Fuji Safari Park in Susono lets visitors drive or ride through open enclosures on the lower slopes of Mount Fuji, where lions, tigers, bears, and other animals roam in expansive grounds designed to approximate natural grouping and behavior rather than caged display. Visitors without their own car can ride a caged safari bus through the same enclosures, with a guide narrating the animals' habits as the bus passes close to lions and bears. A separate walking zone near the entrance houses giraffes, kangaroos, and a petting area with smaller animals, along with a baby-animal nursery during birthing seasons. On clear days, Mount Fuji rises directly behind the safari grounds, making the animal viewing double as a mountain photo opportunity. A full visit combining the drive-through or bus safari with the walking zone takes 2 to 3 hours. Morning hours see the animals most active before they rest through the heat of the day, and the same clear mornings that favor animal activity also tend to give the clearest Mount Fuji views.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 9:00AM-4:30PM, subject to seasonal change
- Best time
- Morning hours when animals are most active, and clear days for a Mount Fuji backdrop
Location
2255-27 Fujiwara Suyama, Susono-shi, Shizuoka 410-1231, Japan
35.2814, 138.8886 View on map
Highlights
- Drive-through or guided bus safari past lions, tigers, and bears
- Walking zone with giraffes, kangaroos, and a petting area
- Mount Fuji backdrop visible directly behind the safari grounds
- Baby-animal nursery during seasonal births
- Close-range animal viewing without cage barriers for car visitors
Tips for visiting
- Take the guided safari bus if arriving without a car, since self-drive is only available to those with a vehicle
- Visit in the morning when animals are most active and Mount Fuji is most likely to be visible
- Keep car windows closed and follow posted rules when self-driving through the animal enclosures
- Allow extra time for the separate walking zone, which is easy to rush past
- Check the seasonal schedule for the baby-animal nursery before visiting
When to visit
Morning hours see the animals most active, and clear days give the best Mount Fuji backdrop.
Accessibility
The walking zone has paved paths suitable for wheelchairs, and the safari bus can accommodate wheelchair users, though self-drive access depends on the visitor's own vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Fuji Safari Park take?
Combining the drive-through or bus safari with the walking zone typically takes 2 to 3 hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the close-up animal encounters, petting area, and baby-animal nursery make it one of the region's most popular family attractions.
Is photography allowed during the safari?
Photography is allowed throughout the drive-through and walking areas, including from inside the safari bus.