An Amusement Park in the Mountains of Oita
Beppu in Oita Prefecture is famous for hot springs, but beyond the steam-filled streets of the onsen town lies another type of attraction. High in the hills above the city you will find Kijima Kogen Park, an amusement park that opened in 1967 and has entertained generations of families and thrill seekers. Unlike amusement parks located in busy urban areas, Kijima Kogen offers open skies, mountain scenery, and fresh air, creating a different atmosphere for a day of fun.
The park is not enormous, but with more than 30 attractions it offers enough variety to spend a full day. Its mix of thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, and seasonal events makes it one of the most popular amusement parks in Kyushu. Travelers visiting Beppu often combine a day at Kijima Kogen with a soak in the hot springs, giving their trip a balance of excitement and relaxation.
The Star Attraction: Jupiter Wooden Roller Coaster
The most famous ride at Kijima Kogen is Jupiter, Japan’s very first wooden roller coaster. Opened in 1992, it was the tallest and longest wooden coaster in Asia at the time, reaching a height of more than 42 meters and stretching over 1,600 meters in length. Constructed entirely from imported wood, Jupiter has become a legend among coaster enthusiasts worldwide.
What makes it unique is the feeling of the ride itself. Wooden coasters vibrate, shake, and creak as the train rushes along the track. Unlike smooth steel rides, Jupiter feels raw and thrilling, with every dip and turn amplified by the rumble of the wood. The climb to the top is slow and suspenseful, and when you finally reach the peak you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains before plunging into a series of drops and turns. Even after more than 30 years, Jupiter remains one of the park’s most popular attractions and a highlight of any visit.
Attractions for Families and Children
Kijima Kogen is not only about thrills. Families with young children will find plenty of attractions designed for them. Classic rides such as the Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and bumper cars bring nostalgia, while newer playground areas and character-themed attractions keep kids entertained.
The Ferris wheel deserves special mention. It rises high above the park, offering views of Mount Yufu, Beppu Bay, and the forests that surround the area. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the park and add soft pink colors to the landscape. In autumn, the view from the Ferris wheel includes brilliant foliage in shades of orange and red. Parents appreciate that the park layout is spacious and easy to navigate, with wide paths, shaded benches, and rest areas where children can take breaks.
Thrill Rides Beyond Jupiter
Although Jupiter is the icon of Kijima Kogen, thrill seekers will find more to challenge them. The park has a free-fall tower that drops riders from dizzying heights, spinning coasters that test your stomach, and water rides that are especially refreshing in the summer heat. One of the most popular family-friendly thrill rides is the log flume, which sends boats plunging into water with a giant splash. On humid Kyushu days, visitors often line up for this ride to cool down while having fun.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Kijima Kogen Park is not static. Throughout the year the park hosts special events and decorations that keep it fresh for repeat visitors. In spring, cherry blossoms surround the park and create one of the more unusual hanami experiences in Oita. Riding a roller coaster or Ferris wheel while cherry petals drift through the air is a memory you will not forget.
In summer, the park stays open into the evening and hosts firework shows and illuminations. The cooler highland air makes it comfortable to stroll around at night, and the combination of fireworks bursting above the mountains and the glow of rides below creates a festive mood.
Autumn brings clear air and crisp weather. The foliage in the surrounding hills turns bright red and gold, and from the higher rides you can see a sea of autumn colors stretching to the horizon. Winter is perhaps the most surprising season at Kijima Kogen. The park lights up with winter illuminations, transforming the grounds into a glowing wonderland. Couples and families visit to see the decorations, and seasonal shows create a holiday atmosphere.
Dining and Food Options
Spending a full day at Kijima Kogen means you will want to eat inside the park. There are restaurants serving hearty meals such as curry rice, ramen, and noodles, along with cafes and snack stands selling crepes, ice cream, popcorn, and drinks. Seasonal food stalls appear during festivals and events, offering Japanese fair favorites such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and candied fruit.
Some restaurants use local Oita ingredients, giving you a chance to taste the flavors of the region while you take a break from the rides. Chicken karaage, a specialty of Oita, is sometimes served at park food courts, and local desserts are available at souvenir shops. Picnic areas are also available for those who bring their own food.
Accessibility and Comfort
Although the park is set in the mountains, the pathways are wide and relatively flat, making it easy for strollers and wheelchairs. Shaded benches and rest stops are placed throughout the grounds. English maps are available, and while not all staff speak English fluently, they are used to helping international visitors. Facilities are clean and well maintained, and the open-air mountain setting makes it pleasant even in busy periods.
Who Should Visit Kijima Kogen Park
The park appeals to many different types of travelers. Roller coaster fans come specifically to ride Jupiter, a wooden coaster that is now rare in Japan. Families enjoy the wide range of attractions suitable for children and the safe, open environment. Couples are drawn to the seasonal events, fireworks, and illuminations that create romantic moments. Even solo travelers and road trippers enjoy stopping by for a few hours on their way through Oita, as the park offers a break from cultural sightseeing and hot springs.
How to Get to Kijima Kogen Park
Kijima Kogen Park is located in the highlands outside Beppu. From Beppu Station, the park can be reached in about 15 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes by bus. From Oita Airport, the journey takes around 50 minutes by car or airport bus. From Fukuoka, visitors can take the train to Beppu in about two hours or an express bus in about two and a half hours, then transfer locally.
For road trips, driving is the most convenient option. The park has large parking areas and is easy to reach by car. The drive itself is scenic, passing through green forests and mountain landscapes, making the journey part of the experience. Many travelers plan their day so that after a day at the park, they return to Beppu in the evening for a relaxing soak in the hot springs.
Insider Tips for Visitors
Arriving early is the best way to enjoy popular rides such as Jupiter without long waits. Checking the weather before your visit is important, as outdoor rides may close during heavy rain or strong winds. Plan to spend at least six to eight hours in the park to enjoy the full range of attractions. Summer evenings are highly recommended for the firework shows and cooler weather. Pairing a visit with Beppu’s onsens gives you a perfect balance of fun and relaxation.
Why Kijima Kogen Park is Worth the Trip
Kijima Kogen Park is more than just an amusement park in Kyushu. It is a place where thrill rides meet natural beauty, where families can enjoy safe attractions, and where seasonal changes bring new reasons to visit. Riding Japan’s first wooden roller coaster while looking out across Oita’s mountains, eating local specialties inside the park, or watching fireworks under the summer night sky all create lasting memories.
For anyone visiting Beppu, it is an ideal way to balance the calm of hot springs with a day of excitement in the mountains. Whether you come for Jupiter, for the seasonal events, or simply for the atmosphere, Kijima Kogen Park offers a side of Beppu that goes beyond the onsen and makes your Kyushu journey even more complete.
