Halfway up the winding road from Okinawa¡¯s coast into the rugged, mountainous interior of the northern Motobu Peninsula, you might rightfully wonder if this is actually the right way to Japan¡¯s newest theme park.

For much of the way from the city of Nago, just a pair of two-lane roads lead north through this seldom touristed stretch of the main island of Japan¡¯s southernmost prefecture. The roadside flora will block your view of all but your immediate surroundings, and unlike the common approaches to the country¡¯s other premier amusement parks, there will be little signage, themed decor or other indications that you¡¯re on the correct route.

But then you¡¯ll crest a hill and see something curious poking above the subtropical treetops: the craning neck and crested head of a brachiosaur ¡ª the herald of Junglia.