Fuji Safari Park

Fuji Safari Park is an amazing place to experience the world of wildlife, located at the foot of the famous Mount Fuji, near Hakone in Japan. This large zoo and safari park is one of the country's biggest contact zoos, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe exotic animals in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitats. The park is especially charming due to its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, making it a popular destination not only for animal lovers but also for photographers.

The park's territory is thoughtfully divided into two main areas, each offering its own unique experience. The first is the Safari Zone, where you can embark on a thrilling journey in your own car or a special park bus. Here, in spacious enclosures, large predators and herbivores roam freely: majestic lions, graceful tigers, mighty bears, as well as elephants, giraffes, and many other representatives of global fauna. It is a unique chance to see wild animals behaving naturally and feel like you are on a real safari.

The second area—the Fureai Zone (Contact Zone)—is designed for closer and safer interaction with animals. Here, visitors, especially young ones, can pet, feed, and even hold some of the park's friendly inhabitants, such as adorable capybaras, fluffy rabbits, funny guinea pigs, and other cute creatures. Thanks to this variety of experiences, Fuji Safari Park is the perfect place for family vacations, educational tours, and unforgettable adventures in the heart of nature.

To contact Fuji Safari Park and get up-to-date information on opening hours, ticket prices, and any special programs, you can use the following details or recommendations:

Additional information can also be found at the Hakone tourist information centers.

Fuji Safari Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of wildlife. The main adventure here is, of course, the car safari. You can drive through the specially designed route across spacious enclosures in your own car or use the park's special buses, which are protected by a strong metal mesh. During the trip, you can observe animals roaming freely in their natural environment. Moreover, the park allows you to feed some of the inhabitants, and special food can be purchased right on-site.

In addition to the safari, the park features an interactive area called the Fureai Zone. Here, guests can get to know and even interact with friendlier animals. You can expect to see charming miniature horses, curious meerkats, and hopping kangaroos. For pet lovers, there are separate pavilions where you can spend time with cats, dogs, and rabbits. This is a wonderful opportunity for both children and adults to gain unforgettable impressions through direct contact with animals.

For the youngest visitors and anyone looking to vary their day, Fuji Safari Park features a mini-zoo and contact areas. You can also go for a pony ride, which children will particularly enjoy. After a busy day of discovery, guests can relax in one of the cafes, buy souvenirs in the shops, or simply enjoy the beautiful views, as the park is situated in a scenic area overlooking Mount Fuji, making it an ideal spot for family leisure and vibrant photo sessions.

There are several ways to reach Fuji Safari Park from Tokyo, the most popular being a combination of train and bus. The journey begins at Shinjuku Station, where you take the Odakyu Limited Express. You should travel to Gotemba Station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Gotemba Station, a Fujikyu bus runs to the park, and the ride takes about 35 minutes.

If you prefer to travel by car, the drive from Hakone to Fuji Safari Park takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is a convenient option for those who have rented a car or are traveling in a group. The park is easily accessible and is located close to the main tourist routes of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu region.

The park's location makes it an attractive stop to include in your itinerary when visiting the famous Fuji Five Lakes or the popular Gotemba Premium Outlets. This allows you to combine a visit to the safari park with other interesting sites in this picturesque region of Japan.

Fuji Safari Park, located at the foot of the famous mountain, opened its doors to visitors in 1980. Since its founding, it has established itself as one of the six unique safari parks in Japan, welcoming guests year-round regardless of the season. The main idea behind its creation was to immerse guests in the world of wildlife, where animals live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat, while prioritizing safety and comfort for both the park's inhabitants and its visitors.

One of the key features that set Fuji Safari Park apart was the introduction of the car safari format. This was a pioneering move for its time in Japan, allowing visitors to observe animals from the safety of their own cars or the park's specialized buses. During the park's design, special attention was paid to modern standards of animal welfare, providing them with spacious enclosures and high-quality care that meets international standards.

Over the decades, Fuji Safari Park has continued to evolve. The park's territory has gradually expanded, with new themed zones offering opportunities for closer—yet always safe—interaction with certain animal species. Furthermore, the park actively develops its educational side, offering various programs for visitors of all ages to help them better understand the wild world and the importance of its conservation. These initiatives make a visit to the park not only an exciting adventure but also an educational experience.

When planning a visit to Fuji Safari Park, located near Hakone, you should aim for at least 2-3 hours. This is enough for a basic introduction to the park, including a drive through the Safari Zone and a visit to the animal contact area.

However, if you want to get the most out of your experience and explore every corner of the park at a leisurely pace, your visit can easily take half a day. Consider time for potential queues, especially during peak season, participation in extra activities like animal feeding or pony rides, as well as time for a rest and a snack at the local cafes. Families with children typically need more time to enjoy everything the park has to offer without rushing.

For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the wildlife atmosphere and take advantage of everything Fuji Safari Park offers—including a detailed exploration of both main zones, participation in special programs, and relaxed leisure—it is recommended to set aside up to a full day. This will allow you to fully enjoy the unique experience of interacting with animals against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Fuji.

Fuji Safari Park is happy to welcome guests year-round; however, its operating hours may vary depending on the season. Generally, the park is open from morning until evening. To ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible and that you are aware of the current schedule, it is highly recommended to check the official safari park website or confirm information at local tourist centers immediately before your trip.

While in most cases advance ticket booking is not strictly required, it may be necessary during peak seasons or for participation in special programs and tours. Planning ahead will help you avoid potential inconveniences and guarantee an unforgettable experience meeting wildlife at the foot of Mount Fuji.

A visit to Hakone is not limited to just one attraction, however exciting it may be. Exploring the surroundings of Fuji Safari Park will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this amazing region of Japan and discover new facets of its culture, nature, and entertainment. Every additional stop on your route is a chance to gain even more vivid impressions and make your trip truly unforgettable.

Near Fuji Safari Park, there are other interesting places that can complement your itinerary in Hakone. Below is a list of some of them, along with approximate distances, to help you plan your time more easily.