carts, featuring local Okinawa ingredients.
JUNGLIA Course @ PANORAMA DINING
A five-sense course menu using Okinawan ingredients. The main dish, "Shima Beef Wagyu (Hometown Returnee Beef) Roasted with Raw Kelp Sauce," features wagyu born in Okinawa and raised in Kagoshima, served with roasted Okinawan banana.
THE WILD Squid Ink Juicy & Flying Squid @ WILD BANQUET
Juicy (Okinawan rice dish) made with squid ink from Ie Island, topped generously with flying squid from Okinawa. A squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing finish.
Melt-in-your-mouth Beni-Buta Braised Pork Belly Sandwich – Awamori-Style @ FOOD CART
Beni-buta pork—raised on purple sweet potato and known for its tenderness and natural sweetness—is slow-braised in awamori until melt-in-the-mouth soft, then served as a hearty sandwich.
JUNGLIA Tree Salad @ TROPICAL OASIS
Inspired by the iconic JUNGLIA Tree, this protein- and mineral-packed salad is served in an edible vessel. Break apart the vessel and enjoy with an anchovy and cheese dressing.
Show Updates Starting Spring
Popular shows are also set for updates. "JUNGLIA SPLASH FEST" at Breeze Arena, which opens with the sound of sanshin (Okinawan shamisen), will feature enhanced audience participation, with entertainers moving closer to guests to bring the excitement to its peak. A new show, "Cool Down Water Party," is also being introduced, incorporating water-flinging dance moves that have gained attention on social media, offering a fully soaking, liberating experience.
