Fuji Safari Park

**Safari Bus vs private car:** Safari Bus (¥1,500 extra beyond entry fee) allows closer animal encounters — mesh reinforced windows prevent scratches while permitting animals to approach/touch bus. Guides provide Japanese commentary and stop for photo opportunities. Tigers and bears sometimes climb on roof (safe, bus is designed for this). Private car is ¥1,500 cheaper but keeps more distance from animals; convertibles/motorcycles/bikes prohibited. For full experience, Safari Bus justifies the premium. **Feeding experiences:** The Interaction Zone offers animal feeding (separate fees): giraffes (¥500, extend heads to eat from your hand, friendly), capybaras (¥300, docile and photogenic), kangaroos (¥300, hop freely in enclosed yard). Red Panda feeding (¥1,000, limited daily slots, reserve upon arrival) allows hand-feeding bamboo to extremely cute pandas. Total feeding cost: ¥2,000+ if doing all experiences — budget accordingly or prioritize favorites. **Mt. Fuji photo strategy:** The park's location on Fuji's southern slope provides potential for wildlife-with-Fuji background shots. Fuji visibility is 30% summer, 60% winter (best Dec–Feb). Arrive at 9:00 opening for clearest conditions before afternoon clouds. The Safari Zone's savanna area has fewer trees obstructing Fuji views. Use telephoto lens (200–400mm) to compress perspective and make Fuji appear larger behind animals. Cloudy-day strategy: focus on animal closeups rather than landscape shots — the safari experience remains excellent even without Fuji views.