Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Ōita, Ōita, Japan
1. Aso-Kujū National Park
Home to active volcanoes and diverse wildlife, this park offers hiking trails and hot springs.
- Volcanic Landscape: Experience the unique volcanic terrain formed by eruptions.
- Wildlife Spotting: Encounter various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
- Hot Spring Relaxation: Relax in natural hot springs found throughout the park.
2. Takachiho Gorge
Stunning gorge with waterfalls and opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially monkeys.
- Waterfall Viewing: marvel at the beauty of the Kalunna-no-taki and Manai-no-taki waterfalls.
- Monkey Encounters: Spot Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) living in the wild.
- Nature Trails: Explore scenic trails offering stunning views of the gorge and surrounding forest.
3. Mt. Kujū Wildlife Observation Deck
Observation deck providing a chance to spot wildlife such as black bears, deer, and boars.
- Black Bear Sightings: Observe brown bears in their natural habitat from the safety of the observation deck.
- Deer and Boar Encounters: Enjoy viewing deer and boars roaming freely in the forest.
- Panoramic Views: Take in breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape from the observation deck.
4. Yufuin Wild Bird Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to the protection and conservation of local bird species.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Experience various bird species up close with binoculars and guides.
- Educational Programs: Participate in educational programs about the local birds and their habitats.
- Nature Photography: Capture stunning photos of these beautiful creatures against the backdrop of the forest.
5. Usa Jingu Shrine Wildlife Area
Wildlife area surrounding a famous Shinto shrine with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Shrine Visit: Visit Usa Jingu, one of the oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and raccoons.
- Nature Walks: Explore the beautiful forest trails surrounding the shrine.
6. Koboyu Onsen Wildlife Park
Wildlife park with a hot spring offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and relaxation.
- Hot Spring Experience: Relax in the natural hot spring while enjoying wildlife sightings.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and raccoons.
- Nature Trails: Explore scenic trails within the park.
7. Hell Valley (Jigokudani) in Aso-Kujū National Park
A geothermal area with hot springs and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Geothermal Phenomena: Witness the unique geothermal phenomena such as fumaroles and mud pots.
- Hot Spring Viewing: Take in breathtaking views of the various hot springs in Hell Valley.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds living in this unique environment.
8. Mt. Takamori Nature Observation Center
Observation center providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic views.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
- Nature Photography: Capture stunning photos of the beautiful landscape and wildlife.
9. Mt. Yufu Natural Park
Natural park offering hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Hiking Trails: Explore various hiking trails with different levels of difficulty.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking panoramic views from the mountain peaks.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
10. Yamaga Onsen Wildlife Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary located near a hot spring offering opportunities for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
- Hot Spring Experience: Relax in the natural hot spring while enjoying wildlife sightings.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
- Nature Photography: Capture stunning photos of these beautiful creatures against the backdrop of the forest.
11. Yoshino Onsen Wildlife Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary located near a hot spring offering opportunities for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
- Hot Spring Experience: Relax in the natural hot spring while enjoying wildlife sightings.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
- Nature Photography: Capture stunning photos of these beautiful creatures against the backdrop of the forest.
12. Mt. Beppu Nature Observation Center
Observation center providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic views.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
- Nature Photography: Capture stunning photos of the beautiful landscape and wildlife.
13. Kokonoe Yume-no-taki Gorge
Gorge featuring a waterfall and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Waterfall Viewing: Marvel at the beauty of the Yume-no-taki waterfall.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
- Nature Photography: Capture stunning photos of these beautiful creatures against the backdrop of the gorge.
14. Usuki Stone Buddhas Park
Park featuring hundreds of stone Buddha statues and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Stone Buddha Statues: Explore the park filled with over 1,500 stone Buddha statues.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
- Nature Photography: Capture stunning photos of these beautiful creatures against the backdrop of the park.
15. Kirishima-Yaku National Park
National park featuring volcanoes, hot springs, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Volcanic Landscape: Experience the unique volcanic terrain formed by eruptions.
- Hot Spring Relaxation: Relax in natural hot springs found throughout the park.
- Wildlife Spotting: Encounter various wildlife species such as deer, monkeys, and birds.