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Adorable & Unique animal experiences in Japan

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So, you’re a fan of travel and a huge lover of animals. That’s a great combination and opens you up to many opportunities to enjoy both at the same time. I, too, am both, and that’s what inspired this post.

Having spent 3 years living in Japan, and having always been a huge fan of animals, I made it my mission to try to make the most of the various animal experiences that can be enjoyed in the country.

Whether you want to spend some time with native species or some others you may have back home, either way, you’re guaranteed to fill your cup with animal cuteness. Whether you’re exploring during the winter months and hoping to see monkeys in the snow or whether you’d prefer to take a tour to see wild horses grazing through the fields, Japan has a little something for every type of animal lover.

Below, I have created a list of some of the most popular animal experiences throughout Japan to help you pick which ones would suit your trip best!

Country:Japan
Currency:Japanese Yen / JPY / ยฅ
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Not all of these experiences are in populated areas of Japan, and there can be times when you’re in more remote areas where English is not widely spoken.

If you’re nervous about communicating and getting around during your time in Japan, consider getting some language lessons before your trip so you have some of the basics down. Sometimes learning from a native speaker is more effective than learning from a book. That’s why I recommend Preply. I’ve had various tutors who really helped me gain confidence throughout my trips!
With my link you can get 30% off your first trial lesson with a tutor.

Snow Monkeys – Nagano

Quite possibly the most popular animal visitors to Japan like to see, monkeys are a native species to the nation and can be seen in a multitude of places in the wild. Although they are generally shy enough to evade human contact if you try to get too close, there is somewhere you can get a closer look without disrupting their day-to-day activities: Snow Monkey Park.

What exactly is Snow Monkey Park? Well, it is a man-made hot spring using the natural thermal volcanic water from the region, and the wild monkeys love bathing in it, especially during the winter months. Throughout the time since the hot spring was created, it has become one of the top-rated attractions in all of Japan that brings crowds to watch the famous monkeys warm up in the water while snow falls all around them. And now you can go and visit them too!

You can book a tour below:

Flying Squirrels – Nagano

Photos courtesy of: Picchio Wildlife Research Center – The tour company listed below

Another native species found in the Japanese Alps of Nagano is the flying squirrel. With two distinct species in the region, the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel and the Japanese giant flying squirrel, some people travel for miles to try to spot these adorable creatures during their trip.

The Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is exactly how it sounds, small, furry, cute and perfectly cute in every way. They are a staple of the kawaii Japanese aesthetic, and with good reason. The Japanese giant flying squirrel, instead, is a nocturnal animal, much larger than the dwarf species and is considered a yokai, which is a supernatural creature in Japanese folklore.

You can book a tour below:

Bears

Another native animal species in the country, there are two types of bear found here. When it comes to animal experiences in Japan, I’d most like to recommend my readers to visit a bear sanctuary in Hokkaido, instead of trying to find them in the wild. This is because in recent years, the number of bear attacks on humans has risen significantly, and I don’t want to hear of anyone getting harmed because they got too close to them in the wild.

In Honshu and Shikoku, you’ll find the Japanese black bear, whereas the bears you’ll find in Hokkaido are the Ussuri brown bear. At the sanctuary in Noboribetsu, you’ll find many bears that are being cared for (partially in captivity) to help protect their species and educate visitors on bears in Japan.

You can book a tour below:

Planning on spending some time in Hokkaido? Unmissable Day Trips from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan & Mt Usu: Taking the Usuzan Ropeway to the volcano Summit

Birds

Birds are found in every country on Earth, but the specific species can vary depending on the climate and landscape of each region. If you’re a fan of birds and you’d like to experience birdwatching in Japan, two highly rated animal experiences with local expert guides are listed below.

You’ll join a guided tour to find some of the following bird species, including: Hazel Grouse, Japanese Robin, White-backed Woodpecker, and the rare Red-flanked Bluetail, among others. You’ll get the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Hokkaido landscapes of Japan’s cold northern island, while learning about the rare and common bird species that call this region home.

You can book a tour below:

Deer

Deer are found all over the world, but there are two species that are also native to Japan. When looking for animal experiences to enjoy here, you have multiple options to choose from that include spending time with the deer of Japan. The most famous place in the country to see them is at Nara Deer Park, where the deer will wander around and wait to be fed by the visitors, even bowing to show gratitude when people bow to them first.

It’s truly a remarkable place and shows you how the animals have learned to be polite after watching people interact here. If that’s something you’d like to see for yourself, you can head to Nara on a tour below, or if you’re down in Okinawa, you can instead take a ferry to Aka Island and see the wild deer on the beach before sunset.

You can book tours below:

Japanese Dogs

As a huge dog fan (my family even grew up with dogs), I could not create an article about animal experiences if dogs were not included, especially not in Japan. If you’re familiar with dog species, you may already be aware that Akitas and Shiba Inus are two of the nation’s most famous and beloved pet breeds and with good reason. Both are active, smart, and Shibas are even known to be sassy at times.

For those who want to blend traditional Japanese experiences with their love of man’s best friend, the two tours below allow you to get up close and personal and learn about the exciting behaviour of these precious dogs.

You can book tours below:

Cats & Islands

Honestly, when I first heard about Japan’s love of cats, I didn’t expect to find out that there were roughly 15 recognised islands where stray cats roam free, are the main residents of the islands, and live alongside humans. I love cats, but I cannot bring myself to spend too much time on these islands due to my cat allergies (plus I’d rather not spend an entire day sneezing nonstop). I have had a few friends visit the islands I haven’t been able to visit, and they enjoyed their visits.

Outside of the many cat islands, there is also an abundance of cat cafes throughout the country where you can usually purchase a drink and snacks with your entry ticket and then spend a few hours petting the friendly cats that lounge around here.

You can book a tour below:

Foxes

Although there are multiple species of foxes worldwide, there is only one that is native to Japan: the Japanese Red Fox that lives on the Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu islands. Now, although there are quite large numbers of foxes in Japan, they are not often spotted in the wild, and therefore, the likelihood of coming across one during your travels is slim. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t see foxes here, because you can.

If you head to the Miyagi region of Japan, you can visit the Zao Fox Village, where you’ll have the opportunity to see five different fox species roaming free throughout the village and being cared for by the residents. It’s thought of as a sanctuary and is a much-loved tourist attraction where you can see the native fox, arctic fox, silver fox, platinum fox and cross fox, all in one place!

You can book a tour below:

Animal Cafes

There are many different animal cafes that offer unique experiences throughout Japan. Everything from domesticated pet species, animals native to Japan and also animals from other countries that are now here and ready to be enjoyed by visitors. Some of these are unique to Japan, and others are similar to cafes in other countries, too, and there’s really an animal experience for everyone!

If you’re spending some time in one of Japan’s big cities, you’ll find an abundance of options regarding cafes that offer the chance to get close to pigs, owls, cats, capybaras, tortoises, hedgehogs, and more! And if you love animals as much as I do, you’ll find it really hard to leave each one.

You can book a tour below:

Goats

Goats are found all around the world in almost every country, and there is one species that is native to Japan, known as the Japanese serow. It is more of a Japanese goat-antelope hybrid with traits from both species, and they can be hard to find unless you spend time in the “Japanese Alps” around the Nagano Prefecture. It is also known as a national symbol of Japan.

So, although it can be hard to find the serow in the wild, if you’d like to spend some time with friendly goats, you can take some on a walk within Osaka. It’s a cute and low-stress activity that gives the goats and you a fun day out and away from their home at the petting zoo. The staff are really friendly, and those who walk them often get the chance to feed them too.

You can book a tour below:

Capybaras

Another animal that isn’t native to Japan, but is surprisingly a popular one for visitors to see, is the Capybara. They’re a safe and calm animal that resembles giant guinea pigs, which are found in many animal centres and zoos nationwide. If Capybaras are the main attraction you’d like to see, rather than just one animal out of a bunch, you can take a drive to the Cactus Capybara Animal Park, where you’ll sometimes get to see them bathing in the springs and living a life of luxury.

If you’re more interested in animal petting experiences, you can go to a small petting zoo in Izu, Japan, where you’ll spend the day with various small cat breeds and capybaras, which are friendly towards visitors and familiar with being pet. If you’ve never spent time with capybaras, you’ll be pleased to know they’re calm and gentle animals and often don’t run away when people try to get close.

You can book a tour here:

Sea Turtles

One of my all-time favourite animals, sea turtles, can be found in Japan (I had absolutely no idea until I moved to Okinawa). Depending on which part of the country you’re snorkelling or diving in, depends on which species of turtles you’ll be able to see. For example, if you’re down in the “Hawaii of Japan”, which is Okinawa, you may be fortunate enough to see green turtles, loggerhead turtles or hawksbill turtles.

If you’re in the Kerama Islands, you can see turtles on Tokashiki Island, Akashima or Zamami Island. If instead you’re further north in Japan and closer to Yakushima, you’ll likely only get to see loggerheads. You can join the tours below or head independently to these islands and see how many you can spot!

You can book a tour here:

Blueberry Hermit Crab

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I am a little scared of crabs, so this is a tour that isn’t the top of my list, although it is extremely popular for those who visit the Okinawan islands. The unique blueberry hermit crab is exactly what you guessed it would be: blue. As far as animal tours and experiences go, this one doesn’t only focus on the hermit crab but also on the other wildlife found in the jungles of Japan, specifically the southern islands.

A nocturnal creature that likes to explore the tropical jungle landscape during the Japanese night, and you can go and find them with local guides through the islands of Miyakojima and Ishigaki. Although quite large, they also like to hide in the bushes and on the tree trunks, so they are not always easy to spot. Plus, due to both islands having low populations and low light pollution levels, you can enjoy stargazing at the same time!

You can book tours below:

On a different trip to Belize, I got to experience a “hermit crab race”, and it was one of the most unique activities I’ve enjoyed on an island.

Whale Sharks

If you enjoy spending time in the ocean, you’ll probably be pleased to know that there is a tour that allows you to go diving with the beautiful, gentle giant whale sharks in the waters of Japan. As far as animal experiences go, this is certainly one of my favourites in the country. The tour guides offer both diving and snorkelling with whale sharks, although both activities require being dive certified for safety purposes.

This dive activity takes place in Yomitan, Okinawa, so you’ll need to head down to Japan’s most southern prefecture to take part. The whale sharks cannot be touched, already travel to the waters of Okinawa themselves, but the dive instructors will safely take you close by without putting you – or the whales – in harm’s way. It’s an exciting day trip that allows you to enjoy these tranquil animals from a safe distance.

You can book a tour below:

Orcas / Killer whales

Known by two names, the orca (and killer whale) can be found in multiple places around the country, but the best spot to see them is around the waters of Shiretoko National Park in the Hokkaido prefecture. They’re beautiful creatures, although sometimes they have a bad reputation for being aggressive, typically not towards us humans.

While visiting the UNESCO tour, you can sometimes see humpback whales too, and get to enjoy 2-3 days with local experts who take you around the peninsula to spot the animals along their common travel routes. It’s one of the highly rated travel experiences here in Japan, and the chance of seeing more than one orca (or other animal) is quite high compared to other tours in the area.

You can book a tour below:

Hammerhead sharks

I had absolutely no idea you could see hammerhead sharks in the waters surrounding Japan until a friend invited me to go diving to see them. The two main places you can do so are off of Mikomoto Island (near Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, Japan) and Yonaguni Island in the south of Okinawa Prefecture. You’re able to dive with experienced divers who take you to the place where hammerheads congregate in the hundreds.

Now, not everyone can swim in these waters for the hammerhead experience, as only those with an official dive certification are eligible to join. If you have over 300 dives, you can dive in both locations, but be aware that the Yonaguni dive site is for more advanced divers due to the depth and fast currents. However, Mikomoto dive sites are at a shallower depth with slower currents, so it’s easier for those with a little less experience.

You can book a tour below:

Although not specifically hammerheads that you’ll be swimming with, I’ve written about other places you can swim with sharks, including Belize at “Shark & Ray Alley”

Manta rays & Sting Rays

Manta rays and stingrays are some of the most majestic animals in the sea that glide easily through the crystal clear waters, and you can enjoy experiences close to them in multiple places throughout Japan. If you’re near the Chiba Peninsula, you’re more likely to encounter the small red stingray in the wild, whereas if you are down in the southern region of Japan, in the tropical Okinawan islands, you’ll be able to spot manta rays instead.

Ishigaki Island is home to the world-famous Manta Scramble, Kumejima is known for the popular Manta station experience and on the occasion spent on Phantom Island, you might be lucky to spot sea turtles or stingrays – if you visit at the right time of year.

If you’re interested in getting close to stingrays, I wrote a post about my experience in Belize, where I got to feed them on the beach.

Penguins & Polar Bears

So, neither of these animals is native to Japan (and actually they’re not native to any place, together), but they are at one of the most popular zoos in Hokkaido and are the two most popular animal species people travel to Asahiyama zoo to see for top-rated experiences.

Hokkaido is the cold north of Japan with temperatures exceeding -40 ยฐC in winter in Asahikawa, where the zoo is located, so it makes sense to see arctic animals here and learn about them at the same time. It won’t be the same as a wildlife experience that you may be fortunate enough to have with other animals here in Japan, but it’s still a sought-after activity and fun for all the family.

You can book a tour below:

Horses

Horses are typically found all around the world, yet not many places have wild horses roaming free, and even in Japan, they are not found everywhere, but instead just in two general locations: Cape Shiriya in Aomori Prefecture, which is located in northern Japan, and Cape Toi in Miyazaki Prefecture, which is in southern Japan. With one of the tours below, you can go with an experienced guide to see the wild horses in their natural environment while learning about the local region.

If you would like to get some horse riding experience instead, you can join some guided tours through some stunning views of Mt Fuji and the forests near Kyoto. And for those who instead want to watch Japan’s best horse racing on a local track, there’s an opportunity for that too!

You can book tours below:

Multiple Animals

If you’re not sure what type of animal you’d like to see, but you know you want to spend some time enjoying animals of some kind, you could consider heading out to the Kyushu Drive-in Safari Park in Japan for unique experiences. As it says in the name, it is a drive-in experience, so you’ll need to have a car, or at least someone in your group will.

This safari park allows you to pretend you’re not in Japan anymore as you explore the various regions and landscapes. There’s an area dedicated to Asia, and one for Africa, where you get to drive through the different habitats and the animals that “live” there. It’s a great way to spend a day learning about and watching all those majestic animals.

You can book tours below:

If you need to rent a car, I personally recommend Klook Rentals or GetRentACar. You will need an IDP if you don’t have a Japanese licence, which you will need to get from your home country before you travel.

Alligators

Alligators and Crocodiles are not at all native to Japan, which is a relief for those of us who are scared of them. Historically, on the rare occasion, saltwater crocs have found themselves in Japanese waters after being carried by the sea currents, but that hasn’t been recorded for many, many years.

However, if you still have the desire to see some alligators during your visit to Japan, you have the ability to visit the Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden for a day and enjoy seeing them up close. Of course, for reasons relating to safety, you won’t be able to touch them, but you’ll be close and able to see them through fences and glass. It’s an educational animal centre that lets you see other animals native to tropical environments at the same time.

You can book a tour below:

What Animal Experiences Are You Most Excited About?

Hopefully, these animal experiences give you some inspiration for activities to do when you arrive in Japan. Reptiles, Amphibians, mammals and birds are all available to be enjoyed during your visit, depending on which region of the country you choose to travel to.

Need help planning your trip?

Check out how to plan a trip abroad & see my travel resources for more.

Skyscanner – A comprehensive comparison website showing where to purchase flights.
HostelWorld – The biggest selection of hostels & sociable accommodations.
Booking.com – The largest collection of accommodations AND flights worldwide.

Safety Wing – A travel insurance brand for long-term travellers and nomads.

Airalo – An eSIM card company that lets you stay connected during your trip.
Wise – Perfect for transferring foreign currencies.
iVisa – For applying for tourist and visitor visas.

Viator – Great for finding tours and activities worldwide.
Get Your Guide – Another company for finding activities.
Klook – Have some of the best activity deals in Asia.

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