{"id":55070,"date":"2022-06-25T08:18:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T22:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=55070"},"modified":"2026-04-14T21:14:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T11:14:38","slug":"try-and-spot-these-8-native-japanese-animals-on-your-next-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/try-and-spot-these-8-native-japanese-animals-on-your-next-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Try and spot these 8 native Japanese animals on your next trip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>From spotting snow monkeys to seeing strange salamanders and spider crabs, here are some animals you may get the chance to spot on your next trip to Japan.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/japan\">Japan<\/a> might be known for its blend of culture, food and innovative technology, but what rarely gets recognised is its 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\u2019s expansive mountainous regions, or its dense forests to find a wildlife world worth exploring. From the cheeky macaques to the elegant sika deer, here are eight native animals to try spot on <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/japan\">your next trip to Japan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Monkey-park-7-Yudanaka.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Monkey-park-7-Yudanaka.jpg\" alt=\"Three Japanese snow monkeys sit on the rocks after bathing in the hot springs. \" class=\"wp-image-91479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Monkey-park-7-Yudanaka.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Monkey-park-7-Yudanaka-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Monkey-park-7-Yudanaka-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Monkey-park-7-Yudanaka-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Monkey-park-7-Yudanaka-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Monkey-park-7-Yudanaka-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Japanese snow monkeys bathing in a hot spring in Jigokudani Monkey Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Japanese macaque<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably the most recognisable native Japanese animal is the macaque \u2013 a snow monkey found in the mountainous regions of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu islands. Extremely sociable and friendly creatures, these monkeys are characterised by their long, thick hair and little red faces, usually travelling in packs of 20 to 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there\u2019s a chance you could spot them in the wild if you\u2019re 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, a stop on Intrepid&#8217;s <a href=\"\/japan\/premium-highlights-japan-166787\">Premium Highlights of Japan<\/a> trip, where you&#8217;ll try to find snow monkeys bathing in hot springs on the mountain in Yamanouchi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Read more: <a href=\"\/adventures\/where-to-go-in-japan\/\">Where to go in Japan based on your travel vibes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Red-crowned-crane-blog-616912439-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Red-crowned-crane-blog-616912439-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" alt=\"A red-crowned crane standing on top of a wooden log in its natural habitat.\" class=\"wp-image-55078\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Red-crowned-crane-blog-616912439-ss-800x450-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Red-crowned-crane-blog-616912439-ss-800x450-1-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Red-crowned-crane-blog-616912439-ss-800x450-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Red-crowned-crane-blog-616912439-ss-800x450-1-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A red-crowned crane in the quiet wilds of Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Red-crowned crane<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"\/japan\/northern-japan-hokkaido-adventure-166795\">Hokkaido<\/a>, especially the Kushiro Wetlands, dining on small fish and rodents, amphibians, snails and plants. Beautiful with a largely snow-white colour and distinct red patch on the top of its head, it is also rare. In fact, one of the rarest cranes in the wild, with only 1000 left in Japan and 3000 in the world. At one point, there were fears of extinction, but due to strong conservation efforts, the population of birds is starting to show signs of recovery. Phew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Giant-Salamander-blog-1230633007-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Giant-Salamander-blog-1230633007-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" alt=\"A giant Japanese salamander crawling over the rocks of a river.\" class=\"wp-image-55080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Giant-Salamander-blog-1230633007-ss-800x450-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Giant-Salamander-blog-1230633007-ss-800x450-1-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Giant-Salamander-blog-1230633007-ss-800x450-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Giant-Salamander-blog-1230633007-ss-800x450-1-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Learn how to spot Japan&#8217;s elusive wildlife with a local leader guiding the way<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3.\u00a0Japanese giant salamander<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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, <em>ahem<\/em>, intimidating in its appearance, this monstrous amphibian can grow to a size of 1.5 metres, expelling a powerful, pepper-smelling, milky-like substance when threatened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a brown and black skin that helps them camouflage perfectly against the murky river bottoms, these swimming creatures are super hard to spot \u2013 largely because they live underwater \u2013 so you\u2019ll need to do your research properly before setting out to try to catch a glimpse of one. They typically live in the cool, fast-flowing mountain streams of western Japan. Outside of Gifu city, in the small village of Wara (and its titular river), is a good place to start from April to November. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Read more: <a href=\"\/adventures\/things-to-know-solo-travel-japan\/\">Everything I wish I knew before going to Japan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-010.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-010.jpg\" alt=\"A spotted Japanese deer staring right at the camera. \" class=\"wp-image-91478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-010.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-010-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-010-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-010-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-010-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Japan-Hiroshima-Miyajima-Island-010-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">See Japan&#8217;s deer grazing from a distance on a trip to Miyajima Island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Sika deer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You won\u2019t have to look very hard for this next native Japanese animal as there are large numbers scattered throughout the main islands of Japan. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting its name from the Japanese word \u2018shika\u2019 (meaning Japanese deer), these harmless animals feed on naturally growing vegetation as herbivores and are characterised by the white spots dotting the length of their bodies. One of your best chances of spotting a deer in Japan is on <a href=\"\/japan\/japan-express-166793\">Miyajima Island<\/a>, just offshore from Hiroshima, where they roam the streets and parks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-marten-up-close-blog-548258425-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-marten-up-close-blog-548258425-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" alt=\"An orange Japanese marten standing on an icy fallen tree. \" class=\"wp-image-55082\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-marten-up-close-blog-548258425-ss-800x450-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-marten-up-close-blog-548258425-ss-800x450-1-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-marten-up-close-blog-548258425-ss-800x450-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-marten-up-close-blog-548258425-ss-800x450-1-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some of Japan&#8217;s animals may be hard to spot, but worth the reward<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Japanese marten<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Guaranteed to be one of the cutest animals you\u2019ve ever laid eyes on, the Japanese marten can be found in the forests of mainland Japan \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you happen to come across a Japanese marten in the wild it\u2019s best to steer clear of it, not because they\u2019re particularly vicious animals that might hurt you, but because it\u2019s considered to be bad luck if a marten crosses in front of someone in Japanese folklore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Read more: <a href=\"\/adventures\/japan-rescue-dogs\/\">Meet Japan&#8217;s four-legged first responders<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-serow-blog-498966445-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-serow-blog-498966445-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" alt=\"A Japanese serow staring straight at the camera in green, grassy surroundings.\" class=\"wp-image-55084\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-serow-blog-498966445-ss-800x450-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-serow-blog-498966445-ss-800x450-1-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-serow-blog-498966445-ss-800x450-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-serow-blog-498966445-ss-800x450-1-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Japanese serow is now a symbol of survival in the wild<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Japanese serow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hunted to near extinction in the 20th century, the Japanese serow is now thriving thanks to a 1955 law that recognises 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. On Honshu, aim for Nagano Prefecture&#8217;s high-altitude areas, include the Joshin&#8217;etsukogen National Park near the <a href=\"\/japan\/premium-highlights-japan-166787\">Jigokudani Monkey Park<\/a>, and around highly active Mt Asama in Karuizawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-spider-crab-blog-152737709-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-spider-crab-blog-152737709-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" alt=\"A Japanese spider crab standing on the sandy ocean floor, surrounded by rocks. \" class=\"wp-image-55085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-spider-crab-blog-152737709-ss-800x450-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-spider-crab-blog-152737709-ss-800x450-1-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-spider-crab-blog-152737709-ss-800x450-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-spider-crab-blog-152737709-ss-800x450-1-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A surreal glimpse of one of the ocean&#8217;s extraordinary giants<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Japanese spider crab<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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. In case you&#8217;re wondering what it gets up to, it spends it&#8217;s life scurrying along the seabed in search of marine plants and small fish. While these monstrous-looking invertebrates may well 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the chances of you coming across a Japanese spider crab in the wild are pretty low as they live at a depth of 49 to 600 m. If you are intent on catching a glimpse of its gangly legs and orangey body, they can be found in seafood markets along <a href=\"\/japan\/southern-japan-experience-166799\">Japan\u2019s southern coast<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Black-Bear-blog-3011719-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Black-Bear-blog-3011719-ss-800x450-1.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese black bear lounging on a tree stump in its natural habitat.\" class=\"wp-image-55086\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Black-Bear-blog-3011719-ss-800x450-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Black-Bear-blog-3011719-ss-800x450-1-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Black-Bear-blog-3011719-ss-800x450-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Japan-Japanese-Black-Bear-blog-3011719-ss-800x450-1-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The rare sight of a Japanese black bear in its natural habitat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Japanese black bear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Boasting the title of Japan\u2019s \u2018largest land animal\u2019, the Japanese black bear is very common in the <a href=\"\/japan\/northern-japan-hokkaido-adventure-166795\">Northern regions<\/a>, especially the Japan Alps, and even mountainous fringes of major cities such as <a href=\"\/japan\/tokyo\">Tokyo<\/a>. They have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, using their senses to find their next meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re also at their most active in the early mornings and early evenings \u2013 looking for breakfast and dinner perhaps? \u2013 so make sure you\u2019re 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 one, you can\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spot native Japanese animals on one of Intrepid&#8217;s <a href=\"\/japan\">small-group tours in Japan<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From snow monkeys to strange salamanders and spider crabs, here&#8217;s the wildlife to spot on your next trip to 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