Capybara Onsen & More: Japan’s Wild Wonders

Japan’s wild side is a treasure trove of furry, feathery, and fascinating friends! Japan’s zoos and nature reserves invite you to experience wildlife in heartwarming ways. Every visit is a gentle reminder of how magical the natural world can be. Ready for an adventure? Let’s uncover the best spots to meet Japan’s wild residents, starting with the irresistibly cozy Capybara Onsen!

Izu Shaboten Zoo’s Capybara Onsen

Capybaras enjoy soaking in warm and steamy baths every winter at Izu Shaboten Zoo in Shizuoka Prefecture. Baby and adult capybaras are soaked together, making the scene extra cute! This beloved zoo is famous all across Japan for starting the first Capybara Onsen (capybara hot spring) over 40 years ago. 

It all began by accident in 1982 when a zookeeper cleaning with warm water noticed the capybaras happily soaking their feet and bottoms in the puddles. Since then, the zoo has been giving these gentle animals their warm baths every year from November to April! 

At the zoo, you can watch them relax in rock-style baths and even in a fancy clawfoot bathtub in the Anitouch area! The baths aren’t just plain water; they’re filled with fun things like yuzu citrus fruits, apples, pineapples, rose petals, and even daikon radishes. Each day is different, so you never know what’s floating in the tub! 

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is part of a big national park called Joshinetsu Kogen in Nagano Prefecture. The park was created in 1964 to help Japanese macaques, also called snow monkeys, stay safe and healthy in their natural home.

Jigokudani means “Hell Valley” because of the steam and hot water from the ground. But don’t worry, it’s not scary at all! It’s a peaceful valley surrounded by forests and cliffs where snow covers the ground for almost one-third of the year. Along the walking trail to the park, some signs teach you how monkeys live, raise their babies, and who the leader in their family is.

The snow monkeys live in the mountains but come down daily to enjoy the steamy water and warm up. There’s a special pool built just for them near the park entrance, and you can watch them soaking, playing, and grooming each other. January and February are the best months to visit if you want to see them relaxing in the onsen with snowflakes falling around them.

Nara Deer Park

Nara Deer Park is a beautiful and spacious park in Nara City. Built in 1880, it’s one of the oldest parks in the country! The park sits at the bottom of Mount Wakakusa and covers a huge area with many trees, grassy fields, and even a lake. You’ll find amazing ancient temples and shrines all around, like the famous Todaiji Temple, where a giant statue of the Buddha lives.

One of the coolest things about Nara Deer Park is the friendly sika deer that walk freely all over the park. There are over 1,200 deer, and they’re not shy at all! People believe these deer are messengers of the gods, so they’re treated with much respect. You can even feed them special shika senbei (deer crackers), which you can buy from little stands around the park. Some deer are so clever they bow their heads to ask for a treat.

Besides hanging out with the deer, there’s lots more to do! You can visit the souvenir shops full of lovely deer-themed toys, keychains, and snacks. There are also cozy tea houses, tasty food stalls, and small restaurants where you can rest and try local dishes. 

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Rabbit Island

Okunoshima, or Usagi Shima (Rabbit Island), is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. It’s just a quick ferry ride from the mainland, and when you arrive, the first thing you’ll see are rabbits! Hundreds and hundreds of fluffy bunnies hop over to greet visitors. Since there are no predators, over a thousand tamed rabbits live safely and happily all over the island, from the forests to the beaches.

The number of bunnies has grown since the island is peaceful and full of nature. They are the island stars, and visitors can buy rabbit food and feed them right from their hands! They’re super friendly and may even chase you for more snacks.

Moreover, you can visit the Okunoshima Visitor Center, where you can learn about the island’s animals, plants, sea life, and how the island uses clean energy like solar power. There are walking trails, stunning beaches, and even natural hot springs to relax in. Plus, people can stay overnight at the island hotel, camp under the stars, or have fun exploring the forests!

Why should you visit wildlife parks like the Capybara Onsen?

Visiting wildlife spots in Japan offers a refreshing chance to reconnect with nature. You might even glimpse a capybara relaxing in the onsen, a delightful reminder of nature’s simple pleasures. These parks help protect and nurture wild animals, ensuring everyone can appreciate their beauty.

They also give us a peek into Japan’s rich history and commitment to preserving natural habitats. By exploring these places, you become a part of a larger story of conservation and respect for nature. Have you ever explored any wildlife spots in Japan? Share your experience with us!