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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience.

Gunma Safari Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a true safari in Japan! Drive through expansive enclosures and get up close with lions, tigers, and giraffes.
"Fantastic experience! Definitely a must see. It’s wonderful to see animals in large enclosures."

🚗 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Petting Zoo & Birds
Enjoy a more interactive experience at the petting zoo and observe various bird species in dedicated areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Drive-Through vs. Bus Tour
Best for Families & Animal Lovers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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!
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera! While some find it hard to photograph everything, the close-up views are incredible.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes as you might do some walking, especially if exploring the walking safari areas.
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!
🦁 Feeding Fun
Participate in feeding sessions for a thrilling close-up encounter with animals. Book in advance if possible!
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera! While some find it hard to photograph everything, the close-up views are incredible.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes as you might do some walking, especially if exploring the walking safari areas.
👨👩👧 Family Adventure
This is a great spot for families. Kids will love the close encounters and unique safari experience.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors who choose to drive their own vehicles to the park.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, Gunma Safari Park is typically open year-round, though specific operating hours may change based on the season.
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.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see over 100 species of animals from Africa, Asia, and Japan, including lions, white tigers, giraffes, elephants, and meerkats.
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.
Yes, the park features a petting zoo, a bird area, and a theme park section with rides for children.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic family destination. Children often enjoy the close encounters and the interactive experiences like the petting zoo.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site that serves safari-themed dishes. You can also find a gift shop for souvenirs.
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.
The restaurant offers a variety of meals, often with a safari theme, catering to families and visitors of all ages.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's advisable to inquire at the restaurant upon arrival or check their menu if available online.
While a main restaurant is confirmed, smaller snack bars or cafes might be available, especially during busier periods.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the park. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography directly at animals.
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.
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.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check the park's specific regulations regarding drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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!
🚗 Road Trippers & Car Enthusiasts
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Safari Experience: Drive-Through vs. Bus
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. 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.
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.
Animal Encounters and Feeding
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.
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.
Park Maintenance and Visitor Experience
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.
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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit