Nature & Wildlife Areas in Japan

THE 10 BEST Japan Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nature & Wildlife Areas in Japan

Nature & Parks
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What travelers are saying

  • LisaEstella
    Adelaide, Australia1,136 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Firstly, a quick uphill walk sees you at the park. It’s just a public park with so many deer roaming literally everywhere. If you are afraid of animals, this is a no. They approach, nibble and headbutt. One tried to bite my bag. They are passive and friendly though. Don’t try and push the males during autumn mating season. Saw some pretty stupid people, pushing males, approaching sleeping ones and being loud around them. No brains. Hubby wanted to buy a sandwich to eat later and I’m glad that I talked him out of it, he would have a hole in his bag. Spend 2,000 yen to get a pack of crackers and feed them little bits at a time. Save the crackers for later in this vast park. Walk up to the kasuga taisha shrine as it’s the nicest walk and at the shrine is a thousand year old tree. I’m glad that I saw that tip on TA. Allow 2-3 hours at least if you want to walk through the park. If on the edge, you could just see a few for 30 minutes and keep going. We even saw some crossing the steeet. Also, one took a bite from our map!
    Written October 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Superpear
    New Plymouth, New Zealand1,324 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Communication was appalling as there was a power cut when we arrived, and the officials were saying they were whit and no monkees. As always, it was lost in translation. We had a Snow Monkey Pass so we didn't need to pay the entry fee, and there were loads of monkees to see. They weren't swimming in the hot pools but it was still great to see and highly recommended.
    Written September 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brun066
    Florence, Italy13,530 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    …and it's indeed unmissable.
    We visited it in the late afternoon of a beautiful summer day, using the bus line leading from Biei downtown in that direction.
    However, since this bus runs infrequently, we had little time for the visit; after looking out over the pond and walking briefly on the shore, we had to quickly return to the bus stop, to catch the last ride of the evening.
    The positive side of our visit is that, since it happened late, it didn't imply any crowd problems at all.
    The color of the pond is truly unique. We were able to enjoy a beautiful shade of intense blue, which apparently isn't present all year round.
    The tree trunks half submerged by the water, with their ghostly appearance, increase the charm of the place.
    Written September 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JonRambo
    West Sussex, UK118 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great hiking experience at around 1000 metres altitude surrounded by ancient Yakusugi trees. A good mix of adventure with easy route finding. There are various courses ranging from pretty easy (board walks and steps) through to the longer 210 minutes course that involves proper hiking on mountain trails. All well signposted even for English speakers: much better for foreigners than most Japanese trails that I've tried. I would recommend hiking boots for the 150 and 210 minutes trails. Well worth the modest admission fee. Small visitor centre by the car park. Arriving by bus is sensible to avoid a winding drive up the mountain road.
    Written April 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter E
    Honolulu, HI164 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After a lovely summer lunch of seasonal Ayu, gastranomic fish feast at Ayukawa, a nearby eatery, we decided to take a walk and sightsee a bit. The Monet Pond was a nice way to digest and enjoy the country aire. A few minutes drive in Gifu prefecture was a little gem of an oasis to view a pretty Koi pond. We bought home made sakura (Cherry Blossom) mochi and other local treats from the country as omiyage (gifts).
    Written September 27, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zimminaroundtheworld
    Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,970 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Daisekirinzan is definitely worth a visit, especially if visiting Cape Hedo. Our phone guided us directly to the parking lot no issues and there was a huge parking spot. There is an entrance fee, 1200 Yen, which I felt was kind of steep but it goes to the park hopefully. I hopped on a bus that took me to where the trails began. I walked all the trails within the park, none were really advanced but normal precautions should be made. The views from the top overlooking the park and Cape Hedo were magnificent! My favorite trail was probably the forest trail that had the banyan trees. These trees are fascinating. None of the trails were very long, easily doable! There is a restroom and places to sit by the cabin which links all the trails. Otherwise, the entrance to the park has a nice facility with a free museum. I am happy I went to Daisekirinzan, I have no idea if I will be back, but it is definitely worth a visit!
    Written May 4, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Keenan Tan
    7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a very nice place especially if like gardens. It was peaceful and comfortable walk. Make sure you give it at least an hour plus to walk around.
    Written February 6, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • valerie x
    Sydney, Australia33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We took a Willer bus from Shinjuku to Matsumoto and spent a night, then took the train to Shin-Shimashima then a bus to Norikura Kogen. This transfer was quite easy - you buy the ticket from the Matsumoto Bus Terminal which will take you all the way to Norikura Kogen (you'll need to ask whether the ticket is your train tiket as well). There's lots of workers to guide you to your bus etc. Once we got to Norikura Kogen we had lunch at Oasis cafe. We did a hike to Zengoro falls and walked around the neighbourhood until our check in time. We stayed at Pension Poetical.

    The next day, we got up early and took the 8am bus to Norikuradake and bought a return ticket via the ticket machine which has Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean. We then spent the day in the mountains and took the 2pm bus back to Norikura Kogen. We saw some monkeys!

    I think Norikura Kogen is probably more busier during winter time for the snow so it was more laid back however there were still alot of people hiking.

    Whilst Norikura Kogen is a bit of a trek to get to via public transport, it was well worth it. Unfortunately leaving Tokyo and getting into Tokyo was a nightmare due to accidents so our 3hr bus ride turned into a 6.5hr bus ride each way. An alternative is to not go travelling during public holidays (like us, if you dont work full time) or take the shinkansen to Nagano, then the local train to Matsumoto.

    We only had 3 days so we didn't get time to fit in Kamikochi which is in the same prefecture and same transport route (you just change buses at Shin-Shimashima).

    Tips - bring enough cash to cover you the whole time including all expenses like food/drinks/transport tickets etc. and make sure you reserve dinner in advanced as there are very limited dinner options.
    Written July 19, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JRP-Bkk
    Bangkok, Thailand1,759 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A gentle stroll up the hill on a gravel path through the pampas grass with good views of the surrounding area .
    There’s parking nearby and a Lawson convenience store .
    Worth a quick visit .
    Written October 11, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laguapa0310
    Nagoya, Japan2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    山崎川の両岸が桜並木になっています。名古屋市内には桜の名所がいくつもありますが、ここは昔から定評のあるところです。気持ちのよい春の夕暮れにそぞろ歩くのにぴったりです。地下鉄桜通線・瑞穂区役所駅からの道は、途中にも桜がたくさんあるのでお花見気分が続きます。

    Cherry blossoms are beautiful all day long. Twilight walk on the riverside of Yamazaki river is recommended.
    Written December 11, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John
    Saitama, Japan8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun place. Have gone a few times now with young children, young adults and older adults. Each time has been a fun experience. I recommend renting one of the park’s cars to avoid damage to your own car.
    Written July 28, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ronaldet
    743 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Red crane park is 30 minutes from Kushiro city center. 5 pairs of red cranes in enclosure. Interesting when the red cranes all howling together . Worth a trip .
    Written September 2, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kimitaka S
    Taichung, Taiwan15,193 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mifuneyama Rakuen is a kind of natural park on the foot of Mt. Mifune. It is popular for azalea in spring and red leaves in autumn. As I went there, it was too early for red leaves. But just for this reason, there is only few visitors, and I could enjoy an excellent walking. There is also an event of illumination. But I didn’t see it.
    Written October 17, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martin T
    Tsukuba, Japan12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A four season's area to visit, although I only have seen it in the summer so far. Was very impressed! Easy boardwalk for all ages to enjoy an experience of authentic supernatural outdoors at its finest! Warmly recommend it.
    Written August 16, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Magnificent Sri Lanka
    Kandy, Sri Lanka73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is a Sakura festival that takes place at Funaoka Castle Park, closer to the Shiroishi River, which is located atop a hill. Sakura trees are lined along the pathway to the hill. Walking along the flower-lined pathway to the top of the hill is a beautiful journey. There is also a trolley available that takes you to the top of the hill. This park is the best place to have a bird view of the lined up Sakura along the Shiroishi River.
    Written June 20, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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