入場ゲート空撮
1 / 10

Gunma Safari Park

4.2
·4k reviews·Tomioka, Japan

Experience a true safari in Japan! Drive through expansive enclosures and get up close with lions, tigers, and giraffes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience.

CrowdLow
Loading map...
入場ゲート空撮

Gunma Safari Park

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a true safari in Japan! Drive through expansive enclosures and get up close with lions, tigers, and giraffes.

4.2
(4k reviews)

"Fantastic experience! Definitely a must see. It’s wonderful to see animals in large enclosures."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Own Car or Bus?

Decide between your car or the safari bus for the best experience. Buses offer unique feeding opportunities!

🦁 Feeding Fun

Participate in feeding sessions for a thrilling close-up encounter with animals. Book in advance if possible!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Drive-Through Safari

Drive-Through Safari

Experience a true safari by driving your car or taking a special bus through expansive enclosures, getting up close with wildlife.

Animal Feeding Experiences

Animal Feeding Experiences

Get hands-on by feeding herbivores and even lions from the safety of a bus – a thrilling and memorable activity for all ages.

White Tiger Encounter

White Tiger Encounter

Spot the majestic white tiger, a unique and captivating resident of the park that draws significant visitor interest.

Petting Zoo & Birds

Petting Zoo & Birds

Enjoy a more interactive experience at the petting zoo and observe various bird species in dedicated areas.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Drive-Through vs. Bus Tour

Choose between driving your own car or taking a guided bus tour for the safari experience. Buses offer a unique perspective and allow for close-up feeding opportunities, while your own car provides flexibility. Instagram

Best for Families & Animal Lovers

Gunma Safari Park is a fantastic family outing, offering close encounters with diverse animals. It's a great alternative to traditional zoos, with many visitors highlighting the joy of seeing animals in spacious enclosures. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience.
Crowd
Low
When
Mornings
Why
Animals are often more active.
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon
Why
Good for feeding sessions.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Gunma Safari Park is one of two true safari parks in Japan. Located in Tomioka in southwestern Gunma Prefecture , the park boasts over 100 species of animals from Africa, Asia and Japan, including a white tiger. You can drive your own car through the park or board special buses to cruise through the grounds.
saneshikafernando
7 likes • 79 views

🚗 Own Car or Bus?

Decide between your car or the safari bus for the best experience. Buses offer unique feeding opportunities! Instagram+1

🦁 Feeding Fun

Participate in feeding sessions for a thrilling close-up encounter with animals. Book in advance if possible! Instagram+1

皆様、こんばんは🌙 本日はチーターのクララとリースの最後の展示日でした。発表以来様々な地域からファンの皆様にお越しいただき誠に感謝申し上げます。 明日クララとリースが、新しい場所へ旅立っていきます。残るトアとメルレ、クラリスとズーナも引き続きよろしくお願いいたします。 今日の夕方から獣舎内に入って来た時の様子をご覧ください。 #群馬サファリパーク #サファリ #gunmasafaripark #チーター #クラリス親子 #かわいい #ありがとう #旅立ち #クララ #リース #動物 #動物園 #温泉 #日帰り #旅行
gunmasafari
828 likes • 10.1K views
Feeding time 📍Gunma Safari Park Tour by: @magandang_driver_sa_tokyo
ethelbooba
31 likes • 2.2K views

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera! While some find it hard to photograph everything, the close-up views are incredible. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes as you might do some walking, especially if exploring the walking safari areas. Reddit

Today we went to the Gunma Safari Park. I wasn’t able to get pictures of all the animals cause I was just really into the moment to be honest. But, I will say that it’s such a great experience to be had with family and friends. And, it’s definitely not like your normal zoo. You can get pretty close up to the animals and feed them (even the lions and tiger) 🦁🐯🥩 #japan #gunma #tomioka #gunmasafaripa...
kerochantravels
18 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Own Car or Bus?

Decide between your car or the safari bus for the best experience. Buses offer unique feeding opportunities! Instagram+1

🦁 Feeding Fun

Participate in feeding sessions for a thrilling close-up encounter with animals. Book in advance if possible! Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera! While some find it hard to photograph everything, the close-up views are incredible. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes as you might do some walking, especially if exploring the walking safari areas. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Adventure

This is a great spot for families. Kids will love the close encounters and unique safari experience. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Gunma Safari Park offers a unique, immersive wildlife experience with opportunities for close animal encounters and feeding. While some visitors note the park's age and potential maintenance needs, the overall sentiment is positive, especially for families seeking an adventurous day out. The drive-through safari and interactive feeding sessions are consistently highlighted as memorable highlights.

"This zoo, built in a mountainous area, has some of the best animals on display, bringing animals from different countries."

samundra pandey

"We traveled a long way to experience a wild safari, but it turned out to be just an average park. You can see the same animals in a zoo in Japan. Instead, I recommend enjoying the scenic beauty in Gunma and relaxing at an onsen for a perfect retreat day."

Gurneet Kaur

"Fantastic experience! Definitely a must see. It’s wonderful to see animals in large enclosures. The whole family really enjoyed the drive through safari."

Tokyo Viking

What People Like

Close animal encounters
Drive-through safari
Animal feeding experiences

What People Dislike

Appears older
Maintenance needs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gunma Safari Park is located in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture. Visitors often drive their own cars, as it's a common mode of transport in the region. Public transport options might involve trains to nearby stations followed by a taxi or local bus, but driving is generally recommended for convenience. Instagram

While primarily accessed by car, public transport is possible. You can take a train to a station like Joshu-Tomioka Station and then arrange for a taxi or local bus to reach the park. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

You have two main options: drive your own car through the safari zones or take one of the park's special guided bus tours. The bus tours offer unique feeding opportunities and commentary. Instagram+1

Yes, ample parking is available for visitors who choose to drive their own vehicles to the park. Reddit

Car rental services are available in major cities within Gunma Prefecture. It's advisable to book in advance if you plan to rent a car for your visit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for adults is approximately 2,900 JPY. Additional fees may apply for the safari bus (around 1,000 JPY per person). It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most current pricing. Instagram

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for the safari bus, can save time and ensure your spot, particularly during peak seasons or weekends. Reddit

The park is generally open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website for the most accurate opening and closing times before your visit. Instagram

Yes, Gunma Safari Park is typically open year-round, though specific operating hours may change based on the season. Instagram

Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's worth checking their official website or local tourism boards for any potential promotions or package deals. Reddit

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

You can see over 100 species of animals from Africa, Asia, and Japan, including lions, white tigers, giraffes, elephants, and meerkats. Instagram+1

Yes, feeding experiences are available, allowing you to feed herbivores and even lions from the safety of a bus. This is a highlight for many visitors. Instagram+1

Yes, the park features a petting zoo, a bird area, and a theme park section with rides for children. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a fantastic family destination. Children often enjoy the close encounters and the interactive experiences like the petting zoo. Instagram+1

The drive-through safari allows you to see animals from your vehicle or a bus, while the walking safari offers a more traditional zoo-like experience with enclosures you can walk around. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant on-site that serves safari-themed dishes. You can also find a gift shop for souvenirs. Instagram

Outside food and drinks are generally permitted, but it's always best to check the park's specific policies upon arrival or on their website. Reddit

The restaurant offers a variety of meals, often with a safari theme, catering to families and visitors of all ages. Instagram

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's advisable to inquire at the restaurant upon arrival or check their menu if available online. Reddit

While a main restaurant is confirmed, smaller snack bars or cafes might be available, especially during busier periods. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The drive-through safari offers incredible opportunities for close-up shots of animals like lions and giraffes. The feeding areas also provide unique photo moments. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the park. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography directly at animals. Instagram

A telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture clear shots of animals from a distance, especially if you're in your own car. A zoom lens offers versatility. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos from the safari bus, but be aware that windows might restrict angles. Some buses have open-top sections for better views and photos. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited in wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check the park's specific regulations regarding drones. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gunma Safari Park is an excellent choice for families. The drive-through safari and bus tours offer exciting ways for children to see animals up close, from lions to giraffes. The petting zoo provides a hands-on experience that kids adore, and the park also has a dedicated theme park area with rides. Instagram+1

Many parents highlight the joy their children experience during the animal feeding sessions, making it a truly memorable outing. It's a great alternative to traditional zoos, offering a more immersive and adventurous feel. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for any walking sections and bring your camera to capture all the smiles! InstagramReddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Car Enthusiasts

If you're exploring Gunma by car, Gunma Safari Park is a natural addition to your itinerary. The drive-through safari allows you to experience the park in your own vehicle, offering a sense of freedom and personal adventure. It's a unique way to engage with the wildlife while enjoying the scenic drive through the park's natural setting. Instagram

For those who appreciate the convenience and control of their own transport, this option is ideal. You can stop at your leisure to observe animals and take photos. The park's location in a mountainous area also adds to the appeal of a scenic road trip. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Gunma Safari Park offers unique opportunities to capture wildlife in a safari setting. The drive-through and bus tours bring you remarkably close to animals like lions, tigers, and giraffes, allowing for stunning close-up shots. A telephoto or zoom lens is highly recommended to get the best results. Instagram

While the park might have some older facilities, the sheer proximity to the animals is a photographer's dream. The animal feeding sessions also provide dynamic and engaging subjects for your photos. Be mindful of lighting conditions and animal behavior to get the most impactful shots. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Safari Experience: Drive-Through vs. Bus

Gunma Safari Park offers two primary ways to experience its wildlife: driving your own car or taking a guided bus tour. The drive-through safari allows you to navigate the park's expansive enclosures at your own pace, offering a sense of freedom and adventure. You can stop to observe animals like lions, giraffes, and elephants from the comfort of your vehicle. Instagram

Alternatively, the guided bus tours provide a different, yet equally engaging, perspective. These tours are particularly popular for their animal feeding experiences, where you can hand-feed herbivores and even lions from the safety of the bus. This interactive element is a major draw for many visitors, creating unforgettable memories. Instagram+1 The choice often depends on whether you prioritize flexibility or unique interactive opportunities. Both methods offer excellent opportunities to see a wide variety of animals up close. Instagram

Some visitors note that while the park is unique, it might feel similar to other zoos if you're not opting for the special feeding experiences. However, the sheer proximity to animals like white tigers and the immersive nature of the safari drive are consistently praised. Reddit

Animal Encounters and Feeding

A significant highlight of Gunma Safari Park is the opportunity for close-up animal encounters, especially through its feeding programs. Visitors can purchase food to offer to various animals, creating a memorable and interactive experience. The lion feeding from a bus is particularly thrilling, offering a safe yet exhilarating way to get close to these magnificent predators. Instagram+1

Beyond the lions, you can feed herbivores like giraffes and zebras, which are often more accessible and eager for interaction. These feeding sessions are not just fun; they provide a unique educational insight into animal behavior and dietary needs. Many families highlight this as a favorite part of their visit, with children especially delighted by the chance to connect with the animals. Instagram+1

While the feeding experiences are a major draw, it's important to note that the park's general animal displays are also impressive. Seeing animals like white tigers and elephants in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats is a core part of the safari experience. InstagramReddit

Park Maintenance and Visitor Experience

While Gunma Safari Park offers a unique safari experience, some reviews mention that the park appears older and may have maintenance needs. One visitor noted that the business might not be thriving, suggesting potential areas for improvement. Reddit

Despite these observations, many visitors still find the park to be a fantastic experience and a great family outing. The spacious enclosures and the opportunity to see animals up close are consistently praised. The overall sentiment is that the park provides a valuable and enjoyable experience, even if it shows signs of age. InstagramReddit

For those seeking a pristine, modern facility, Gunma Safari Park might present some challenges. However, for those who appreciate the core safari concept and the chance for close animal encounters, it remains a worthwhile destination. The scenic mountainous setting also adds to the overall appeal. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2