10 Must-Have Experiences Of Japanese Wildlife During Your Trip (Truly Amazing)

Japan is a beautiful country to visit during a trip. The country is not only known for its culture, but also its scenic spots.

Plus, there is a wide range of wonderful wildlife for you to experience. From magnificent marine animals to amazing animals found in Japanese jungles, this country is a hub for wondrous wildlife. 

You may even be able to see some unique and potentially endangered creatures during your trip to Japan. Here are the top unmissable wildlife experiences in Japan

10 Must-Have Experiences Of Japanese Wildlife

Hammerhead Sharks

Hammerhead sharks are known for their distinctively shaped heads, which makes it easy to spot one of these creatures. 

Specifically, Hammerhead Sharks can be found around Mikomoto Island. They tend to emerge during the summer seasons, primarily from May to November.

However, this can vary depending on how warm the waters are, as hammerhead sharks prefer waters that are at least 68°F.

This shark species rarely attack humans. Though some people enjoy swimming alongside hammerhead sharks, we don’t recommend getting too close to them!

Snow Monkeys

Snow monkeys, also known as the Japanese macaque, mainly live in snowy parts of Japan. Other primates are unable to live in these snowy environments due to the chilly temperature, but snow monkeys don’t mind the cold.

Their fur tends to be brown while the face of the Japanese macaque is pink. They are considered intelligent creatures and feature heavily in Japanese legends, such as the story of the Three Wise Monkeys.

Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi is perhaps your best bet for experiencing the snow monkey.

Yamaneko Wildcat

The Yamaneko wildcat is a form of leopard found only in Japan, specifically the Iriomote Island. As a result, you must visit this island if you wish to see this wildcat during your vacation.

Despite being related to leopards, these wildcats are significantly smaller. In size, they are closer to domesticated cats.

This is an endangered species. Sadly, there are believed to only be around 100 Yamaneko wildcats left in the wild. So finding these cute cats can be hard, especially since they’re nocturnal.

Manta Rays

Next, manta rays can be found in Japanese waters, specifically Ishigaki Island. This is because manta rays prefer tropical waters. You will need to go scuba diving to spot these incredible creatures, though this is a great opportunity to see all of the diverse wildlife that Japan has to offer.

You shouldn’t miss the elegant swimming of these manta rays, which look as though they are gracefully gliding through the seas. 

They are gentle and harmless creatures.

Asian Black Bears

Asian black bears may look cuddly, but it’s not a good idea to get too familiar with these handsome creatures. You can locate Japanese black bears in Shikoku and Honshu.

These Japanese bears have black fur and a distinctive yellow crescent on the chest. This marking is regularly compared to the moon.

Different bear species can be found throughout Japan, but black bears are one of the most iconic varieties. In Japan, black bears are connected to mountain spirits.

Japanese Foxes

Foxes are known for their cute appearance and bushy tail.

If you are interested in seeing these fantastic foxes, you should visit the Miyagi Zao Fox Village. This village is renowned as a tourist attraction, where people can interact and feed these fabulous foxes. There are lots of different species of foxes in this village, including the Japanese red fox.

Foxes hold cultural significance in Japan, often symbolizing cunning and prosperity. Moreover, fox creatures known as kitsune are prevalent in Japanese folklore. This folklore claims that these foxes have magic abilities, such as shape-shifting. 

Interestingly, foxes have been considered untrustworthy goblins during the Edo Period.

Sea Eagles

Sea eagles are a spectacular sight when they soar through the skies. Known as Steller’s sea eagle, these birds have vibrant yellow beaks and talons. Their plumage is dark but this is contrasted by white feathers found on the wings and tail.

Sea eagles inhibit Asia. They migrate to Japan in the winter, specifically around January and February. These birds are typically found in Japanese wetlands.

Giant Salamanders

These Japanese giant salamanders are some of the most unique animals that you will ever lay eyes upon. They are found only in Japan. 

The Japanese salamander is the third biggest species in the world. They can weigh around 55 pounds and be approximately 5 feet long. These giant salamanders have been known to live for 80 years. 

For these salamanders, the breeding season covers August and September. So if you wish to see these creatures, you shouldn’t plan your trip during these months.

They can be found throughout Japan, but streams in Okayama, Tottori, and Hyogo are some of the best locations to spot them.

Red-Crowned Cranes

Red-crowned cranes are incredibly rare. According to Japanese legend, cranes can live for a thousand years.

These tall white and black birds get their name from the red patch of skin on their head, which gives them a very special look.

Tracking the beautiful birds down will be tricky. Yet, you may manage to locate the red-crowned crane in Hokkaidō, where the birds prefer wetlands and rivers. Tsurui village is one of the optimal spots to find these incredible cranes, as they breed around the village.

Japanese Serow

The Japanese Serow is a unique mammal that is native to Japan. It is akin to antelopes and goats. They have small curved horns and a thick hide that varies in color. Serow fur can include shades of white, black, and brown.

Serows are a major symbol of Japanese culture. As a result, the Japanese serow is highly protected to conserve this species. The serow faced extinction, but thanks to conservation efforts and a law passed in 1955 that prevented poaching, their population has since increased.

These serows are primarily found in Japanese woodlands, specifically the island of Honshu. If you visit woodlands in either the north or center of Honshu, you may be lucky enough to come across a Japanese serow.

They are considered a symbol of luck because they rarely stumble in these harsh terrains. As a result, many Japanese students wear serow charms when they need additional luck in an exam.

The Best Places To See Wildlife In Japan

If you want to see some truly amazing Japanese wildlife, the following destinations are worth a visit:

• Jigokudani Monkey Park: the snow monkey is commonly seen here.
• Mikurajima Island: brilliant for spotting dolphins, specifically bottlenose dolphins.
• Zao Fox Village in Miyagi: this aforementioned location is ideal for fox lovers.
• Tsurui Village in Hokkaido: if you wish to get a picture of a red-crowned crane, this is your best shot.
• Nara Park in Nara: this park is not only filled with beautiful scenes, but it is also home to the wild sika deer, also known as the Japanese deer. 
• Aoshima Island: this island is known for its massive population of feral cats, causing it to be dubbed “Cat Island.”

Final Thoughts

There are so many activities to get involved with in Japan. If you have the time, we thoroughly recommend that you take in the breathtaking wildlife found in this gorgeous land. Japan offers mesmerizing wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else!