6 Spots for Animal-Lovers to Explore in Shizuoka! Must-see Destinations and Hidden Spots!

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

Shizuoka, at the foothills of Mt. Fuji, is home to a lush spread of green nature and animal parks that both children and adults will love♪.
To kick it off, below is a round up of 6 top places, including popular animal parks and little-known hidden spots, for you to explore in Shizuoka Prefecture!

1. Fuji Safari Park

Fuji Safari Park is one of the largest zoos in Japan!
It has gained immense popularity since its opening in 1980 due to impressive television commercials and comparatively large numbers of animals.

Animals born in wide open spaces and rich nature aren’t so far away when you swing by for a visit in a safari bus, or in your own car. You won’t believe your eyes when the grand, majestic creatures walk by your car! Just remember to keep your doors and windows securely locked.
There’s also a walking course just outside the fence of the grounds for you to see with your naked eye.

Lionesses
Lionesses

2. Atagawa Tropical and Alligator Garden

The Atagawa area is already known as a beloved hot springs and vacation spot, but it’s also home to an Alligator garden and the ocean nearby.
Gators, gators gators! There are over 140 different alligators here, representing 16 different species from around the world!
There are also 20 different types of bananas cultivated in the hot springs climate, available for you to taste for yourself at the Fruits Parlor.
How’s about a day off to enjoy the hot springs, ocean, bananas, and alligators?!

Baby Alligator
Baby Alligator
Address
1253-10 Naramoto, Higashiizucho, Kamogun, Shizuoka
Official Website
Official Website (English)

3. Izu Shaboten Zoo

This zoo is home to over 1,500 varieties of cacti and succulents from across the world, as well as about 140 different cute animals to see.
Come here for the one-of-a-kind experience like none other in the world – cactus picking!

A capybara enjoying a soak in the open air baths
A capybara enjoying a soak in the open air baths

4. Kakegawa Kachoen

These themepark is all about the blooms and the birds. The majority of the birds are cageless, meaning that you might be able to touch a few up close. You can enjoy a special photo moment with the flying friends, a chance to feed them, or just enjoy the sights at a bird show.
The entirety of the park is barrier-free, allowing for wheelchair and stroller-friendly access for all guests to enjoy their stay.

Shoebill
Shoebill

5. Izu Animal Kingdom

Home to herbivores roaming free in the open area, this is one spot where you can enjoy animals in a way you may not expect. You can try your hand at petting the might Rhino, despite their formidable size, as well as other animals in backstage park tours that you won’t find anywhere else.
Inside the play zone there’s also a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round to enjoy and ride.


Walk as though you’re journeying the open savannah.
Walk as though you’re journeying the open savannah.
Address
3344 Inatori, Higashiizu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka
Official Website
Official Website (English)

6.iZoo

A reptiles and amphibians specialty animal park.
Here’s the spot to see a few rare creatures that you may not have the chance to see otherwise!
The park adopts many reptiles and amphibians that not longer have homes or were unwanted as pets, make sure each crawling, slithering friend has a new place to call home.


Snake
Snake