
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Gifu, Gifu, Japan
1. Takayama-Hida-Gokurakuji Temple Monkey Park
Home to around 200 Japanese macaques, this temple offers a unique opportunity for close encounters with these playful primates.
- Natural Habitat: The monkeys live in their natural forested habitat within the temple grounds.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: A serene Buddhist temple provides a calming backdrop for your wildlife experience.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Takayama city, making it a convenient addition to any travel itinerary.
2. Kiso-Hokuroku Quasi National Park
A vast wilderness area offering hiking trails and a chance to spot brown bears, deer, and various bird species.
- Breathtaking Scenery: Lush forests, picturesque villages, and stunning mountain landscapes make for an unforgettable journey.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: The park is home to a variety of wildlife including brown bears, deer, and many bird species.
- Historical Significance: Follow the ancient Nakasendo Way path, a former trade route connecting Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) through the Kiso Valley.
3. Gero Onsen Gekko no Yado
A luxury hotel offering guided wildlife safaris in the nearby forests, where you can spot black bears, deer, and various bird species.
- Luxury Accommodation: Indulge in traditional Japanese hospitality with exquisite rooms and onsen (hot springs).
- Professional Guides: Experienced guides ensure a successful wildlife spotting experience.
- Safari Packages: Book a safari package that includes accommodation and guided tours.
4. Gifu Park
An urban park in Gifu city featuring a large pond where you can spot Japanese cranes, herons, and various waterbirds.
- City Location: Conveniently located within the city of Gifu.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: The park is home to a variety of waterbirds including Japanese cranes and herons.
- Relaxing Environment: Enjoy a peaceful stroll or picnic amidst the tranquil surroundings of the park.
5. Norikura Kogen
A high-altitude plateau offering hiking trails and a chance to spot brown bears, mountain goats, and various alpine bird species.
- Alpine Landscape: Stunning alpine scenery, including Japan's tallest peak, Mt. Norikura.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: The plateau is home to a variety of wildlife including brown bears, mountain goats, and many bird species.
- Alpine Botanical Garden: Explore the unique alpine plants in the nearby Norikura Alpine Botanical Garden.
6. Gero-Owari National Park
A national park offering hiking trails and a chance to spot black bears, deer, and various bird species in the dense forests.
- Dense Forests: Explore the vast forests of the park on foot or by horseback.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: The park is home to a variety of wildlife including black bears, deer, and many bird species.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites such as the Owariyama Castle Ruins within the park.
7. Hakusan-Shokuseki National Park
A national park offering hiking trails and a chance to spot brown bears, deer, and various bird species in the forests and alpine zones.
- Alpine Landscape: Stunning alpine scenery, including Japan's third tallest peak, Mt. Hakusan.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: The park is home to a variety of wildlife including brown bears, deer, and many bird species.
- Hot Springs (Onsen): Relax in the natural hot springs located within the park.
8. Gujo Hachiman Wildlife Zoo
A wildlife zoo featuring Japanese macaques, black bears, and various bird species, as well as traditional Gujo Hachiman architecture.
- Traditional Architecture: The zoo is built in the style of traditional Gujo Hachiman town.
- Wildlife Exhibits: Explore exhibits featuring Japanese macaques, black bears, and various bird species.
- Educational Programs: Learn about wildlife conservation through educational programs offered at the zoo.
9. Hakusan National Park Alpine Botanical Garden
A botanical garden located within Hakusan National Park showcasing various alpine plants and flowers.
- Alpine Plants and Flowers: Explore over 300 species of alpine plants and flowers.
- Conservation Efforts: Contribute to conservation efforts through the purchase of admission tickets.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore nearby attractions within Hakusan National Park, such as Mt. Hakusan.
10. Mino-Okugaki Quasi National Park
A quasi national park offering hiking trails and a chance to spot brown bears, deer, and various bird species.
- Diverse Ecosystems: The park features diverse ecosystems including forests, wetlands, and alpine zones.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: The park is home to a variety of wildlife including brown bears, deer, and many bird species.
- Historical Sites: Visit historical sites such as the Kiso-Fuji Castle Ruins within the park.
11. Kiso Valley Wildlife Zoo
A wildlife zoo featuring Japanese macaques, black bears, and various bird species, as well as traditional Kiso Valley architecture.
- Traditional Architecture: The zoo is built in the style of traditional Kiso Valley town.
- Wildlife Exhibits: Explore exhibits featuring Japanese macaques, black bears, and various bird species.
- Educational Programs: Learn about wildlife conservation through educational programs offered at the zoo.
12. Gero Onsen Kifune-yu
A hot spring resort offering guided wildlife safaris in the nearby forests, where you can spot black bears, deer, and various bird species.
- Luxury Accommodation: Indulge in traditional Japanese hospitality with exquisite rooms and onsen (hot springs).
- Professional Guides: Experienced guides ensure a successful wildlife spotting experience.
- Safari Packages: Book a safari package that includes accommodation and guided tours.
13. Mino-O Park
A park featuring a scenic waterfall and a chance to spot Japanese macaques and various bird species.
- Scenic Waterfall: Admire the picturesque Mino-O Falls.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: The park is home to Japanese macaques and various bird species.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Nagoya, making it a convenient addition to any travel itinerary.
14. Norikura-Kogen Alpine Botanical Garden
A botanical garden located within Norikura Kogen offering a chance to explore various alpine plants and flowers.
- Alpine Plants and Flowers: Explore over 300 species of alpine plants and flowers.
- Conservation Efforts: Contribute to conservation efforts through the purchase of admission tickets.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore nearby attractions within Norikura Kogen, such as Mt. Norikura.
15. Norikura Snow Fields
A scenic area featuring snowfields year-round and a chance to spot brown bears, mountain goats, and various alpine bird species.
- Year-Round Snowfields: Experience snow even during summer months.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: The area is home to a variety of wildlife including brown bears, mountain goats, and many bird species.
- Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.