The park houses rare white lions, which are a leucistic variant of the African lion and not a distinct subspecies.
Visitors can interact with giraffes directly from the windows of their own private vehicles, as the animals are conditioned to approach cars for food.
The facility includes a specialized 'Lion Bus' designed to allow passengers to feed lions through reinforced metal grilles.
The park implements a strict 'stay inside your vehicle' policy in the main safari zones due to the presence of large carnivores.
Nasu Safari Park uses a double-gate security system for all vehicle entries and exits to prevent animal escapes.
The park's location in the Nasu highlands provides a temperate climate that allows for the housing of both cold-weather adapted animals and warm-weather African species.
Nasu Safari Park is an interactive wildlife park in Tochigi Prefecture where visitors observe free-roaming African animals from specialized vehicles. The facility allows guests to drive their own cars or ride the park's safari bus through zones containing lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and white rhinos. Close-up interactions are facilitated by feeding stations where giraffes and other herbivores approach vehicle windows. The park also features a walking area known as the Fureai Zone, which hosts smaller animals like kangaroos and capybaras. As of July 2026, the park continues its operation, maintaining its focus on immersive wildlife encounters. It is located in the Nasu highlands, a region known for its cluster of theme parks and mountain resorts. The animal management system utilizes electric fences and secure gates to separate distinct predator and herbivore territories.
The elevated observation deck overlooking the giraffe enclosure provides the best angles for close-up photography without the obstruction of vehicle glass.
Purchase the animal feed buckets available at the park entrance, as feeding the giraffes is the most popular activity.
If driving your own vehicle, be aware that animals like zebras and giraffes may brush against or lick your car, so consider using the park's safari bus if you are protective of your vehicle's paint.
Visit during the morning hours when the animals are most active and likely to approach vehicles for interaction.
Feeding the animals with non-park approved food or attempting to pet animals that are not in the designated petting zoo areas.
Closed on Thursdays throughout most of the year, though schedules may vary during Japanese national holidays and peak summer tourism periods.
Keep all windows closed except during designated feeding areas; do not exit the vehicle at any time within the animal roaming zones.
