Imagine riding in a completely transparent bus while brown bears roar above your head, lions prowl beside you, and giraffes stretch their necks to meet your gaze. This isn't special effects from a movie, but a real experience awaiting visitors at Fuji Safari Park in Japan. Nestled at the base of Mount Fuji, this expansive wildlife sanctuary offers unforgettable encounters with nearly 1,000 animals.
Fuji Safari Park: A Vast Animal Kingdom
Located at the 850-meter elevation of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, Fuji Safari Park spans 740,000 square meters—equivalent to 16 Tokyo Domes. Since opening in 1980, it has become a dream destination for families and animal enthusiasts. The park houses approximately 70 species and over 900 animals, ranging from beloved elephants and giraffes to awe-inspiring brown bears and cheetahs, along with rare species like rhinos and zebras.
Park Divisions: Safari Zone vs. Interaction Zone
The park is cleverly divided into two main areas: the Safari Zone recreates animals' natural habitats for observation, while the Interaction Zone allows closer encounters through feeding opportunities and hands-on experiences with smaller animals.
Safari Zone Exploration: Self-Driving vs. Jungle Bus
Visitors can explore the Safari Zone through two methods:
- Self-Driving Tour (No Feeding): Drive your own vehicle along designated routes through animal habitats at your own pace, with windows required to remain closed.
- Jungle Bus Tour (Feeding Allowed): Ride in specialized buses with wire mesh windows for animal feeding. The Super Jungle Bus features fully enclosed wire mesh allowing animals to climb onto the roof for more thrilling interactions.
Transportation Options
The park is accessible by both private vehicles and public transportation. Three major train stations—Mishima, Gotemba, and Fuji—offer connecting bus services to the park, with discounted combination tickets available for bus riders.
Ticket Information
Admission requires two separate tickets: the Park Entry Ticket (¥3,200 for adults, ¥2,000 for children) and the Jungle Bus Ticket (¥1,500 for standard, ¥2,100 for Super Jungle Bus). Advance online reservations are strongly recommended, especially for the Super Jungle Bus which has limited daily departures.
The Super Jungle Bus Experience
This unique safari vehicle offers unparalleled proximity to wildlife. After checking in and receiving approved animal food, visitors embark on an approximately one-hour tour through various habitats. Brown bears climb onto the bus roof while lions and tigers approach for feeding. The journey continues through zones with zebras, giraffes, and elephants, often with scenic views of Mount Fuji in the background.
Interaction Zone Activities
The park's Interaction Zone features:
- Petting Zoo: Opportunities to feed and interact with docile animals like capybaras, kangaroos, and porcupines.
- Baby Animal Encounters: Close observations of young animals including five-month-old tiger cubs.
- Pony Rides: Miniature horse riding experiences for children.
Dining and Shopping
The park offers two restaurants serving Japanese and Western cuisine, including specialty Mount Fuji curry, along with outdoor snack stands. Gift shops sell animal-themed souvenirs and Mount Fuji memorabilia, while an on-site bakery produces animal-shaped breads.
Fuji Safari Park provides diverse experiences for all ages, from adrenaline-pumping wildlife encounters to gentle animal interactions, all set against the majestic backdrop of Japan's most iconic mountain.