Native Japanese Animals
Japan might be known for its blend of both ancient and modern culture, exceptional food, and innovative technological inventions, but what rarely gets recognized is its incredibly diverse and fascinating wildlife.
While you might not find native Japanese animals wandering the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or trying to get to the other side of Shibuya Crossing, you only have to travel to Japan’s expansive mountainous regions, or its dense forests to find a wildlife world worth exploring.
From the cheeky Japanese macaques to the elegant sika deer, we’ve put together a list of the 8 native Japanese animals to try and spot on your next trip to Japan, known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.
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Probably the most recognizable native Japanese animal is the macaque – a snow monkey found in the mountainous regions of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu islands. Extremely sociable and friendly creatures, these monkeys are characterized by their long, thick hair and little red faces and usually travel in packs of 20 – 30 monkeys.
While there’s a chance you could spot these delightful animals in the wild if you’re travelling around the forested areas of Tokyo, the best place to interact with them is at the Jigokudani Monkey Park located in the Nagano Prefecture.
Known to symbolise luck and longevity, the red-crowned crane is an aquatic bird that spends its day foraging for food in the pasturelands of eastern Hokkaido. Dining on small fish and rodents, amphibians, snails, and plants, this bird is beautiful with its largely snow-white colour and distinct red patch on the top of its head.
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At one point there were fears of extinction for the Japanese icon but due to strong conservation efforts, the population of birds is starting to show signs of recovery. Phew.
Sounding as if it belongs between the pages of a fantasy novel, the Japanese giant salamander lives nocturnally at the bottom of streams or rivers filled with cool, fresh water. Looking quite intimidating in its appearance, this monstrous amphibian can grow to a size of 1.5 metres and expels a powerful, pepper-smelling, milky-like substance when threatened.
With a brown and black skin that helps them camouflage perfectly against the murky river bottoms, these swimming creatures are super 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 glimpse of one.
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You won’t have to look very hard for this next native Japanese animal as there are large numbers scattered throughout the main islands of Japan, so get your camera out and start snapping. Positively thriving due to its only natural predator, the wolf, having been extinct in Japan for a century, these delicate and graceful creatures can grow up to 1.2 metres in length and can jump a surprisingly high 1.7 metres.
Getting its name from the Japanese word ‘Shika’ (meaning Japanese deer), these harmless animals feed on naturally growing vegetation as herbivores and are characterized by the white spots dotting the length of their bodies.
Guaranteed to be one of the cutest animals you’ve ever laid eyes on, the Japanese marten can be found in the luscious forests of mainland Japan – specifically the Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions. Recognised by their dark brown, yellow, and cream pelage, these slender and agile creatures come alive when the sun goes down, staying up to hunt food, before sleeping in tree hollows and shallow dens during the day.
Japanese Native Animals
If you happen to come across a Japanese marten in the wild it’s best to steer clear of it, not because they’re particularly vicious animals that might hurt you, but because it’s considered to be bad luck if a marten crosses in front of someone in Japanese folklore.
Hunted to near extinction in the 20th century, the Japanese serow is now well and truly thriving thanks to a 1955 law that recognizes them as national monuments, making it illegal to pursue these animals for their fur. And thank goodness because spotting these goat-antelope like creatures in the woodlands of the Honshu region will surely be one of the highlights of your trip.
Featuring long legs, bushy multicoloured fur, and curved horns, these native Japanese animals are not only seen as a symbol of Japan but also as good luck for their sure-footedness, with serow hoof print charms bought by students sitting exams.
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Taking the title of one of the scariest-looking animals in Japan, the Japanese spider crab can reach up to 3.7 metres with its spindly legs and scurries along the seabed in search of marine plants and small fish. While these monstrous-looking invertebrates are bound to have a starring role in your next nightmare, Japanese spider crabs are actually known to be gentle giants and can live up to 100 years old.
However, the chances of you coming across a Japanese spider crab in the wild are pretty low as they live at a depth of 160 – 2, 000 feet. If you are intent on catching a glimpse of its gangly legs and orangey body, they can be found in seafood markets along Japan’s southern coast.
Boasting the title of Japan’s ‘largest land animal’, the Japanese black bear is one of the more breathtaking yet dangerous animals you’re likely to come across during your travels around the country. Very common in mountainous regions (and the fringes of major cities such as Tokyo), these bears have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, using their senses to find their next meal.
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They’re also at their most active in the early mornings and early evenings – looking for breakfast and dinner perhaps? – so make sure you’re being extremely careful and not getting too close. Remember, these powerful animals can run faster than humans and are five times stronger, so if you think you can outsmart a bear, no you can’t.
When I was 11, my parents asked me whether I wanted a pool for the house or a trip to Fiji. I chose Fiji, and I've made travelling as much as I can a priority ever since.Whilst things like culture and technology may be higher up the list of talking points, Japanese wildlife is just as amazing. With expansive mountain ranges, dense forests and unique geographical features, Japan is home to a thriving and diverse wildlife population.
We’ve put together a list below of the 40 of the coolest animals in Japan. Meaning, if you’re considering visiting or working in Japan, you’ll have a bit of knowledge on the most interesting animals in Japan, as well as where to find them. That includes the cute ones, the dangerous ones and the weird ones!
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Blakiston’s fish owl, the largest owl species in the world, is a rare and magnificent bird found on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan. These owls are known for their impressive size, deep hooting calls, and striking facial features. They reside along rivers and in forested areas, hunting for fish, which they catch with their sharp talons.
The Japanese mitten crab is a unique crustacean recognized by the furry clumps on its claws, resembling mittens. These crabs are found in both freshwater and marine environments, as they migrate from rivers to the sea to breed.
Japanese grass lizards, found throughout Japan, are a common sight in grasslands, fields, and forest edges. These small, agile reptiles are known for their speed and distinctive greenish-brown colouration, which provides excellent camouflage in their natural environment. They are often active during the day, basking in the sun and hunting for insects.
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Their presence can be heard by a rustling in the grass, as they swiftly move about. Japanese grass lizards play a vital role in controlling insect populations, making them an important component of their ecosystem. Their adaptability to different environments and their importance in the food chain makes them an important reptile on this list.
Crested kingfishers, with their striking appearance and impressive size, are a majestic sight along Japan’s rivers and streams. These birds are easily recognisable by their large white crests, contrasting with their primarily dark feathers.
They are expert fishers, often seen perched on branches overhanging water before diving in to catch their prey. Their distinctive call and regal bearing make them a cherished sight among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
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The Ryukyu long-haired rat is an endemic species found in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. These rodents are unique due to their long, soft fur and larger size compared to common rats. They are nocturnal and elusive, often found in subtropical forests and mountainous areas. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, seeds, and insects, playing an important role in seed dispersal.
Despite their common status as a rodent, the Ryukyu long-haired rat is a fascinating example of the unique animals that inhabit Japan’s southern islands, playing an important part in balancing the biodiversity of the region.
The Japanese fire-bellied newt is a small amphibian with a bright orange belly contrasted against a dark, textured back. These newts are found in wet, forested areas throughout Japan, particularly in slow-moving or still waters. They are known for being toxic, a defence mechanism against predators which is essential to their survival.
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