Himeji Central Park is a large leisure destination in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, combining a safari park with an amusement park. Affectionately known by locals as “Hime-Sen,” it offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of all ages, from close-up wildlife encounters to thrilling rides and seasonal outdoor activities.
The safari area features several ways to explore the animal habitats. Visitors can drive through the park in their own cars, join a safari bus tour, or discover the animals on foot along dedicated walking routes. The Sky Safari gondola lift provides another perspective, allowing visitors to look down on the surrounding landscape and observe animals from above.
Seasonal attractions add to the park’s appeal throughout the year. In summer, visitors can cool off at the water park or experience a night safari, while winter brings a dedicated ice-skating rink. Himeji Central Park also maintains an international connection through its sister-park partnership with Nairobi National Park in Kenya.
The safari area, known as West Side Park, offers an opportunity to observe a variety of animals in spacious habitats. The drive-through safari is one of its main attractions, with sections dedicated to carnivores, zebras, and large herbivores. Visitors can see animals such as lions, tigers, and cheetahs from the safety of a vehicle.
The park also offers a walking safari with several themed areas, including Bear Valley, Monkey Mountain, and the Flying Cage. These attractions allow visitors to explore the animal world at a slower pace and enjoy different perspectives on wildlife.
The Drive-Through Safari can be explored in a private car or on a safari bus. Visitors travel through designated animal habitats, observing carnivores and herbivores from the vehicle windows. The experience offers an exciting way to see wildlife at close range while remaining in a protected environment.
The cheetah section is particularly notable for its king cheetah, a rare color-pattern variant characterized by distinctive stripes and blotches rather than the usual pattern of spots. According to the park’s description, king cheetahs are kept at only four zoological facilities in Japan: Himeji Central Park, Tama Zoological Park, Adventure World, and Akiyoshidai Safari Land. This makes the opportunity to see one a special highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.
The safari route includes dedicated areas for lions, tigers, and several groups of herbivores. There are also sections for zebras and large herbivores, offering opportunities to observe a broad range of animals during a single visit. The variety of habitats makes the drive-through safari an appealing experience for both families and animal lovers.
The walking safari, also known as the Wild Kingdom, allows visitors to explore selected animal areas on foot. Highlights include Bear Valley, Monkey Mountain, the Flying Cage, and Walking Avenue. Each area offers a different way to discover animal behavior and habitats, adding variety to the safari experience.
Childs Farm, also known as the Friendly Kingdom, provides opportunities to interact with dogs and small animals. It is especially appealing to younger visitors who want a more hands-on experience than simply observing wildlife from a distance.
Sky Safari is a gondola lift that offers views of the park from above. Its gondolas were relocated from the 2001 Yamaguchi Kirara Expo and are easy to recognize thanks to their distinctive zebra-patterned exterior.
The lift connects the upper and lower stations along a sloping route measuring approximately 317 meters, with a vertical elevation difference of 48 meters. The ride offers a convenient way to enjoy elevated views while traveling between parts of the safari area.
East Side Park is the amusement park section, featuring thrill rides, family attractions, and entertainment for younger children. Visitors looking for excitement can enjoy several roller coasters and high-energy rides, while gentler attractions provide options for families who prefer a more relaxed experience.
One of the park’s major attractions is Venus GP, a large roller coaster relocated from Space World in 2022. Other popular thrill rides include Diablo and Hurricane, which offer fast-paced experiences for visitors who enjoy roller coasters and adrenaline-filled attractions.
The amusement park also features a variety of other activities, including bumper boats, a bazooka-style shooting attraction, Mirana’s Psychological Maze, and the Shocking Horror Museum. With family rides and attractions for younger children as well, there is plenty to explore beyond the major thrill rides.
Aquaria is the park’s seasonal water park, open during the summer. It features a variety of pools and water attractions, providing a refreshing way to spend a hot day. Facilities include a lazy river, a beach-style pool, a children’s pool, a rock pool, and several water slides.
Additional attractions include Surfing Downhill, Rocky River Run, GOGO Slider, UFO Rafting, and Pirate Kids Aquaria. GOGO Slider and UFO Rafting were relocated from Space World and are among the water park’s distinctive attractions. The wide range of facilities makes Aquaria an appealing destination for families and groups seeking summer fun.
Ice Park operates during the winter season and features a full-size ice-skating rink measuring approximately 56 meters by 26 meters. The rink welcomes skating enthusiasts as well as families and groups of friends looking for a seasonal activity. Its limited operating period adds another dimension to Himeji Central Park’s year-round entertainment offering.
Himeji Central Park has restaurants, snack stands, and souvenir shops to support visitors throughout the day. These facilities offer places to take a break between attractions, enjoy a meal, or purchase a memento of the visit.
Dog shows and other entertainment events have also been held in the amusement park area. Visitors interested in bringing pets should check the park’s current rules and event information in advance, as access conditions may vary by facility or activity.
Himeji Central Park was established in 1978 and opened to the public in 1984. It was developed as a distinctive leisure destination for the greater Osaka area, combining a safari-style zoo with an amusement park in a single location. The nickname “Hime-Sen” has become widely used by local residents.
The park experienced financial difficulties in 2002, after which it was transferred to Kamori Kanko. It is currently operated by Japan Park & Resort Co., Ltd. Seasonal attractions, including the summer water park and night safari, as well as the winter ice rink, continue to provide different experiences throughout the year.
Himeji Central Park has a sister-park partnership with Nairobi National Park in Kenya. This relationship reflects the park’s international connections and its focus on wildlife as an important part of the visitor experience.
Himeji Central Park can be reached by bus from JR Himeji Station and Sanyo-Himeji Station. Shinki Bus operates services to the park, and visitors can get off at the final stop, Himeji Central Park, close to the entrance.
Travelers arriving by car can use the Sanyo Expressway and exit at Himeji-Higashi Interchange, approximately five minutes from the park. Other routes include the Bantan Toll Road, with access from Hanada Interchange or Funatsu Interchange taking around 15 minutes, depending on the route and approach road.
Because of its location and the way visitors perceive the journey to reach it, Himeji Central Park has used the playful promotional phrase “Japan’s most distant safari park.” The slogan is intended as a humorous twist rather than a literal statement about geographical distance, giving the park a distinctive identity in its advertising.
The park’s Giant Wheel has its own place in amusement-park history. When it first began operating, it was recognized as the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. It remains one of the park’s memorable landmarks and offers visitors a different way to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
In 2020, Himeji Central Park temporarily closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the closure, the park shared photographs and videos of its animals online, allowing people to enjoy wildlife from home. The initiative was warmly received and promoted as a particularly comforting online experience, helping maintain the connection between the animals and their fans.
Himeji Central Park combines the excitement of a safari with the thrills of an amusement park, making it a versatile destination for families, couples, and groups of friends. Visitors can observe lions and cheetahs, explore animal areas on foot, ride a gondola above the park, and enjoy roller coasters and other attractions.
Seasonal experiences, from summer water activities and night safaris to winter ice skating, provide new reasons to visit at different times of the year. Whether you are interested in wildlife, outdoor adventure, or amusement-park entertainment, Himeji Central Park offers a full day of activities in Hyogo Prefecture.
10:00-17:30 (10:00-16:30 in winter)
*Varies depending on the season.
Closed on Wednesdays
Open on national holidays, spring vacation, summer vacation, September-November, and winter vacation
Adults 3,500 yen
Elementary school student 2,000 yen
Infant 1,200 yen
Pay parking lot
Approx. 30 min. by Shinki Bus from “Himeji Station” of JR Kobe Line and Sanyo Electric Railway, get off at “Himeji Central Park”.
Approximately 5 minutes by car from the Himeji-Higashi IC of the Sanyo Expressway, approximately 15 minutes by car from the Hanada IC of the Bantan Toll Road (via Hanshin Expressway and Himeji Bypass), approximately 15 minutes by car from the Funatsu IC of the Bantan Toll Road (via Chugoku Expressway)