Wildlife of
Japan

Japan, or Nippon as it’s known to its native residents, may call to mind images of futuristic technology and vast cityscapes on first thought, but this region has just as much to offer in the realms of biodiversity and natural beauty.

For more than a millennium, Japan has held the title of “the land of the rising sun.” This Asian nation consists of over 7,000 large and small islands along the Pacific Rim, each with its own unique environment and wildlife.

Japan is home to fascinating creatures, some of which inspired the rich mythology and folklore of the land, as well as pop culture icons we know and love today. Keep reading to learn more about Japan’s rare and unique animals.

Japanese Wildlife

Japan’s islands cover a wide variety of habitats and climate zones. In fact, Japan’s southernmost islands, including Okinawa, have a hot, humid, subtropical climate, while the northernmost island of Hokkaido has long, cold winters and cool summers.

This means that the country’s unique types of animals also vary greatly. There are large mammals such as bears, unique seagoing mammals like the dugong, and a few rare and amazing animals you may have never heard of – raccoon dogs, giant salamanders, cute snow monkeys, and island wildcats.

Since Japan is an island nation, the ocean and its creatures have been integral to Japanese lifestyle and culture since the very beginning. Many of the country’s most popular dishes are traditional seafood recipes like sushi, sashimi, and takoyaki.

The Official National Animal of Japan

Uncommonly, Japan does not have a set national animal. However, the national bird is the Japanese pheasant or green pheasant (Phasianus versicolor). It was given this honor in 1947 officially, but the bird has been a common fixture of Japanese culture for centuries as the companion to the folk hero Momotarō or “Peach Boy.” Green Pheasants also used to be featured on the backs of 10,000 yen bills.

The national fish of the country is the koi fish, a multicoloured variety of the Amur carp. These creatures make popular pets, with koi ponds being utilized to bring a tranquil calm to Japanese households and businesses alike.

Where To Find The Top Wild Animals

Japanese Macaque, or Snow monkeys, are one of the most popular native animals of Japan to see during your visit. Their main habitat is at Jigokudani Yaen Kōen snow monkey park in Nagano Prefecture. The best time to see them is during the winter, December through March when snow is on the ground.

Would you like to see bears in Japan? Check out the Kuma Bokujo bear park in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. They reside there year-round.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities in the warm southern waters. You may see tropical fish or even some of Japan’s aquatic mammals.

In historical Japan, animals held special importance to the practitioners of the country’s mostly forgotten ancient religion of Shinto. Though very few still hold on to these beliefs today, many temples from the heyday of Shinto built to honor local wildlife and the divinity believed to dwell within them still stand and make popular destinations for locals and tourists alike.

Native Birds

Out of the 723 bird species living in Japan, around 17 are endemic and 30 are introduced. The country has multiple spots that are highly prized for avian species found in the unique habitats. Migratory birds also make their way across the country’s diverse landscapes.

One of the most valued birds in Japan, the red-crowned crane, appears in various forms of art and advertising throughout the country. However, the populations of this crane dwindled to the point of almost extinction as a result of overhunting. Over the past couple of decades, after heavy conservation efforts, numbers are climbing again and the majority of these majestic birds remain in Hokkaido, along with around 300 other species of bird.

Once extinct in Japan, the Oriental stork was reintroduced to Toyooka and populations now reach only about 170 birds. Along with these mentioned endangered birds, countless other avian species endemic to Japan are also facing threats of extinction. There are three main Endemic Bird Areas designated to conserve these species.

1. Izu Islands – Izu thrush, Iijima warblers, Japanese pygmy woodpeckers, Izu robins, Eurasian wrens, white thrush, Pacific swifts, white-throated needletails, Japanese white-eyes
2. Ogasawara Islands – Bonin honeyeaters, brown boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, rare Bryan’s shearwaters, red-footed boobies, Arctic Skuas, Lysan albatrosses, Bonin petrels
3. Nansei Islands – Cinnamon bittern, Amami woodcock, rare Pryer’s woodpecker

Additionally, many extraordinary avifaunae can be seen flying over the mainland of Japan and in urban areas. Some common birds to see include:

• Warbling white-eye
• Mandarin duck
• Falcated duck
• Black kite
• Fairy pitta

Native Fish

For centuries, Japan has maintained a booming fishing industry. Seafood is a large part of the Japanese diet – seen in the nation’s favorite dish of sushi and in many other seafood recipes. As important as it is in cuisine, fishing in Japan is also a serious hobby and sport, with multitudes of sites to reel in incredible fish. Some restaurants in Japan even provide “urban fishing,” an immersive experience of catching the fish to be cooked without having to go out on the water. Patrons can catch their fish right inside the restaurant! Along with the urban experience, the real deal is not hard to come by. Below are popular species to fish for and where to find them:

Saltwater

• Suzuki (sea bass) – Tokyo Bay during fall
• Tuna (yellowfin, skipjack, bluefin) – Tokyo Bay during fall, Hachijō-jima
• Mahi Mahi – Hachijō-jima
• Giant Trevally – Hachijō-jima

Freshwater

• Largemouth bass – Lake Kawaguchiko, Katsura, Sagami
• Rainbow trout – Lake Kawaguchiko, Katsura, Sagami
• Char – Katsura, Sagami
• Japanese trout – Katsura, Sagami
• King Salmon – Lake Kasumigaura
• Smelt – Hokkaido year-round

Along with classic-style angling known worldwide, Japan is known for some unique forms of fishing, such as the fly fishing technique of “tenkara.” Additionally, fishermen of Gifu Prefecture’s Nagara River actually utilize trained cormorant birds to retrieve fish for them. Whether visitors are looking for an afternoon on the water, ice fishing, or spectacular methods of fishing unknown to other parts of the world, Japan has it all.

Cephalopods such as squid and octopi make up a much larger portion of the Japanese diet than many parts of the rest of the world. Japanese cuisine has developed many techniques for preparing fish that would be inedible otherwise, like the deadly, poisonous fugu fish, which is a traditional delicacy and requires the skills of an extremely experienced chef to prepare.

Native Snakes

Built on irrigated rice paddies, Japanese civilization relies heavily on water and depends on strong water sources for farming and maintaining livelihoods. These water sources are thought to be protected by Suijin, water deities, that are represented mainly as snakes. Many types of snakes exist in Japanese waterways, forests, and other landscapes. The most commonly found snakes are rat snakes which are namely large and nonvenomous. About 6 of these species are native to Japan. Farmers have historically relied on these snakes to control vermin populations throughout farms and households, preventing the destruction of crops, though more industrialized, mechanical farming techniques have put a strain on this once symbiotic relationship between serpent and farmer. Out of the many species of snakes found in the country, only 3 are venomous: the Japanese keelpack, the “Habu,” and the “Mamushi.” Below are facts regarding each of these species:

• Keelpack – The keelpack is known for its two venoms: one used to subdue its victim, the second used to deter predators.
• Habu – The Habu, while a venomous pit viper, is not known for being fatal. Most injuries caused by bites result in swelling and irritated limbs.
• Mamushi – The Mamushi pit viper is the most dangerous snake in Japan. Venom from this snake causes tissue to actually liquefy. However, these snakes are shy and generally tend to avoid human contact.

When bitten by a snake, it is always important to seek medical attention, whether the snake is venomous or not, as unknown allergies or irritations may arise.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Japan Today

You should always give wildlife plenty of space. Japan is home to some potentially threatening animals, such as Asian black bears and brown bears. The wild boar will also bite and pursue threats. If you see these animals in the wild, keep a safe distance.

A number of venomous snakes live in this country. These include the Japanese pit viper or Mamushi and the Okinawan habu. Bites from giant centipedes and redback spiders, as well as giant hornet stings, can be dangerous and may require medical attention.

Even though these creatures can be deadly to humans if provoked, it is important to remember that humans are a much greater threat to them than they are to us, as many of Japan’s native wildlife has suffered greatly from the country’s rapid industrialization and changes in farming practices over the last 100 years.

Largest Animal in Japan

Hailing from Japan’s second-largest and northernmost island of Hokkaido, the Ussuri brown bear is the most massive creature in the country. Though these bears can reach the intimidating size of 6 to 9 feet tall and over 1,000 lbs, they are primarily vegetarian and rarely eat other mammals unless provoked by them.

Ussuri brown bears have a long history of peacefully interacting with Hokkaido fishermen, with mother bears taking their cubs to the shores of nearby waterways to rest and relax without disturbing the humans who share their habitat. Adult males of the species are known to be larger and much more aggressive.

Zoos in Japan

Along with its incredible biodiversity and variety of landscapes unique to the country, Japan also accommodates animals from around the world in its 89 zoos. Out of these zoos, there are several favorites, recognized for their immersive experiences and distinctive exhibits. Listed below are a few examples of the top zoos in Japan.

1. Wakayama Adventure World (Wakayama) – A “mega-park” including a safari park, amusement park, and even an aquarium, this zoo is a must-visit. Species range from giraffes to bottlenose dolphins to giant pandas. The safari allows visitors a realistic view into natural habitats and behavior while kids can also enjoy a ride on a rollercoaster or a horse!
2. Asahiyama (Hokkaido) – Known for its orangutan trapeze, penguin aquarium, and free-fly bird enclosure, this zoo is the second-most visited in Japan as well as the northernmost. Wildlife native to the area also roams exhibits in the zoo, such as deer, eagles, and cranes.
3. African Safari (Oita) – Accessible by tour bus or personal vehicle, visitors are able to see animals roaming in exhibits resembling their natural habitats. Visitors may also be able to feed certain animals, following strict guidelines and rules. Lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and elephants reside in this African inspired establishment.
4. Tama Zoological Park (Tokyo) – In 1958 this zoo was originally established to represent animals in a more natural habitat as part of the Ueno Zoo. The zoo is divided into three gardens – Asia, Australia, and Africa – all displaying animals native to these areas. An insectarium also draws visitors into its exquisite butterfly house.
5. Tobe Zoological Park (Ehime) – Best known for “Peace,” the polar bear born and raised at the zoo, this park is home to about 765 animals of 150 various species. Hippos, tigers, and monkeys are also popular attractions, along with the restaurant overlooking elephants in their habitat.

Endangered Animals

Japan is home to a number of rare species endangered or becoming extinct. These include native animals of Japan, like the Japanese short-tailed bat, Southeast Asian long-fingered bat, Bonin flying fox, Amami rabbit, Tokunoshima and Ryuku spiny rats, Ryukus Islands tree rat, Etigo mole, Orii’s shrew, Izu tit, Okinawan woodpecker, Yanbaru long-armed scarab beetle, sword-tailed newt, Anderson’s crocodile newt, Ryuku leaf turtle, Sakishima grass lizard, banded ground gecko, Hakuba and Oita salamanders, Holst’s frog, greater and Okinawa tip-nosed frogs, and the Amami Oshima frog.

There are many wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks throughout the country which have been established to conserve and protect the most vulnerable of native species. Many of the rarest species are found in the tinier, southern islands in the Okinawa prefecture where the tropical climate gives rise to incredible biodiversity.

Rarest Animal in Japan

The most endangered animal in all of Japan is found on one of its tiniest, southernmost islands close to Taiwan. Known as the Iriomote Cat, these incredibly rare felines look similar to common housecats and are restricted to one population of 100-250 individuals on their namesake island.

Iriomote cats dwell under the cover of mangrove trees where they stalk local wildlife like crabs, lizards, fruit bats, and snakes for food. The Japanese government has taken extensive measures to preserve this precious population of wild cats by turning their habitat into a National Park and campaigning to remove roadkill from the area so that Iriomote Cats will not fall ill from ingesting it.