Wildlife of Japan

Japan or Nippon as known to native residents offers realms of biodiversity and natural beauty, The country holds the title of The Land of the Rising Sun. Japan consists of more than 7,000 large and small islands along the Pacific Rim. Each of the islands has its own unique environment and wildlife.

Official National Bird

Japanese pheasant or green pheasant

Native Animals

Ryukyu flying foxes are classified as megabats living in forests and swamp areas.

Japanese macaques or snow monkeys are distinctive, endemic animals. In Japan, they mostly live on the islands of Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku.

Tanukis have been featured in Japanese folklore. Japan has many statues of them. These animals can be found in the Koenji district of Tokyo and in the Hiroshima Prefecture.

Japan has a range of different types of bears and they’re the largest land animals in Japan. The most common species are Asian black bears and Ussuri brown bears living in mountain ranges. You can see them at the Daisetsuzan National Park.

Yamaneko wildcats are related to a subspecies of leopards.

Shika deer are frequently found in small, mountainous villages.

Japanese serows are a species that is the national symbol of Japan and associated with good luck. A law was passed in 1995 to make serows a protected species and a national monument.

Birds

Blakiston’s fish owls are one of the largest species of owls in the world. These owls hold a special place in Japanese culture. They make their home on the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Red-crowned cranes are distinguishable by the bright red spots on top of their head. They are a notable icon in Japanese wildlife.

 Marine Animals

Goblin sharks are frightening-looking sea creatures. They are a rare species that has remained unchanged for more than 100 million years.

Giant salamanders are known in Japan as Osanshouo or “giant pepper fish”. These species live in cool, clear water streams.

Giant spider crabs are invertebrates that have a scary appearance. They live in depths of up to 50 and 300 meters.

Google images safe search