Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan
1. Otaru Hills Nature Park
A peaceful urban park with diverse wildlife including red foxes and owls.
- Urban Oasis: Offers a tranquil escape amidst the bustling city of Sapporo
- Diverse Wildlife: Provides an opportunity to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat
- Easy Access: Located just a short train ride from Sapporo city center
2. Shikotsu-Toya National Park
Beautiful park encompassing two caldera lakes known for their clarity.
- Caldera Lakes: Offers unique landscapes with crystal-clear lakes
- Volcanic Activity: Has active volcanoes and hot springs that attract visitors
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation
3. Mt. Iou Wildlife Reserve
A reserve covering a dormant volcano with diverse flora and fauna.
- Dormant Volcano: Offers unique hiking trails through volcanic terrain
- Rare Flora and Fauna: Provides a chance to observe rare species like the brown bear and cranes
- Scenic Views: Boasts stunning panoramic views of surrounding countryside
4. Furepe Swamp
A wetland area known for migratory bird species and marshland plants.
- Migratory Birds: Attracts various species of migratory birds during certain seasons
- Marshland Plants: Features a rich variety of marshland plants and grasses
- Wildlife Observation Hide: Includes a wildlife observation hide for close-up views
5. Otaru Wetlands
Wetlands offering scenic views of the sea and various bird species.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of the Sea of Japan
- Birdwatching: Provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching
- Sunset Walks: Ideal location for sunset walks along the coastline
6. Kuma Kogen Wildlife Park
A park specializing in brown bears and other northern species.
- Brown Bears: Provides close-up views of brown bears in a controlled environment
- Northern Species: Offers opportunities to observe other northern species like the red fox and sika deer
- Educational Exhibits: Includes educational exhibits about wildlife conservation
7. Mt. Shokanbetsu National Park
A park featuring a dormant volcano and diverse alpine flora.
- Dormant Volcano: Offers hiking trails through the dormant volcano
- Alpine Flora: Features diverse alpine flora not found elsewhere
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities for wildlife observation in the alpine environment
8. Mt. Tengu Wildlife Park
A park dedicated to preserving the Ezo red fox and other wildlife.
- Ezo Red Fox: Offers chances to observe the elusive Ezo red fox
- Wildlife Conservation: Focuses on wildlife conservation efforts for endangered species
- Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails through scenic mountain terrain
9. Mt. Yotei Wildlife Reserve
A reserve surrounding a picturesque active volcano.
- Active Volcano: Offers breathtaking views of the active Mt. Yotei
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: Provides a habitat for various species like the red-crowned crane
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Features scenic hiking trails through the volcanic landscape
10. Ishikari Wetlands
Wetlands supporting various bird species and waterfowl.
- Birdwatching: Provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching
- Waterfowl Migration: Supports a variety of waterfowl during migration seasons
- Scenic Views: Offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside
11. Furano Nature Zoo
A zoo dedicated to preserving local wildlife and education.
- Local Wildlife: Features a variety of local wildlife species
- Educational Exhibits: Includes educational exhibits about wildlife conservation
- Family-Friendly Attraction: A family-friendly attraction with kid-focused activities
12. Mt. Eniwa Wildlife Reserve
A reserve protecting the Sapporo deer and diverse flora.
- Sapporo Deer: Provides opportunities to observe the native Sapporo deer
- Diverse Flora: Features a variety of flora adapted to the mountain environment
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hiking trails through the reserve
13. Mt. Akan National Park
A park featuring volcanic lakes and diverse wildlife.
- Volcanic Lakes: Offers unique landscapes with active volcanic lakes
- Diverse Wildlife: Provides opportunities for wildlife observation, including the red-crowned crane
- Onsen (Hot Springs): Features hot springs where you can relax after a day of exploration
14. Mt. Okura Wildlife Reserve
A reserve protecting the Ussuri brown bear and other wildlife.
- Ussuri Brown Bear: Provides opportunities to observe the Ussuri brown bear
- Wildlife Conservation: Focuses on wildlife conservation efforts for endangered species
- Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails through the pristine mountain wilderness
15. Rusutsu Wildlife Observation Center
A center dedicated to observing Ezo red foxes and other wildlife.
- Ezo Red Fox: Offers opportunities to observe the elusive Ezo red fox
- Wildlife Conservation: Supports wildlife conservation efforts for endangered species
- Scenic Views: Located in a scenic area with panoramic mountain views