OT Staff
Head to Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture to witness Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs, particularly in winter. Their remarkable adaptation to the cold offers an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Visit Kushiro Shitsugen National Park in Hokkaido to see the majestic red-crowned cranes, especially in winter during their courtship dance. These rare birds are deeply symbolic in Japanese culture, representing longevity and good fortune.
Between January and March, embark on a whale-watching tour off the coast of Okinawa to observe migrating humpback whales. Their dramatic breaches and tail slaps make for a breathtaking marine spectacle.
Mikurajima, located south of Tokyo, offers a rare chance to swim alongside wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in crystal-clear waters, creating an unforgettable marine adventure.
In Nara Park, hundreds of free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers, interact with visitors. You can feed them special deer crackers, and some may even bow in return, showcasing their unique behaviour.
Zao Fox Village is home to over 100 free-ranging foxes of various species. Visitors can observe them up close and even feed them under supervision while learning about their role in Japanese folklore.
Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaido, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best places in Japan to observe brown bears. Watch them fishing for salmon during summer and autumn in an unspoiled wilderness.
Yakushima Island's coastal waters serve as nesting grounds for loggerhead and green sea turtles. Snorkelling or diving in these waters provides a close-up view of these ancient marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Kushiro Shitsugen’s vast wetlands host diverse bird species, including white-tailed eagles and marsh tits, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts seeking rare sightings in Japan’s largest marshland.
Cape Toi in Miyazaki Prefecture is home to Misaki horses, a native breed that roams freely along the scenic cape. Watching these wild horses graze against a backdrop of ocean views offers a tranquil wildlife experience.