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Student Article

Japan in Spring: Top Wildlife Spectacles and Species to See

By: James Lowen
Originally Published in  
Discover Wildlife
A cherry blossom tree branch with bloomed flowers
© Getty
Vocabulary

Climate (noun): The usual weather in a place over a long time.

Deity (noun): A god or goddess.

Archipelago (noun): a group of islands.

Endangered (adjective): At risk of disappearing forever.

Species (noun): A group of similar animals or plants.

Japan has many different kinds of animals and plants because it has different climates. Here are some cool animals and plants you can see in Japan during spring

Whooper Swan:

These swans come from the far north and stay in Japan until April. You can see them at Lake Kussharo in Hokkaido, where they gather around hot springs.

Japanese Macaque:

These monkeys, also known as snow monkeys, live in cold places. They like to bathe in hot springs at Yudanaka on the main island of Honshu.

Sika Deer:

These deer live in forests across Japan. In spring, you can see them in groups of all males or all females. Some deer in Nara are very friendly and beg for food.

Red Fox:

The red foxes in Hokkaido have thick, furry coats. They are active during the day and hunt for food on the frozen sea.

Blakiston’s Eagle Owl:

This rare owl is one of the largest night birds. You can see it at two hotels in Hokkaido. The Ainu people believe it is a deity that protects villages.

Steller’s Sea-Eagle:

This giant eagle has a black and white body with a yellow bill, eyes, and feet. It mainly winters in Hokkaido and gathers on sea ice and at feeding stations.

Japanese Cherry Tree:

In spring, people watch the cherry blossoms bloom. The flowers start blooming in Okinawa in January and reach Hokkaido by the end of April.

Red-Crowned Crane:

These cranes are known as Japan's "bird of happiness." They are over 5 feet tall with a wingspan of 8 feet. You can see them dancing in early spring.

Japanese Giant Salamander:

This is the world's second-largest salamander, growing up to 5 feet long. They live in cold rivers in Kyushu and Honshu.

Amami Rabbit:

This black rabbit lives in old forests on two subtropical islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago. It is a rare and endangered species.

Japan is full of amazing wildlife and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. It's a great time to visit and see these wonderful sights!

© James Lowen / Our Media