Safari park at the base of Mount Fuji

A day out with wildlife and views of Mount Fuji

The word safari is often associated with the continent of Africa, as many countries in the African continent offer safari tours to see wildlife and nature. Even though Japan is far from Africa, it is home to no less than ten safari parks, a type of drive-thru zoo that simulates an African safari. Visitors to a safari park can see wildlife like lions, tigers, elephants and giraffes.

Each Japanese safari park has their unique features, and I visited Fuji Safari Park, located at the southern base of Mount Fuji, for my first ever safari experience. It is only at this safari park that visitors can see safari wildlife with Mount Fuji - weather conditions permitting - in the background, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. Needless to say, seeing Mount Fuji is not the only attraction at Fuji Safari Park. There are plenty of animals to see, feed and touch at the safari park, enough for visitors to spend at least half a day there.

Lions are apex land predators as they are at the top of the food chain among land animals

Hippopotamuses with a cherry tree in the background. The safari park is a nice place to see some seasonal flora too

The first and most typical way to experience the safari park is to drive your private vehicle through a set course to view the animals at your own leisure. There is no time limit for how long one can spend in the safari zone when traveling in a private vehicle, but one round takes about 50 minutes. Note that windows and doors of private vehicles cannot be opened in the safari zone for safety reasons as the animals roam freely. My initial fear of hungry wildlife destroying my car while driving through was unfounded as the animals were all well fed, and many were more interested in their fellow tribe members and the snack-bearing jungle buses. Nonetheless, it was a novel experience for me to take my car through a safari.

Visitors waiting in line to enter Fuji Safari Park when it opens

A ranger patrol vehicle stationed along the safari course is surrounded by giraffes and zebras

Crouching tiger blends in well with fallen leaves

Rhinoceros are one of the Big 5 in an African safari alongside lions, elephants, leopards and African buffalos

The size of a bison can only be understood when you come close to them. This one was as large as or larger than an SUV

This eland reminded me of the deer in Princess Mononoke

Jungle buses are another way to see the animals in the safari zone. The bus drivers explain about the characteristics of the animals as well as point out those in hiding. Additionally, animal feeding is included in a jungle bus ride. The bus stops at strategic points during the tour, upon which animals will surround the bus in search for food. A jungle bus tour at Fuji Safari Park takes about 50 to 60 minutes, and makes for a nice experience getting close to the animals, albeit through reinforced grills.

Jungle bus boarding point. It is best to make reservations for a spot on the bus as soon as you enter the park as tickets may sell out on busy days

The bus has reinforced grills instead of windows. There is bear on the left

Entering the safari zone in the jungle bus made me feel like I was entering Jurassic Park, especially with the multiple, large reinforced gates

Each group is provided with their box of animal feed

You can feel the animal's breath on your hands when they get close

The animals have come to associate jungle buses with snack time, and will surround it when they see one

In addition to driving and taking a jungle bus at Fuji Safari Park, there is a walking course that runs along the perimeter of the safari zone. The walking course goes through a forest, and takes about 90 to 120 minutes to complete. I was glad to go on the walking course as it allowed me to get some nice, unobstructed views of the animals with neither grills nor window panes in the way. Some highlights included feeding the lions and giraffes, and of course, seeing Mount Fuji.

The walking safari was very pleasant and allowed me to see the animals from a different perspective

The author feeding a lion and lioness, and listening to a lion's roar up close for perhaps the first time

Highlight of the trip was feeding the giraffes. Note that giraffe feeding available on the walking safari, but it is not offered everyday

The fureai zone, an animal observation and interaction area containing a petting zoo as well as an animal village, makes up the other half of Fuji Safari Park. Some easy activities I thought were suitable for all age groups in the fureai zone included feeding the animals and interacting with domesticated dogs, cats and rabbits in comfortable, indoor environments, and riding ponies and miniature horses. All in all, I got to feed capybara as well as kangaroos, pet lots of friendly dogs and cats, and observed the lion cubs. It almost felt like my birthday with all the attention from the animals!

Carriage pony rides as well as miniature horse rides available for children

Children trailing after a capybara to feed it

Kangaroo zone where visitors can feed the kangaroos

Most of the kangaroos there were about the height of a child

In the cat house visitors can interact with and feed cats

Similar, visitors can interact with dogs at the dog house. Some dogs can be seen sleeping comfortably on their humans

As well as feeding the animals at Fuji Safari Park, humans can also feed themselves at the park's restaurants and bakery that serve up a variety of dishes. I visited the main restaurant, aptly named Safari Restaurant, for lunch.

A stone's throw away are the other restaurant and bakery. Bread making is available at the bakery. The activity lets participants make their very own unique animal shaped bread, which takes about 30 minutes for shaping the bread and 60 minutes for baking; participants can explore the rest of the safari while waiting for the bread to be baked. Those who prefer professionally shaped bread can, of course, purchase the perfect ones at the bakery.

Elephant bread; too cute so you have to buy it, but also too cute to eat

Safari Restaurant is one of the main restaurants in the park

Two of their popular items, Mount Fuji curry rice (front) and omurice (back)

Before leaving, I dropped by the souvenir shop to see if there was any exclusive merch. I spotted some edible treats, but the ones that caught my eyes were the plush toys, some of which are exclusive to Fuji Safari Park.

Just like that, I spent almost the whole day at Fuji Safari Park taking in the sights slowly. It is recommend to give yourself at least 3-4 hours to explore the place at a leisurely pace. This is an attraction perfect for all animal lovers big and small, and a great way to spend some time outdoors.

Hours and Fees

Hours are typically from 9:00 to 16:30 (March 11 to October 31) or from 10:00 to 15:30 (November 1 to March 10). Check the online calendar (Japanese only) on the official website for details.

Admission costs 3200 yen for those 15 years old and above, and 2000 yen for children between 4 to 14 years old. Driving through the safari zone in your private car is included in the admission fee.

Additional fees apply for those who want to walk along the perimeter of the safari zone (600 yen per person), take a jungle bus and feed some animals (1500 yen per person, about 50 minutes) or participate in activities like animal feeding, pony riding or entering the domesticated animal houses.

Access

Fuji Safari Park is located on the southern slopes of Mount Fuji. Driving is the most convenient way to access the safari park, and rental car outlets are available from central Tokyo (about 120 minutes' drive one way), Gotemba Station (about 30 minutes' drive one way) and Mishima Station (about 45 minutes' drive one way).

For those who prefer taking public transport, take a local bus bound for Jurigi or Gurinpa from Gotemba Station and get off at Fuji Safari Park. The one way journey takes about 35 minutes and costs 880 yen. There are six round trips a day between Gotemba Station and Fuji Safari Park, and it is recommended to check the bus timetable (Japanese only) beforehand.