Birds, monkeys, amphibians, oh my!
Japan may be known for its blend of ancient and modern culture, exceptional food, and innovative technological inventions, but what is rarely recognized is its incredibly diverse and fascinating wildlife.
While you may not find native Japanese animals roaming the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or trying to get to the other side of Shibuya Crossing, you only need to travel to Japan's vast mountainous regions, or its dense forests to find a world of wildlife worth exploring.
From cute Japanese macaques to elegant sika deer, we've put together a list of 8 native Japanese animals to try and spot. Your next trip to Japanknown as the "Land of the Rising Sun".
1. Japanese macaque
Probably the most famous native Japanese animal is the macaque - a snow monkey found in the mountainous regions of the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. These monkeys are very social and friendly creatures, distinguished by their long, thick hair and little red faces and usually travel in groups of 20 to 30 monkeys.
While there is a chance of encountering these delightful animals in the wild if you travel around the forested areas of Tokyo, the best place to interact with them is in Jigokudani Monkey Park It is located in Nagano Prefecture.
Related: What is Japan famous for?
2. Red-crowned crane
Known to symbolize luck and longevity, the red-crowned crane is a waterfowl that spends its day foraging in the grasslands of eastern Hokkaido. Feeding on small fish, rodents, amphibians, snails, and plants, this bird is pretty with its largely snow-white coloration and distinctive red spot on top of its head.
At one time there were fears that the Japanese icon might become extinct, but due to strong conservation efforts, the bird population is starting to show signs of recovery. miss.
Spot These Birds in Japan: Land of the Rising Sun Tour
3. Giant Japanese salamander
The giant Japanese salamander looks like it belongs in the pages of a fantasy novel, living at night at the bottom of streams or rivers filled with fresh, cool water. Extremely intimidating in its appearance, this feral amphibian can grow to a size of 1.5 meters and expel a strong pepper-smelling milky-like substance when threatened.
With brown and black skin that helps them camouflage perfectly against murky river bottoms, these swimming creatures are incredibly hard to spot—largely because they live underwater—so you'll need to do your research properly before setting out to try to catch a single glimpse.
Related: Things to do in Japan during the summer
4. Sika deer
You won't have to look hard for this next native Japanese animal since there are large numbers scattered all over the main islands of Japan, so get your camera out and start snapping. The wolf favorably thrives on its only natural predator, the wolf, which has been extinct in Japan for a century. These delicate and graceful creatures can grow up to 1.2m in length and can leap a surprising 1.7m high.
Getting their name from the Japanese word "shika" (Japanese for deer), these harmless animals feed on plants that grow naturally as herbivores and are characterized by white spots scattered along their bodies.
Find SIKA DEER in our quick Japan tour
5. The Japanese March
Guaranteed to be one of the most beautiful animals you've ever shot, the Japanese marten can be found in the luscious forests of mainland Japan - specifically the regions of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Recognized by their dark brown, yellow, and cream scales, these slender, graceful creatures come alive when the sun goes down, and continue to forage, before sleeping in tree hollows and shallow dens during the day.
If you come across a marten in the wild, it's best to stay away from it, not because they are particularly vicious animals that might harm you, but because it is considered bad luck if a marten in front of someone crosses Japanese folklore.
6. Japanese serow
Hunted to near extinction in the 20th century, the Japanese grouse is now truly thriving thanks to a 1955 law recognizing them as national monuments, making it illegal to hunt these animals for their fur. Thankfully, spotting these goat-like creatures in the forests of the Honshu region will surely be one of the highlights of your trip.
Boasting long legs, thick multicolored fur, and curved horns, these indigenous Japanese animals are not only seen as a symbol of Japan but also good luck for their steadfastness, with walking hoof-printed amulets bought by students sitting for exams.
7. Japanese spider crab
Taking the title of one of Japan's most feared animals, the Japanese spider crab can reach 3.7 meters in length with its spindle legs and scurry quickly along the sea floor in search of marine plants and small fish. While these feral-looking invertebrates are bound to star in your next nightmare, Japanese spider crabs are actually known to be gentle giants and can live up to 100 years.
However, your chances of finding a Japanese spider crab in the wild are very low because they live at depths of 160-2000 feet. If you are determined to catch a glimpse of its squiggly legs and orange body, it can be found in seafood markets along the southern coast of Japan.
Enjoy Japanese culture on our unique tour of Japan
8. Japanese black bear
The Japanese black bear, which has the title of "largest wild animal" in Japan, is one of the most breathtaking and dangerous animals that you are likely to encounter while traveling around the country. Very common in mountainous areas (and on the fringes of big cities like Tokyo), these bears have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, and use their senses to find their next meal.
They are also on their activities early morning and early evening - maybe looking for breakfast and dinner? - So make sure to be very careful and not get too close. Remember, these powerful animals can run faster than humans and are five times stronger, so if you think you can beat a bear, you can't.
Find these indigenous Japanese animals on our travels in Japan
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