Nasu Safari Park
Get thrillingly close to lions, giraffes, and more at Nasu Safari Park, with unique feeding opportunities from special vehicles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Nasu Safari Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Get thrillingly close to lions, giraffes, and more at Nasu Safari Park, with unique feeding opportunities from special vehicles.
"It was great to see all the animals in such a short distance. We took the guided bus, which was the perfect speed to enjoy looking at, and feeding all of the animals."
🚗 Self-Drive vs. Bus
Self-driving offers more flexibility, but animal buses provide guided info & a unique experience.
💰 Buy Animal Feed!
Essential for close encounters! Budget extra for feed to make the most of your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Up-Close Animal Feedings
Safari zones
Feed giraffes, elephants, and other herbivores directly from your vehicle or designated areas. A truly memorable experience!
Lion & Tiger Encounters
Carnivore zone
Witness majestic lions and tigers up close, with opportunities to feed them through the protective mesh of your vehicle.
Unique Vehicle Options
Park entrance
Choose between your own car, a rental car, or fun animal-themed buses for your safari adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Animal Encounters
Feeding Frenzy Fun (and Cost)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Self-Drive vs. Bus
Self-driving offers more flexibility, but animal buses provide guided info & a unique experience.
💰 Buy Animal Feed!
Essential for close encounters! Budget extra for feed to make the most of your visit.
☔ Rainy Day Fun
The park is enjoyable even on rainy days, with covered areas and animal interactions.
🚗 Car Wash Available
Consider a car wash after feeding animals, especially if alpacas get too friendly!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Self-Drive vs. Bus
Self-driving offers more flexibility, but animal buses provide guided info & a unique experience.
💰 Buy Animal Feed!
Essential for close encounters! Budget extra for feed to make the most of your visit.
☔ Rainy Day Fun
The park is enjoyable even on rainy days, with covered areas and animal interactions.
🚗 Car Wash Available
Consider a car wash after feeding animals, especially if alpacas get too friendly!
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Hours vary by season, and last entry is usually an hour before closing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nasu Safari Park offers an exciting, up-close animal encounter experience, particularly loved for its feeding opportunities. While the cost can add up and some visitors express concerns about animal welfare, the unique interactions and variety of animals make it a memorable visit, especially for families. The crowded restaurant is a notable drawback.
"A great place to get up close, and really see the animals. Entry was a little expensive, 2 adults plus bus fee was 7800 yen. They sell animal biscuits for another 1000 yen.
You can take your own car, chartered bus, or special bus through the park.
It was great to see all the animals in such a short distance. We took the guided bus, which was the perfect speed to enjoy looking at, and feeding all of the animals. The bus driver aso gives information about the different animals.
The restaurant was also really good, but amazingly crowded. Even going for lunch during off hours, there was over an hour wait.
There's a small petting zoo with rabbits, goats, sheep, and llamas.
Overall, it's well worth the cost to go at least once."
Sonya S.
"Nice place to come with family. We rented a car at the park. Some people were driving their cars in the park and just thought that was dumb. Especially when the donkeys come and start chewing off your side view mirror. It was a a little small in my opinion. But it was fun we got to feed the giraffes and the elephants and many deer. If you can you should check it out just once. Plan on spending about an hour here"
Andy Hundal
"There’s a little discount when you buy tickets from the hotel. We chose to self drive with our own car. As it was low season, we were able to go super slowly and interact with all the animals without cars behind us.
Do purchase the feed for an ultra fun experience. Beware of the alpaca! It spat into the car and spit was all over my face. It was a brown alpaca haha
May pay a little sum to wash the car at the end!
We love the experience."
Cheryn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nasu Safari Park is located in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture. You can reach it by car, with ample parking available. If traveling by public transport, you can take a train to Nasushiobara Station and then a bus or taxi to the park. 
Yes, driving is a popular option. The park is accessible by car, and many visitors opt for this method to have more flexibility during their visit.
Yes, Nasu Safari Park offers rental cars on-site, which is a convenient option if you don't have your own vehicle.
You can use your own car, a rental car, or opt for the special animal-themed buses that tour the park.
While direct public transport to the park entrance might be limited, you can typically reach the nearest major station (like Nasushiobara) and then take a local bus or taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, but for two adults and the bus fee, it was around 7800 yen. Consider checking for hotel discounts for potential savings.
While not explicitly stated, it's always a good idea to check the official website or inquire about advance ticket purchases, especially during peak seasons. Some hotels offer discounts.
Opening hours vary by season, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:15 PM. Some sources mention extended evening hours in summer.
Yes, some hotels offer discounts on tickets. It's worth checking with your accommodation or the park's official channels for any promotions.
Admission typically covers entry to the park. However, animal feed and special bus tours may incur additional costs.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, bisons, and many more, with around 70 species and 700 animals.
Yes, feeding the animals is a highlight! You can purchase animal biscuits to feed giraffes, elephants, and other herbivores.
Many visitors recommend the animal buses for a guided experience, or self-driving for more flexibility. Feeding the animals is a must-do.
Yes, there's a petting zoo with rabbits, goats, sheep, and llamas, which is great for younger visitors.
While you can get close, the timed nature of tours might limit photo opportunities. Weekdays and self-driving can offer more chances.
Be prepared for unexpected interactions! Alpacas are known to spit, so a car wash might be a good idea afterward.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant, but it can get extremely crowded, with wait times exceeding an hour even during off-peak lunch hours.
While specific details aren't widely available, the restaurant is generally described as good. It's advisable to check for current operating status.
Information on bringing outside food is not readily available. It's best to check the park's official policy or plan to dine at the park's restaurant or nearby facilities.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The areas where you can feed animals, like the giraffe and elephant zones, offer great close-up photo opportunities.
The timed nature of the tours can make it challenging to stop for extended photo sessions. Visiting on a weekday or self-driving might provide more time.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing animals from a distance, but for close-up feeding, a standard lens or even a smartphone camera will suffice.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid using flash if it might disturb them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider opting for the animal-themed buses for a guided and entertaining experience. While the park can get crowded, especially on weekends, planning your visit for a weekday can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Don't forget to budget for animal feed to maximize the fun!
🚗 Self-Drive Enthusiasts
Be mindful of the animals, especially herbivores like alpacas, who might get a little too close for comfort and even spit!
📸 Photography Buffs
+1 The key to capturing great shots is to be patient and strategic. Visiting on a weekday or opting for a self-drive tour can give you more control over your timing, allowing you to wait for the perfect moment. While the animal buses are convenient, they move at a set pace, which might limit extensive photography. Consider bringing a lens that can handle both closer shots and some distance, and be prepared for the occasional animal interaction that might require quick reflexes!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Safari Experience
While self-driving offers the most freedom, especially during less crowded times, the animal buses provide a guided tour with informative commentary from the drivers. This can be particularly beneficial for those less familiar with the animals. Regardless of your choice, purchasing animal feed is highly recommended to enhance interactions, allowing animals like giraffes and elephants to approach your vehicle.
Be aware that the park operates on a timed schedule for its tours. This means that while you get to see many animals, there might be limited time to stop and take extensive photos or simply observe. Visiting on a weekday can alleviate this issue, allowing for a more leisurely pace.
Animal Welfare and Interactions
+1However, some visitors have noted concerns about animal welfare, with observations of animals appearing depressed or exhibiting repetitive behaviors. The tiger at the entrance and birds in small cages have been mentioned as examples.
Despite these concerns, many visitors find the experience rewarding, especially when animals are actively engaging and accepting treats. The opportunity to feed animals like giraffes and elephants is a significant draw.
Dining and Amenities
Beyond the main restaurant, there's a petting zoo area with smaller animals like rabbits, goats, sheep, and llamas, offering a different kind of interaction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit