How to Enjoy Adventure World, Nanki-Shirahama

Overview

Adventure World in Shirahama is one of Japan's great combined theme parks — a zoo, aquarium and amusement park rolled into an 800,000-square-metre site with some 36 attractions. It was long famous for its giant pandas; after the last four were returned to China in 2025, the PANDA LOVE building now stands as a warm memorial, while the park's other stars step forward.

Chief among them are the penguins: about 500 birds across eight species — the largest collection in Japan — and the only place in the country where you can see the biggest (emperor) and smallest (little penguin) side by side. Beyond the penguins there is the upgraded 'Smiles' dolphin show, a safari you can tour by narrated train or e-bike, animal-shaped breads at the bakery, and ten open-air 'animal cafés' where you sip a drink beside the enclosures. The original guide also details limited-time ticket campaigns; because those change, check the park's official channels for current offers before you go.