5 Of The Coolest Animals In Japan

Animals are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Japan.

While culture and technology are more prominent topics of discussion, Japanese nature is as impressive. Japan has a large and diverse wildlife population due to its expansive mountain ranges, lush forests, and distinctive geographical features.

In fact, over 90,000 animal species have been identified in the Land of the Rising Sun! 

We've compiled a list of the 5 coolest animals in Japan below. That is, if you are thinking about traveling or working in Japan, you will be aware of the most intriguing creatures in Japan as well as where to discover them. This includes the adorable ones.

Red-crowned Cranes

Animal Classification: Bird
Average Size: 1.6m

The red crowned crane, which is over 5 feet tall and has a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres, is an aquatic bird with a red patch on top of its head, hence the name.

This omnivorous bird is commonly found around bodies of water and pasturelands. Their diet consists of fish, amphibians, tiny rodents, crabs, snails, plants, and other organisms. Delicious.

The red-crowned crane is a symbol of Japanese biodiversity. After nearly extinction due to overhunting, vigorous conservation measures were launched, and the population is now rebounding. Eastern Hokkaido is home to half of the world's population of red-crowned cranes.

Leopard Cats

Animal Classification: Mammal

Average Size: 70 – 80cm

The leopard cat is a petite and lovely wild cat. The leopard cat resembles a little leopard, as the name implies. It has a slimmer build than a conventional cat, long legs, and black patches on its body.

Leopard cats are mostly found on Tsushima Island in western Japan. They are typically found in tropical rainforest regions along rivers, valleys, and ravines. They are, however, one of the more endangered species of Japanese nature, so you'll be lucky to see one!

This Japanese carnivore feeds on a variety of small prey, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects. They do not play with their food, unlike many other little cats. They capture, kill, and consume it.

Sika Deers

Animal Classification: Mammal

Average Size: 1.2m

The sika deer is a staple of Japanese biodiversity and one of the country's most beautiful wild animals. Sika is derived from the Japanese word Shika, which means "deer." In Japan, they are known as Nihonjika, which translates as "Japanese Deer."

Sika deer can be found on all of Japan's main islands. That is, you will not have to look hard to find one. The country has an oversupply of sika deer. This is primarily due to the wolf, their only natural predator, becoming extinct in Japan roughly a century ago.

Sika deer are herbivores that feed on plants that grow naturally. You'll probably hear their whistling sound before you see them; they're swift and can jump up to 1.6m high

Red Fox

Animal Classification: Mammal

Average Size: 45 – 90cm

In Japan, red foxes are lovely wild creatures that live in hilly areas and on the edges of villages. The cunning omnivores are incredibly versatile and devour a wide variety of foods. Specifically, rabbits, rats, and birds.

The fox hamlet on Honshu island, where you may pay to play with the foxes, is a contentious tourist attraction in Japan. Many individuals believe that the way the foxes are treated at Fox Village is detrimental to their mental and physical wellbeing. Foxes are regarded to have tremendous wisdom and potent magic in Japanese folklore. Guys, take it seriously

Red Pandas

Animal Classification: Mammal

Average Size: 60cm

The red panda is a lovable warm blooded creature about the size of a homegrown feline. It fundamentally benefits from bamboo yet additionally eats eggs, birds and bugs.

A lone creature, you will rarely track down a bunch of red pandas in nature. They're likewise exceptionally imperiled, so you'll simply have the option to see them in a zoo in Japan. In particular, Sabae City's Nishiyama Zoo. The red panda is the authority creature of this city.