
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
1. Kawane Umewakaso
A wildlife center dedicated to the preservation of Japanese macaques. It offers close encounters with these charming primates.
- Unique Breeding Program: Runs a successful breeding program for Japanese macaques
- Interactive Experiences: Offers opportunities to feed and interact with the monkeys
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about these endangered primates
2. Fujieda City Zoo
A zoo that houses a variety of animals including pandas and snow monkeys. It's located near Mount Fuji.
- Mount Fuji Views: Located at the foot of Mount Fuji, offering stunning views
- Panda and Snow Monkey Exhibits: Features rare exhibits of pandas and snow monkeys
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about the animals and conservation efforts
3. Izu Peninsula National Park
A national park offering beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. It's famous for its sea turtles and dolphins.
- Sea Turtle Nesting Sites: Home to several sea turtle nesting sites
- Dolphin Watching: Popular for dolphin watching tours
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hiking trails with breathtaking views
4. Mt. Amagi Quasi-National Park
A park rich in wildlife, particularly birds and wild boars. It offers challenging hikes and scenic views.
- Bird Watching Paradise: Ideal for bird watching with over 200 species of birds
- Challenging Hiking Trails: Offers challenging hiking trails suitable for experienced hikers
- Wild Boar Sightings: Known for wild boar sightings in the forested areas
5. Shimada River Otter Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of Asian river otters. It offers educational programs and guided tours.
- Conservation Efforts: Focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of injured otters
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours to view the otters in their natural habitat
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about the otters and the importance of conservation
6. Oigawa Gorge Railway and Kamikito-machi Wildlife Park
A railway offering scenic views and a wildlife park housing brown bears, deer, and boars. It's a unique blend of nature and culture.
- Scenic Rail Journey: Offers a scenic rail journey through beautiful mountain landscapes
- Wildlife Park: Has a wildlife park with various species of Japanese wildlife
- Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities to learn about local culture and traditions
7. Oku-Izu National Park
A national park offering pristine landscapes, diverse flora, and fauna. It's famous for its hot springs and hiking trails.
- Hot Spring Resorts: Home to several hot spring resorts
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic hiking trails with breathtaking views
- Wildlife Sightings: Known for wildlife sightings such as wild boars, deer, and birds of prey
8. Hamamatsu City Zoo and Inland Sea Aquarium
A zoo with a focus on Japanese wildlife and an aquarium showcasing local marine life. It's a great place for families.
- Japanese Wildlife Exhibits: Features exhibits of various Japanese wildlife species
- Inland Sea Aquarium: Showcases the unique marine life found in the local inland sea
- Family-Friendly Activities: Offers family-friendly activities and educational programs
9. Kunozan Toshogu Shrine and its Forest
A historical shrine located in a forest rich in wildlife. It's famous for its beautiful architecture and sacred deer.
- Historical Significance: An important historical site dedicated to the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate
- Sacred Deer: Home to over 1,000 sacred deer that roam freely
- Wildlife Sightings: Offers opportunities for wildlife sightings such as birds and small mammals
10. Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku
Historic post towns located along the old Nakasendo trail. They offer beautiful landscapes and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Historical Architecture: Preserved Edo Period architecture showcasing traditional Japanese design
- Nature Trails: Offers nature trails for hiking and wildlife spotting
- Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities to experience local culture and customs
11. Kawane-cho Hiking Trail
A hiking trail that offers beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Stunning Landscapes: Offers stunning landscapes with waterfalls and mountain views
- Wildlife Sightings: Known for wildlife sightings such as birds, monkeys, and wild boars
- Nature Trails: Provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the local flora and fauna
12. Mt. Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)
A scenic area surrounding Mt. Fuji with beautiful lakes and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding landscape
- Wildlife Sightings: Known for wildlife sightings such as birds, deer, and wild boars
- Boat Tours: Offers boat tours on the lakes for scenic viewing
13. Shizuoka Sumpu Zoo
A zoo featuring a variety of animals including pandas and big cats. It's one of the largest zoos in Japan.
- Large Zoological Collection: One of the largest zoos in Japan, featuring a wide variety of animals
- Panda and Big Cat Exhibits: Features popular exhibits of pandas and big cats
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about the animals and conservation efforts
14. Izu Shabu Shabu Park
A park offering hot springs, wildlife spotting opportunities, and traditional Japanese cuisine experiences.
- Hot Spring Bathing: Offers hot spring bathing experiences
- Wildlife Sightings: Provides opportunities for wildlife sightings such as deer and monkeys
- Traditional Japanese Cuisine: Features restaurants offering traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly shabu-shabu
15. Shimizu Squid Fishing
A unique experience where you can go squid fishing off the coast of Shimizu. It offers a chance to connect with local culture and sea life.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique cultural experience in traditional Japanese fishing methods
- Sea Life Interaction: Allows interaction with local sea life, particularly squid
- Scenic Coastal Views: Offers scenic coastal views and the opportunity to witness sunrise or sunset