We visited Fuji Safari Park during a short family trip to Shizuoka with my husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and grandchild.
Fuji Safari Park is different from a traditional zoo because you can drive through the Safari Zone in your own car and see large animals at close range.
Being able to watch lions, elephants and giraffes without walking long distances made the experience especially comfortable for our multigenerational family.
This guide is based on our 2023 visit, with admission fees, opening hours and selected attraction information updated for September 2026.
Drive Through the Safari Zone in Your Own Car
One of the best features of Fuji Safari Park is the drive-through Safari Zone.
Visitors can use their own car, and one circuit currently takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes. There is no additional charge for the drive-through safari beyond regular park admission.
During our visit, both male and female lions were relaxing very close to the road.
It was a warm, sunny day, so many of the animals were taking it easy, but seeing lions from this distance was still impressive.
We also saw elephants at close range.
One elephant was even playing with leaves on its head, which was especially cute.
There were plenty of giraffes too.
Animals can appear on both sides of the road, so passengers on either side of the car have opportunities to see them up close.
We also saw deer relaxing in the water.
For travelers in their 60s and beyond, one major advantage is being able to enjoy much of the park while seated inside the car.
You are protected from much of the heat or cold, and the experience requires much less walking than a typical zoo visit.
Safari by Car – September 2026
Operating days: Daily
Safari admission hours:
March 11–October 31: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
November 1–November 30: 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
December 1–March 10: 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Approximate duration: 50–60 minutes per circuit
Additional charge: Free
Regular park admission is required.
Operating hours and conditions may change.
Fuji Safari Park Admission Fees
As of September 2026, standard admission is:
- Adults, high school age and older: ¥3,200
- Children ages 4 through junior high school: ¥2,000
- Seniors age 65 and older: ¥2,500
- Children age 3 and under: Free
Proof of age is required for the senior rate.
Discounted adult and child admission may be available through MySAFARI.
Parking is free.
The House of Dogs at Fuji Safari Park
After the Safari Zone, we headed to the Fureai Zone and visited the House of Dogs.
The House of Dogs is an indoor area where visitors can spend time with several different breeds.
As of September 2026, admission is ¥700 per person for visitors age 3 and older.
Children age 2 and under cannot enter.
The dogs moved around freely, making it possible to meet several breeds during one visit.
Dog lovers will have plenty to enjoy here.
During our visit, some of the dogs were very friendly and even climbed onto our laps.
We had owned a dachshund for many years, so meeting other breeds was especially fun.
There was also an adorable dachshund.
As with any animal encounter, behavior varies by individual animal and by day, so follow staff instructions and allow the dogs to interact at their own pace.
Fuji Safari Park also has a House of Cats and House of Rabbits.
House of Dogs – September 2026
Operating days: Daily
Reception hours:
March 11–October: 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
November: 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
December–March 10: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Visit time: Up to 30 minutes
Fee: ¥700 per person, age 3+
Children age 2 and under cannot enter.
Children ages 3–12 must be accompanied by a guardian of high school age or older. The accompanying person must also purchase admission.
Regular park admission is required separately.
Feeding the dogs is not permitted.
Some weekend and public holiday tickets can be reserved through MySAFARI.
Same-day tickets are also sold but may sell out or require a wait.
Hours and operating conditions may change.
Meet Kangaroos, Capybaras and Other Animals
The Fureai Zone also gave us opportunities to see kangaroos and capybaras at close range.
During our visit, we tried feeding the kangaroos.
Mamarin was very enthusiastic about feeding them...
but the kangaroos seemed to be full! 😆
Based on our experience, buying a small amount of food first and seeing whether the animals are interested may be a good idea.
During our visit, we were also able to get quite close to the kangaroos.
Their fur felt softer and denser than we expected.
We also saw a capybara from very close range.
It was much larger than we expected.
We also saw a mara, a large rodent that looks a little like a rabbit and is related to guinea pigs.
It was our first time seeing one.
We fed carrots to a pony too.
Unlike the kangaroos, the pony happily ate them!
When several animals gather around food, dust can sometimes be kicked up, so keeping a little distance can be helpful.
Lunch at Fuji Safari Park
For lunch, we visited the Safari Restaurant near the Fureai Zone.
During our 2023 visit, we ordered a Mount Fuji-shaped curry.
It included vegetables, sausage and pork cutlet, and the rice was shaped like Mount Fuji.
It was filling and fun to photograph.
Menus and prices can change over time.
Is Fuji Safari Park Good for Travelers Over 60?
From our experience, Fuji Safari Park worked very well for a multigenerational family trip.
The biggest advantage is the drive-through Safari Zone. You can see lions, elephants, giraffes and other large animals without spending hours walking around.
After that, you can decide how much of the Fureai Zone to explore depending on your energy level.
The House of Dogs and other animal encounters offer a completely different experience from the drive-through safari.
For families traveling with children, parents and grandparents together, Fuji Safari Park is an easy place for different generations to enjoy the same day out.
Fuji Safari Park Basic Information
Park admission hours
March 11–October 31: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
November 1–November 30: 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
December 1–March 10: 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Standard admission
Adults: ¥3,200
Children ages 4 through junior high school: ¥2,000
Seniors age 65+: ¥2,500
Children age 3 and under: Free
Parking: Free
Animal encounters, events and operating hours may change depending on weather, animal health and other conditions.
