On Friday, July 25, 2025, a new theme park, JUNGLEIA OKINAWA, opened in northern Okinawa!
Set across a vast 60-hectare site, the theme park offers a wide variety of attractions.
This time, we tried Buggy Voltage, one of JUNGLEIA OKINAWA’s most exhilarating attractions, and we’re sharing what the experience was like.
□Buggy Voltage: Basic Information
◇Two Types of Buggy Voltage Courses (Basic Information)
Buggy Voltage has two course options:
① Fun Adventure Course
Riders: Both single-seat and two-seat buggies are available
Experience time: About 15–20 minutes
Age requirements: Single-seat: age 10 or older. Two-seat: passenger age 6 or older; driver must have a standard driver’s license
Weight: Under 120 kg / Single-seat: 132 cm or taller / Two-seat: 12 cm or taller
Course: About 300 m
② Adrenaline Challenge Course
Riders: 2 people per buggy
Experience time: About 15–20 minutes
Age requirements: Passenger age 6 or older; driver must have a standard driver’s license
Height: 120 cm or taller
Course: About 600 m
□Buggy Voltage Experience Report
◇A Thrill That Gets Kids and Adults Shouting with Excitement!
You’ve probably seen movies or TV shows where vehicles race across unpaved roads, mountain trails, forest tracks, gravel roads, grasslands, beaches, and other rugged terrain.
The way the buggy sways dramatically from side to side as it moves is part of what makes the ride feel like an attraction.
You get to ride a buggy that most people rarely have a chance to drive, descend steep slopes, and then accelerate across the course for a powerful off-road experience.
We tried the Fun Adventure Course, where children age 10 and older can ride a single-seat buggy.
For the two-seat version, the driver must have a standard driver’s license, and that is the version we rode.
Being able to ride solo from age 10 gives children the chance to head out on their own adventure, making this a fun and memorable attraction.
The Adrenaline Challenge Course even features a jump ramp, letting you experience the movie-like excitement of launching a vehicle into the air.
It’s the kind of attraction that can make even adults shout and smile without thinking.
◇Solid Safety Measures Are in Place
Before the ride, you put on a helmet properly and get ready to go.
One useful point is that you are allowed to wear a cap under the helmet for sun protection.
Other types of hats cannot be worn, but a cap is permitted, and its brim can also help protect you from the sun.
Glasses and sunglasses are also allowed.
They are secured with a special retainer so you do not have to worry about them falling off during the ride.
If you do not wear glasses or sunglasses, we strongly recommend using goggles to protect your eyes from dust.
A considerable amount of dust gets kicked up by the rear wheels of the buggy in front.
Especially on uphill sections, a large amount of sand can come toward you from ahead.
Clear goggles are available to borrow free of charge, so it is a good idea to get a pair beforehand.
I only realized this after the ride, so if the navigator does not mention it in advance, be sure to ask.
I was not on the driver’s side, so I managed by closing my eyes at times, but it may be much tougher for the driver, so take care.
All belongings must be placed in a dedicated locker before riding, so I recommend hydrating beforehand.
◇Infrequent Drivers Should Be Careful!
Drivers need a standard driver’s license, but people who rarely drive may want to avoid driving the buggy.
Right after the start, there is a slope with a maximum incline of 11.3 degrees, and the path is also quite narrow.
On top of that, there are curves along the narrow roadway.
If you do not usually drive, you will be dealing with an unfamiliar buggy, rough gravel roads, sharp turns, and steep slopes all at once. Treating it like a go-kart can lead to trouble.
The Adrenaline Challenge Course in particular is twice as long and includes a jump ramp along the way.
The jump ramp is 2 m high with a 14-degree incline, making for a demanding experience worthy of the word “Challenge.”
At the corners, the outside edge is set higher than the inside, unlike a normal flat turn, creating a 15-degree bank.
If someone who does not drive regularly chooses this course right away, they will probably become cautious for safety and end up driving very slowly.
That can cut the fun in half and may also make the experience less enjoyable for people in the buggies behind, so keep that in mind.
If you drive every day, even just short distances for shopping, you likely still have a feel for driving. If you are worried, we recommend trying the Fun Adventure Course first.
□Summary
This thrilling buggy experience is different from everyday driving, and when you pick up speed, the rush of wind feels fantastic. We hope you make some great memories!
JUNGLIA OKINAWA’s Main Attraction: DINOSAUR SAFARI—Escape a T. Rex by Jeep
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