Fuji Safari Park, Safari park at Mount Fuji slopes, Susono, Japan
Fuji Safari Park is a drive-through wildlife reserve on the southern slope of Mount Fuji, home to large mammals from Africa and Asia. The grounds spread across several zones, each with its own terrain for carnivores, herbivores, and other species.
The reserve opened in spring 1980 as one of the first Japanese wildlife parks where guests could drive their own vehicles through animal areas. Over the following decades, the variety of species and visitor facilities grew steadily.
The park name reflects the concept of African-style drive-through reserves and allows guests to watch animals up close in their enclosures today. Visitors use reinforced vehicles with protective windows that let them approach predators safely.
Buses run from Gotemba Station to the entrance and take about half an hour for the trip. Vehicles depart every two hours during opening times.
Guests may steer their own car through the enclosures or rent striped all-terrain vehicles that recall zebra coats. These vehicles are built so that people can watch animals from all angles.
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