
Akiyoshidai Safari Land
Drive-through safari park in Yamaguchi, Japan, offering close encounters with lions, giraffes, and more, plus a petting zoo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience

Akiyoshidai Safari Land
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Drive-through safari park in Yamaguchi, Japan, offering close encounters with lions, giraffes, and more, plus a petting zoo.
"This was my first time at a safari zoo and it was really amazing. You can take your own car and drive through!"

🚗 Own Car vs. Bus
Your car offers freedom; the bus provides feeding opportunities & English audio .
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Weekdays or off-season visits are best to avoid long waits .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Drive-Through Safari
Safari Zone
See lions, giraffes, and other animals roam freely from your own vehicle or the park bus. Get incredibly close!

Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe Enclosure
Experience the joy of feeding giraffes, a highlight for many visitors. It's a memorable interaction!

Petting Zoo Encounters
Petting Zoo Area
Interact with friendly animals in the petting zoo. A dream for kids and adults alike!

Baby Lion Sightings
Lion Enclosure
Catch a glimpse of adorable baby lions, a rare and exciting sight for visitors!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Safari Adventure
Timing is Key for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Own Car vs. Bus
Your car offers freedom; the bus provides feeding opportunities & English audio.
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Weekdays or off-season visits are best to avoid long waits.
💰 Feeding Fun
Bring yen for animal feed; cards accepted for entry/souvenirs.
🚻 Restroom Break
Use restrooms before entering the safari drive-through or bus tour area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Own Car vs. Bus
Your car offers freedom; the bus provides feeding opportunities & English audio.
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Weekdays or off-season visits are best to avoid long waits.
💰 Feeding Fun
Bring yen for animal feed; cards accepted for entry/souvenirs.
🚻 Restroom Break
Use restrooms before entering the safari drive-through or bus tour area.
📸 Capture the Moment
Get close to animals for amazing photos, especially giraffes and red pandas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Akiyoshidai Safari Land for its incredible animal encounters, allowing guests to get remarkably close to lions, giraffes, and more. The self-drive option and the interactive petting zoo are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a great family outing. Some minor drawbacks include the lack of restrooms within safari zones and the potential for crowds during peak times.
"This was my first time at a safari zoo and it was really amazing. There's two options for the safari, you can take your own car and drive through, or you can ride their bus. We took our own car, and they provided a tablet with English audio so we could learn about the animals. No one really rushes you so you can take as much time as you want at each section. Next time, I'd try taking the bus because they feed the animals! After the safari, they have ice cream and various exhibits and petting zoos!"
Nevaeh Townsend
"Amazing!! Had such a great time here. There is a wide variety of animals and you get super close! You have the opportunity to pet some. Just pay attention to the rules and guidelines and you’ll have an amazing time!"
Michael Radwanski
"This was my first time at a safari zoo and it was really amazing. There's two options for the safari, you can take your own car and drive through, or you can ride their bus. We took our own car, and they provided a tablet with English audio so we could learn about the animals. No one really rushes you so you can take as much time as you want at each section. Next time, I'd try taking the bus because they feed the animals! After the safari, they have ice cream and various exhibits and petting zoos!"
Ashley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Akiyoshidai Safari Land is accessible by car. It's about a 17-minute drive from Redondo. If you're not driving, consider local bus routes or taxis from nearby stations. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, the park offers a self-drive trail for your own vehicle or a guided bus tour. Both allow you to see animals up close.
Yes, you can enter and exit the park multiple times on the day of your paid admission.
From major cities like Yamaguchi or Hofu, it's best to use a GPS or navigation app. The drive is scenic, especially through the Akiyoshidai karst plateau area.
While there might be local buses that go near the Akiyoshidai area, direct public transport to the safari land itself can be limited. Driving is generally the most convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary by age. For adults (high school students and above), it's around 2,600 yen. Children (4 years to junior high school students) are about 1,600 yen, and children under 3 are free.
Information on online ticket purchases is not readily available, but it's always a good idea to check the official website closer to your visit. You can also purchase tickets at the entrance.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, visiting on weekdays or during the off-season can offer a less crowded and potentially more cost-effective experience.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
Generally, you do not need to book a specific time slot for the safari drive-through. However, for the bus tour, it's advisable to check if reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, red pandas, and many more roaming in spacious enclosures.
Yes, you can feed some animals, like the giraffes, for an additional fee. You'll need yen to purchase the feed.
The car safari allows you to drive your own vehicle at your own pace. The bus safari often includes opportunities to feed animals and may have English audio guides.
Absolutely! The petting zoo is a major attraction for children, allowing them to interact with friendly animals.
It's recommended to use the restroom before entering the safari area, as there are no facilities inside. Also, bring yen if you plan to purchase animal feed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe and a souvenir shop where you can purchase food and drinks. However, many visitors opt to bring their own food.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is a common practice among visitors, which can help save money.
The cafe typically offers snacks, light meals, and beverages. Specific menu items may vary.
While there's a cafe, it's more geared towards snacks and lighter fare. For full meals, consider dining before or after your visit, or packing a picnic.
There are local restaurants in the surrounding Akiyoshidai area that offer regional Japanese cuisine. Exploring these can be part of the overall experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The safari drive-through offers incredible opportunities to photograph animals up close. Giraffes and red pandas are particularly photogenic subjects.
Yes, you can take photos from the bus tour, but you might have less control over angles compared to driving your own car.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions, especially regarding flash photography near certain animals.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing animals from a distance, but a standard zoom lens is often sufficient given how close you can get. A good phone camera will also capture great shots.
Some animals might be more elusive or move quickly. Patience is key, and visiting during feeding times can increase your chances of getting great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visiting on a weekday is highly recommended to avoid overwhelming crowds and long waits, which can be challenging with children. The park's layout is generally easy to navigate, and the opportunity to feed giraffes can be a truly magical moment for kids. Remember to use the restrooms before entering the safari zones to avoid any mid-safari emergencies.
🚗 Road Trippers & Self-Drivers
Parking is available, and the park allows re-entry on the same day, so you can explore the surrounding Akiyoshidai area and return later. Remember to have Japanese yen on hand for animal feed purchases, as this is a popular activity.
📸 Animal Photography Enthusiasts
While telephoto lenses can be beneficial, a standard zoom or even a good smartphone camera can yield impressive results given how close you can get. Be patient, as some animals may be more active at certain times. The recent birth of baby lions also presents a rare and exciting photographic subject.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Safari Experience
The bus tour, on the other hand, offers a different kind of engagement. It's often highlighted for its opportunities to feed certain animals, such as the giraffes, which is a particularly memorable activity for many. The bus tours may also have guides who can provide commentary, potentially in English, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit. Both options allow for incredibly close encounters with a diverse range of animals, making for a truly immersive safari adventure.
Regardless of your chosen method, remember that there are no restrooms within the drive-through or bus tour areas. It's crucial to use the facilities before embarking on your safari journey to ensure comfort throughout the experience.
The Charm of Akiyoshidai's Animals
Recent news from the park includes the exciting birth of baby lions, a rare and heartwarming event that draws significant attention. Seeing these young cubs, like Noah, growing and playing is a special treat for visitors. The park's commitment to its animals is evident, with efforts to ensure they are raised healthily and energetically.
Beyond the larger mammals, the petting zoo offers a more interactive experience, allowing guests, especially children, to get hands-on with gentler creatures. This blend of observing majestic wild animals and interacting with domesticated ones creates a well-rounded and engaging visit for all ages.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
When it comes to expenses, be prepared for admission fees, which are around 2,600 yen for adults and 1,600 yen for children. If you plan to feed the animals, remember to bring Japanese yen, as card payments are typically for entry and souvenirs only. The park also has a souvenir shop and a small cafe, but many visitors find it convenient and cost-effective to pack their own food and drinks.
Finally, a crucial practical tip is to utilize the restrooms before entering the safari zones, as facilities are not available within the drive-through or bus tour routes. This small detail can prevent discomfort and ensure your focus remains on the amazing wildlife encounters.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit