【Kyushu Edition】5 Wheelchair-Accessible Theme Parks for a Barrier-Free Experience! Enjoy Traveling Even with Disabilities

Many individuals with physical disabilities who use wheelchairs feel anxious about traveling.

According to a survey by the accommodation and hotel booking site "Jalan," 91.7% of people with concerns or disabilities related to their legs and hips want to travel, yet about half of them are unable to do so.

Additionally, a significant barrier for people with disabilities is the uncertainty about whether tourist destinations are wheelchair accessible.

Reference: 91.7% of people with wheelchair or leg concerns want to travel! Is the barrier a lack of information!? Jalan announces survey results on barrier-free travel destinations｜Recruit Lifestyle Co., Ltd.

In this article, we will introduce five recommended barrier-free theme parks and amusement parks in Kyushu that can be enjoyed by wheelchair users, as well as tips for enjoying theme parks in a wheelchair.

1. Five Recommended Barrier-Free Theme Parks and Amusement Parks in Kyushu for Wheelchair Users

1-1. Experience Authentic European Streets and a Variety of Events at "Huis Ten Bosch" in Nagasaki

©Huis Ten Bosch/J-20797

Huis Ten Bosch, located in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is known as "Japan's largest theme park" with an area of 1.52 million square meters. It is a representative amusement park of Nagasaki.

With a concept of medieval European streets, it boasts seasonal flowers and illuminations at night.

Moreover, there are five official hotels within Huis Ten Bosch, allowing visitors to enjoy their stay without worrying about travel time to the hotel.

Regarding barrier-free information at Huis Ten Bosch, wheelchair and electric wheelchair "WHILL Model C2," as well as electric carts, are available for rent.

Additionally, the park is equipped with wheelchair-accessible and ostomate-friendly restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for wheelchair users.

For more detailed barrier-free information about Huis Ten Bosch, please check the official site's barrier-free page for reference.

Reference: Barrier-Free｜Huis Ten Bosch Co., Ltd.

Why not experience the exotic atmosphere at Huis Ten Bosch?

Reference: Huis Ten Bosch｜Huis Ten Bosch Co., Ltd.

1-2. Enjoy the Aquarium in a Wheelchair! Experience Feeding at Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago"

Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago" is a nature-rich aquarium located along Beppu Bay in Oita City.

Highlights include the marine mammal zone featuring walruses, seals, and dolphins, as well as a large circular tank with 90 species and 1,500 fish swimming freely.

Additionally, "Asobeechi," which opened in April 2015 with the concept of "playing with animals × playing with art," allows visitors to see dolphins and penguins up close.

The aquarium strives to keep marine animals in conditions as close to their natural environment as possible, allowing visitors to enjoy the relaxed demeanor of the animals.

The entire facility of Umitamago is designed with universal design and barrier-free considerations, accommodating disabilities and wheelchair use.

A barrier-free map of Umitamago is available, so please refer to the information below.

Reference: Barrier-Free Map｜Umitamago

When visiting Oita Prefecture, why not stop by the disability-friendly aquarium Umitamago?

Reference: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago"｜Marine Palace Co., Ltd.

1-3. Enjoy Seasonal Flowers and Interact with Adorable Animals at "Uminonakamichi Seaside Park"

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a nature-rich national park surrounded by the sea, located in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City.

Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, and in the "Animal Forest," there are corners where you can directly interact with guinea pigs and experience feeding waterfowl, goats, and sheep.

Furthermore, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park features paved paths and revised facilities to ensure easy movement for those using wheelchairs or strollers.

Additionally, the park is committed to universal design, providing usage guidelines for each facility on its official website.

Reference: Universal Design｜Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Universal design aims to create a society where services are designed and provided to be easily accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or disability.

By knowing this barrier-free information in advance, wheelchair users can explore the park without difficulty.

Reference: Uminonakamichi Seaside Park｜Uminonakamichi Management Center

1-4. The Only Place in Japan to See Life-Size Moai Statues Up Close: "Sun Messe Nichinan"

Sun Messe Nichinan, located in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, is the only place in the world where you can see restored Moai statues.

The elders of Easter Island granted permission for the restoration of Moai statues in Japan as a symbol of friendship and service, following the Japanese restoration team's efforts to erect the fallen Moai statues from 1990 over about three years.

The seven Moai statues are faithfully restored, each measuring 5.5 meters in height, including the "Ahu" base, and weighing 18 to 20 tons.

Seeing the Moai statues up close is breathtaking, offering a sense of being on Easter Island while still in Japan.

Additionally, at the "Nanyo Restaurant noa・noa" located in the center plaza of the park, you can enjoy Miyazaki's specialty, chicken nanban.

Sun Messe Nichinan features many slopes, but wheelchair users can utilize round cars, so be sure to take advantage of this option.

Reference: Sun Messe Nichinan｜Sun Messe Nichinan Co., Ltd.

1-5. Meet Sanrio Characters in Oita! "Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland"

Source: Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland｜Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd.

Reference: Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland

Harmonyland, located in Hiji Town, Oita Prefecture, is an outdoor Sanrio theme park.

This facility was established in 1991 as a sister facility to Sanrio Puroland in Tama City, Tokyo, and celebrates its 32nd anniversary this year.

The park features many attractions, including the giant Ferris wheel "Wonder Panorama" and Hello Kitty's castle "Kitty Castle."

In Harmony Village, the parade where popular Sanrio characters sing and dance is a big hit.

As part of its barrier-free initiatives, the park provides guidance to "wheelchair-only spaces" near the entrance and lists attractions that can be accessed on the website.

Reference: For Visitors with Disabilities｜Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland

Harmonyland is equipped with numerous wheelchair-accessible restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors with disabilities.

Reference: Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland｜Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd.

© 2023 SANRIO CO., LTD.

2. Tips for Enjoying Amusement Parks and Theme Parks in a Wheelchair

2-1. Check Transportation and Ticket Booking Methods

It is recommended to book public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes in advance.

Booking in advance can lead to cheaper fares and smoother boarding.

For example, when flying, checking in via smartphone can save you the hassle of checking in at the airport counter, allowing you to go straight to the security checkpoint.

If you are considering traveling by Shinkansen, please refer to this article as well.

Reference: [Beginner's Guide] Tips for Enjoying Travel by Shinkansen in a Wheelchair!

2-2. Consider Using Welfare Taxis for Transportation

Transportation is a major challenge when traveling in a wheelchair.

Public transportation can take time to board, and transfers can be physically exhausting.

Consider using "welfare taxis" as an option.

Welfare taxis are vehicles that support the mobility of people with physical disabilities or limited mobility and can be used for any purpose.

However, please note that reservations are required in advance, and if you request assistance from the driver, additional fees may apply, so be sure to confirm the details before booking.

2-3. Choose Hotels with Barrier-Free Accommodations

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for wheelchair users to enjoy their trip comfortably.

While the number of barrier-free accommodations is increasing, it is not always easy to find barrier-free information for places you haven't visited before.

Ayumi has published an article summarizing useful sites for finding barrier-free hotels, so please refer to it when searching for accommodations.

Reference:

The following article also introduces "Sumiyoshihama Resort Park," which is within an hour's drive from "Umitamago" mentioned earlier.

Reference:

3. In Conclusion

This article introduced theme parks and amusement parks in Kyushu that can be enjoyed by wheelchair users, along with tips for making the most of your trip.

Kyushu is home to many expansive theme parks, such as Huis Ten Bosch, but each offers features that ensure comfortable mobility and enjoyment for wheelchair users.
For those who have hesitated to travel because of being in a wheelchair, why not use this article as a reference to plan a wheelchair-friendly trip?