Located at the foot of the iconic Mount Fuji, Fuji Safari Park in Shizuoka Prefecture is one of Japan’s largest and most popular wildlife parks. Opened in 1980, the park allows visitors to experience the thrill of a safari in a safe and controlled environment, without having to leave Japan. With over 70 species and 900 animals, it offers an up-close and personal encounter with lions, tigers, elephants, bears, cheetahs, and more, all set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji. Unlike traditional zoos, Fuji Safari Park lets visitors drive through large enclosures where animals roam freely, providing a more natural experience for both animals and guests.
How to Reach Fuji Safari Park, Shizuoka
Fuji Safari Park is located in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is easily accessible by train, bus, and car:
- By Train: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima Station or the JR Gotemba Line to Gotemba Station.
- From Gotemba Station: Take the Fujikyu Bus directly to Fuji Safari Park. The ride takes about 35 minutes.
- By Car: If driving, take the Tomei Expressway to Susono Interchange and follow the signs to the park. Parking is available on-site and is free of charge.
Weather at Fuji Safari Park
The park is located in a mountainous area near Mount Fuji, which means the weather can be quite variable.
- Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms make spring a popular time to visit.
- Summer (June to August): Warm and sometimes humid. Afternoon showers are common in July and August.
- Autumn (September to November): Cool and dry with beautiful fall foliage.
- Winter (December to February): Cold with occasional snowfall. Some animals may be less active, but the views of snow-capped Mount Fuji are spectacular.
Timings and Entry Details
Fuji Safari Park is open year-round, though hours may vary slightly depending on the season:
- Operating Hours: Typically from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last safari entry around 3:30 PM)
- Night Safari (seasonal): Available on select dates between late summer and early autumn, usually 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Entry Fee:
- Adults (13 years and older): ¥3,200
- Children (4 to 12 years): ¥2,000
- Children under 4: Free
- Additional fees apply for rental safari buses, jungle buses, or animal feeding experiences.
Why Famous for Fuji Safari Park, Shizuoka?
Fuji Safari Park is famous for being the first and largest safari-style wildlife park in Japan. What sets it apart is the ability for visitors to drive their own cars through the safari zone or ride in special jungle buses with protective cages, getting incredibly close to lions, elephants, zebras, and other exotic animals. It is also one of the few places in Japan where you can hand-feed wild animals safely. The view of Mount Fuji towering in the background adds a breathtaking visual element, making this a unique wildlife and nature experience.
History and Architecture
Fuji Safari Park was established in 1980 and modeled after African safari parks to provide a more humane and interactive setting for animals. The layout of the park was designed to mimic natural habitats, allowing animals to roam in expansive, themed enclosures rather than confined cages. The park includes several themed zones, such as the African Zone, Bear Mountain, and the Small Animal House, each designed with appropriate vegetation, terrain, and shelters.
While there is no traditional architectural structure to speak of like temples or castles, the park’s infrastructure includes large open-air buses with wire mesh, observation decks, animal barns, and educational pavilions designed with safety and accessibility in mind.
Things to Do at Fuji Safari Park
- Drive-Through Safari: Drive your own car through various animal zones or rent a Jungle Bus for a guided tour.
- Animal Feeding: Feed lions, bears, and herbivores from inside the safety of a cage-protected bus or observation area.
- Walking Safari: A separate area where visitors can walk through and see smaller animals like red pandas, lemurs, kangaroos, and more.
- Pony and Camel Rides: Available for children, offering a fun and interactive experience with domesticated animals.
- Petting Zoo: Children can interact with friendly animals like goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
- Night Safari: Seasonal evening tours let you see nocturnal animals in action, adding an exciting twist to your visit.
- Shopping and Dining: Gift shops and restaurants serve local and animal-themed goods and meals, including Mount Fuji-shaped desserts.
Facts about Fuji Safari Park
- The park houses over 900 animals from 70+ species including African lions, Indian elephants, Siberian tigers, and cheetahs.
- It covers approximately 740,000 square meters, making it one of Japan’s largest safari parks.
- Visitors can use English-language audio guides during the safari drive.
- The Jungle Bus is equipped with steel cages and feeding slots to allow safe animal interaction.
- The park participates in global conservation efforts and breeding programs for endangered species.
Tips for Visiting Fuji Safari Park, Shizuoka
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and see animals when they are most active.
- If using public transport, check bus schedules in advance as services can be infrequent.
- Book Jungle Bus or feeding experiences online ahead of time, especially during holidays or weekends.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom lens for the best wildlife viewing and photography.
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes; the weather can change quickly near Mount Fuji.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Gotemba Premium Outlets or Mount Fuji 5th Station.
- There are baby strollers and wheelchairs available for rent at the entrance.
Fuji Safari Park is not just a zoo—it’s a full-day adventure offering close encounters with wildlife, all framed by the majestic Mount Fuji. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family with kids, this park provides an educational, fun, and truly memorable experience in Shizuoka.
