shinjuku to fuji safari park

Fuji Safari Park

The Fuji Safari Park (�x�m�T�t�@��p�[�N) is a wildlife park on the southern slopes of Mount Fuji where visitors can take a safari through the simulated habitats of freely roaming animals, including lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, rhinoceroses, zebras and bison. It is one of the largest and most popular safari parks in Japan.

There are multiple ways to explore the park's safari zone: by your own car, by a rental car, by bus or on foot. No additional fee is charged if you drive through the safari zone with your own car . On average, it takes visitors about an hour to complete the course, but the road through the park is broad enough to allow each car to proceed at its personally preferred pace.

Bus tours take about an hour and employ large, caged buses designed to look like the different animals found around the park. During the tour, participants are allowed to feed bears, lions and camels with pieces of vegetables, fruits and meat through the caged windows of the bus. The tours cost an additional 1500 yen per person including food and may sell out on busy days.

Available for rent at the park are 4WD vehicles painted in a striped zebra pattern and equipped with a navigation system to lead you on a self guided tour through the safari zone. The rental fee is 6500 yen, and the vehicles seat up to seven passengers. Along the way you can feed the park's large herbivores, such as camels and gazelles, through the vehicle's caged windows. A valid driving license recognized by Japan is required for renting these vehicles.

Another great way to explore the park is on foot along a 2.5 kilometer nature trail that leads around the safari zone. The trail is open from late March to November and takes about two hours to complete including stops at the various observation decks and blinds along the way where you can look out at the animals in their habitats.

At some of the points along the trail you can purchase food, such as leaves, pellets and raw chicken to feed to the animals. The walking safari costs an additional 600 yen per person and is only for visitors aged four and above. The price for food varies from 100 to 500 yen.

Besides the Safari Zone, the Fuji Safari Park also maintains a regular zoo zone where visitors can see a variety of animals such as red pandas, meerkats, leopards, hippopotamuses and ring-tailed lemurs. It is possible to feed several of the animals (at a small additional cost) or enter their cages, including kangaroos, capybara and squirrel monkeys.

Paid activities include horse cart rides, pony rides and pictures taking with baby animals (if available). There are also cat, dog and rabbit houses and a guinea pig area where visitors can spend time holding and playing with the different animals. The activities vary in price, but typically cost around 500 yen. The safari park also offers multiple restaurants and a well stocked souvenir shop.

Getting there and around

The Fuji Safari Park is located on the southern slopes of Mount Fuji and is connected to nearby train stations by bus . The most frequent route connects the park to/from Gotemba Station every two hours (35 minutes, 780 yen one way). Buses to/from Mishima and Fuji stations are less frequent.

Alternatively, a rental car is recommended to simplify access and use of the safari park. Rental outlets are available around most major railway stations in the area, including Mishima and Gotemba stations.

Hours and Fees

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Links and Resources

Fuji Safari Park

This zoo has a view of Mt. Fuji. You can observe lions and bears at close range by feeding the animals from the Jungle Bus.

Description

This is a zoo where you can see animals freely roaming in the park. The park is divided into two zones: the Safari and the Contact Zones. The Safari Zone is further divided into seven sections: the Bear, Lion, Tiger, Cheetah, Elephant, General Herbivore, and Mountain Herbivore Zones. The animals from all over the world are bred in an environment close to nature and can be observed from the Jungle Bus that you can ride while listening to the guide's explanations. Because the Jungle Buses have no glass windows but enclosed with wire mesh, they are especially attractive as you can encounter fierce animals like bears and lions at a very close distance. The Contact Zone is divided into two sections: the Petting Farm and the Animal Village. You can directly interact with, play with, and feed rare and common animals, so the zone is popular among kids. The Dog House, Cat House, and Rabbit House are indoor facilities convenient to visit on rainy days. You can also view a World Heritage Site, Mt. Fuji, from many places in the park. You can take a bus for 35 minutes from the Gotemba Station on the JR's Tokaido Line or Gotemba Line.

Location Information

Suyama, Susono-shi, Shizuoka character Fujiwara 2255-27, 410-1231

Nearest Station Gotemba Station ･ JR Gotemba Line 35 minutes by bus
Phone Number 055-998-1311 Available languages only in Japanese
Hours Every day 9:00am - 5:00pm
Closed None

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Biggest-in-Japan

Fuji Safari Park: Super Up-Close to Animals at Mt. Fuji's Animal Park!

Fuji Safari Park in the city of Susono in Shizuoka prefecture, is Japan’s largest safari park. Over 50 different species can be found at Fuji Safari Park including lions, cheetahs and zebras. You will be able to see these animals up-close like never before! This article is a deep-dive into Fuji Safari Park, an interactive animal experience like no other in Japan.

What is Fuji Safari Park?

Fuji Safari Park opened in 1980 as the largest safari park in Japan. Its location at the foot of Mount Fuji gives the park an astounding view of the mountain, and over 50 species of animals live freely in the park grounds as they await your arrival.

5 Things to do at Fuji Safari Park

A lion at Fuji Safari Park (Credit: Fuji Safari Park )

One of the biggest attractions at Fuji Safari Park is the Safari Zone, which takes 50 minutes to circle. This part of Fuji Safari Park has a huge variety of 30 different species, ranging from carnivores such as lions and cheetahs, and herbivores like bison and giraffes. The safari zone offers 5 main experiences for its visitors, and all of them are equally exciting!

1. The Jungle Bus

Jungle Bus (Credit: Fuji Safari Park )

The Jungle Bus that takes you through the safari zone, is the safari park's most popular ride. These buses are dressed up charmingly as the animals of the safari zone, and come in 9 varieties resembling tigers, elephants, and more. One trip through the safari zone takes approximately 50 minutes, and gives you an up close view of the animals going about their daily lives.

Instead of glass windows, the bus has wire-netted windows. This not only allows passengers to experience feeding the animals, but at a distance so close that they can feel the animals' breath. This extremely up-close experience with the animals is one that only a safari park can offer.

【Jungle Bus】 [Days/Hours of Operation] The Jungle Bus operates every day: Weekdays - Departs every 30 minutes Weekends & Holidays - Departs every 10 minutes

[Fees] ¥1,300 *paid separately from entrance fees

[Ticket Availability] Sold at the Information Center at the entrance

2. Super Jungle Bus

Super Jungle Bus (Credit: Fuji Safari Park )

The Super Jungle Bus was introduced in 2017. In addition to having wireframe sides like the standard Jungle Bus, the Super Jungle Bus is equipped with a wireframe ceiling. It is the first of its kind to be made in Japan, and is the only kind of experience that shows you lion paws from underneath.

*The Super Jungle Bus is by web-reservation only. Reservations can be made from the official website of Fuji Safari Park )

【Super Jungle Bus】 [Days/Hours of Operation] Every day from: 10:50 a.m., 12:50p.m., 2:40p.m.

[Fees] ¥2,000 *paid separately from entrance fees

[Ticket Availability] By web-reservation only

3. Navigation Car

Navigation Car (Credit: Fuji Safari Park )

On the zebra-striped Navigation Car, you can go off-road in some special areas. By using the tablet, you can freely listen to facts and information about the animals.

The tablet allows you to listen to information on the animals. It even has some safari-themed music for you to play while you enjoy your ride. While on the Navigation Car, you can feed giraffes, mouflons and llamas. The navigation car is a perfect way to experience the safari zone if you are arriving in a group.

【Navigation Car】 [Days/Hours of Operation] Navigation cars are in Operation every day Weekdays: Every 30 minutes Weekends: Every 10 ~ 15 minutes

[Fees] ¥5,000 per car (5 seats / 7 seats) *paid separately from entrance fee

4. My-Car Safari

My Car Safari (Credit: Fuji Safari Park )

If you drove to Fuji Safari Park, you can go on ahead and enter the safari zone in your own car! Entering in your own car is free, and you are allowed to enter as many times as you want. This is perfect for anybody who wants to take their time, and enjoy the safari park to their heart's content.

However, entering the park with your own car is at your own risk. While the park staff are always ready to help in the case of happenings, but do note that any damages caused by the animals to your car, are not insured by Fuji Safari Park.

5. Night Safari

Night Safari (Credit: Fuji Safari Park )

Every year between April and October, the Night Safari event in the Safari Zone is held. The Safari Zone is lit up at night, and is open for tours as per usual via Jungle Bus, Navigation Car, or My-Car.

During the Night Safari, the nocturnal animals that tend to be docile in the daytime, are much more active. Animals like the lion and amur tiger can only be seen like this during the Night Safari, making it a great experience.

Other Sights to See

Petting zone.

Safari Derby

At the petting zone, you get a chance to feed and interact with the cute animals. Inside, there is a petting zone, food station, dog area, cat area, and rabbit area. The main attraction is the miniature derby race! If you vote for the winning horse, you get a prize!

[Safari Derby] Open: Sat/Sun/Holidays Time: 12:30pm Fees: 100 JPY per ticket Where to purchase tickets: Miniature ranch from 12:00pm

Baby Animals!

Baby Meerkat (Credit: Fuji Safari Park )

Fuji Safari Park allows visitors to see baby animals. The baby animals, like the baby meerkat shown above, are tiny and adorable, and are usually seen cuddling with their mothers. You can check online for when the baby animal viewings are held.

Seeing Mount Fuji from Fuji Safari Park

Safari Zone (Credit: Fuji Safari Park )

Since Fuji Safari Park is located so close to Mount Fuji, the mountain can be seen from most areas of the park. The view of Mount Fuji is especially beautiful from the Safari Zone, since you can see the roaming safari animals and the mountain all in one sight.

Safari Shop

Safari Shop (Credit: Fuji Safari Park )

For safari souvenirs, visit the Safari Shop! Located in the Fureai Zone, the Safari Shop provides Fuji Safari Park original souvenirs, traditional African crafts and more.

Nearest station: Fuji Safari Park (Bus Stop)

From Shinjuku Station

【Shinjuku Sta.】Odakyu Romance Car Limited Express / for Hakone →【Gotemba Sta.】Fujikyu Local Bus / for Jurigi or Gurinpa →【Fuji Safari Park Bus Stop】

From Tokyo Station

【Tokyo Sta.】JR Chuo Line Rapid Service / for Shinjuku →【Shinjuku Sta.】Odakyu Romance Car Limited Express / for Hakone →【Gotemba Sta.】Fujikyu Local Bus / for Jurigi or Gurinpa →【Fuji Safari Park Bus Stop】

From Shizuoka Station

【Shizuoka Sta.】JR Tokaido Main Line / for Atami →【Numazu Sta.】JR Gotemba Line / for Gotemba →【Gotemba Sta.】Fujikyu Local Bus / for Jurigi or Gurinpa →【Fuji Safari Park Bus Stop】

Information