Ever since Osaka debuted the first Japanese cat cafe in 2004, the demand for cute and cuddly travel destinations has continued to grow. While animal cafes and safari tours have become popular opportunities to meet and greet the adorable creatures, they’ve also revealed the mistreatment of animals for tourism purposes.
However, there are ways to avoid unethical animal experiences, and Japan offers plenty of opportunities! Get up close and personal with Nara deers, Miyagi red foxes, Japan snow monkeys, and many more furry friends. Here are 6 ethical animal encounters found only in the Land of the Rising Sun!
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1. Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nagano
Monkey see, monkey do! Image Credits: @ob1kanob
Legend has it that the Japan Snow Monkey of Nagano learned how to enjoy the hot springs after one monkey accidentally took a nice, long dip during Nagano’s snowy winter decades ago. Now, a troop of the snow monkeys, or otherwise known as macaques, regularly camp out in the area’s hot springs (onsen).
The spectacle is what draws many visitors to Jigokudani Monkey Park, offering a unique experience of seeing wild monkeys bathing in onsens―just like humans. These clever creatures climb down the ice-capped mountains and straight into the park’s hot springs, being fed and pampered by park attendants.
Klook Tip: While in Nagano, experience traditional Japanese hot springs for yourself! If you’re not in a rush, don’t forget to drop by Shibu and Yudanaka, the most famous onsen towns in the region.
Best time to visit: You can visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park anytime, but Japan’s winter season is the best time to see them in action! From January to February, a bunch of the Japan Snow Monkeys gather at the springs to keep warm.
2. Tashirojima, Aoshima, and Enoshima Islands
Cats crowd the harbour! Image Credits: @chingancathyhuang
Japan is every cat lover’s dream―and by that, we mean it’s full of cat cafés, merch, and even an island all for them! In the bustling city of Tokyo alone there are over 60 cat cafés and counting. These felines are so popular and well-loved that they’ve come to symbolise good luck and fortune as neko (meaning cat) shrines are constructed. And if that’s not enough cat craze, there are at least 11 neko islands in Japan―with Tashirojima, Aoshima, and Enoshima being the famous ones.
During the Edo period, these islands served to control mice so that farmers could harvest plenty. Today, the stray cats freely prowl the island, strutting about in the streets and outnumbering human residents from 6 to 1.
Best time to visit: These kitties welcome visitors any time of the year―just don’t forget to bring some snacks along!
Klook Tip: If you’re short on time, Enoshima is the closest to Tokyo, 90 minutes away. You can take the train from Shinjuku straight to Kanagawa Prefecture. From there, it’s easy to access the cat haven and the iconic Mt. Fuji.
3. Zao Fox Village, Miyagi
Foxes rule this hidden sanctuary. Image Credits: @oliviaspink
If you think you’ve seen enough unique animal encounters, think again! Besides Japanese Snow Monkeys, animal enthusiasts and lovers will want to see the revered Japanese red fox at the Miyagi Prefecture.
Zao Fox Village―or Kitsune Mura—is the world’s most famous spot to find these playful and sly bushy-tailed creatures. Considered a sacred animal in Japanese mythology, the native red fox and six other breeds freely roam the sanctuary high up in the mountains of Shiroishi.
Spot them curled up and napping at the Inari Shrine. Image Credits: @satsukizm13
The animals are healthy and well-cared for―and as a result, they have grown quite friendly towards humans. Pick up a fox feed or take a selfie (throw in some fox filter while at it!). These adorable furballs will follow you wherever you go. However, be warned―touching foxes is NOT allowed! Regardless of their cuteness, they have sharp teeth and are not entirely tame.
Best time to visit: The village is open all year round for your viewing needs.
4. Deers of Nara Park, Nara
Oh deer! Image Credits: @carlflor
Perhaps one of the most well-known animal encounters in Japan is feeding the local deer of Nara. Since time immemorial, deers have been considered the gods’ sacred messenger. Fast forward to the present, these four-legged creatures that freely graze the grounds of Nara Park are protected as national treasures, thriving with the amount of “deer crackers”―called shika senbei―from eager tourists.
Around Nara Park, or what’s basically a deer sanctuary, are several kiosks that sell special cookies, registered and trademarked under the Foundation for the Protection of Deer in Nara, that you can buy and use to feed them. Note that packaged foods and plastic wrapping are potentially deadly for the deers, so keep your snacks away while in the park!
Feed the friendly(ish) bowing deers of Nara. Image Credits: @ayakaaa.1023
These shy yet lovely mammals show their respect by bowing their head whenever you reward them with treats. And, when you run out of crackers, simply hold out your empty hands so the deers know that the food is gone.
Best time to visit: About 1,200 domestic deers freely roam the park all year round, so you can see these gentle herbivores anytime! Nara Prefecture is only a short train ride away from Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital.
Klook Tip: If you’re travelling in Hiroshima, another deer sanctuary you can hit up is Miyajima Island, where the friendly Sika Deer resides.
5. Okunoshima Island, Hiroshima
The cuddliest animals on the planet!! Image Credits: @save_travel_repeat
Hiroshima Castle isn’t the prefecture’s only top attraction. Just one ferry ride away from the city’s main port is Okunoshima―a.k.a. Rabbit Island. What was once the hub for poisonous gas factories during World War II is now the home to hundreds of adorable bunnies. Rabbits freely hop, roam, and graze, transforming the island into their fluffy sanctuary.
As soon as you step foot in Okunoshima, these friendly cottontails won’t hesitate to cuddle and smother you with their cuteness. Feel free to feed them with alfalfa pellets sold at a reasonable price on the island. You’re even allowed to bring your own carrot or lettuce if you like!
Best time to visit: Okunoshima’s furry-tailed residents can be seen all year round, but the best time to make the trip is during winter when there are fewer tourists and more hungry bunnies all to yourself!
6. Owl Cafés, Tokyo
Hey, hey, hey! Or should we say hoot instead? Image Credits: @owlcafe_akibafukurou_t
Tokyo, the capital city, isn’t short of unique finds, and that goes for its many unique Japanese animal cafes! The latest craze is owl cafés or known as “fukuro cafés,” where you can meet these curious wide-eyed birds. In the busy streets of Akihabara and Ginza, you’ll find several of these establishments. From large to pint-sized birds, you can spend an hour gently patting different owl species. Though be careful when taking pics―absolutely no flash photography, no sudden movements, and no squeezing allowed!
Still, if an hour isn’t enough, you can pay a visit to Owl Park in Ikebukuro instead. Here you can take all the time you need to make these fine-feathered creatures your best mates.
Best time to visit: Anytime! The owls are up and ready to greet (or hoot) you anytime. Fukuro cafés are strictly reservations only, so we recommend booking your appointment ASAP.
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