A Wide Variety of Snakes from Around the World
The center keeps and displays more than 500 snakes representing approximately 50 species. Its scale and specialization make it one of the most distinctive facilities of its kind in Japan.
The collection includes famous species such as the green anaconda, one of the world’s largest snakes, the highly venomous king cobra, rattlesnakes that produce their characteristic warning sound, and the Habu, a venomous pit viper native to Okinawa and other parts of the Ryukyu Islands.
Visitors can also encounter native Japanese species such as the Japanese rat snake, Japanese four-lined rat snake, and Japanese mamushi. These exhibits provide an opportunity to learn about snakes that live in Japan’s own natural environment.
In addition to venomous species, the center keeps large pythons and boas. Seeing these powerful reptiles coiled up or moving slowly through their enclosures can provide a very different perspective on animals that are often feared or misunderstood.
Extensive Exhibition Facilities
Venomous Snake Greenhouse
The Venomous Snake Greenhouse displays venomous snakes from around the world, including rattlesnakes and king cobras.
Although visitors observe the animals safely through glass, the close viewing distance allows them to appreciate their distinctive eyes, movements, and behavior.
Interpretive panels explain the biology of venomous snakes and how their venom functions, making the greenhouse an educational experience as well as an exciting one.
Giant Snake Greenhouse
The Giant Snake Greenhouse is home to large species such as the reticulated python and Burmese python.
The sight of these enormous snakes coiled up or slowly moving through their enclosures is particularly impressive. For some visitors, observing these animals in person may even change their perception of snakes.
Tropical Snake Greenhouse
The Tropical Snake Greenhouse is a relatively newer facility. Some of the snakes kept here were rescued or confiscated in connection with cases involving unauthorized keeping of exotic animals overseas.
The collection includes highly venomous species such as the black mamba and green mamba. The facility therefore also demonstrates the center’s role in caring for animals that cannot simply be returned to the wild.
Outdoor Enclosures
Japanese rat snakes and Japanese four-lined rat snakes are kept outdoors in environments designed to resemble their natural surroundings.
Visitors can observe the snakes moving and basking in sunlight, providing a different experience from viewing reptiles inside temperature-controlled exhibition buildings.
Snake Museum
The Snake Museum features skeletal specimens, preserved specimens, and transparent specimens that reveal the internal structures of snakes.
Displays introduce the anatomy and evolution of snakes, while specimens of white snakes and sea snakes offer further insight into the extraordinary diversity of these reptiles.
The museum also includes materials relating to the legendary tsuchinoko, a mysterious snake-like creature from Japanese folklore. The combination of scientific exhibits and traditional stories makes the museum particularly intriguing.
An Important Research and Medical Role
Research by the Japan Snake Institute
Japan Snake Center is affiliated with the Japan Snake Institute and serves an important role in scientific research as well as public education.
One of its particularly significant functions is the production and storage of antivenom for the venom of the Japanese pit viper known as the yamakagashi. The center maintains systems for rapidly transporting antivenom by air or land when it is required for a serious snakebite emergency.
Emergency Support for Venomous Snake Incidents
The center also operates a service known as “Venomous Snake 110”, responding to inquiries and emergency consultations concerning venomous snakes from across Japan.
It also accepts dangerous snakes confiscated by the police. These activities demonstrate that the center serves a broader social purpose beyond displaying unusual animals to visitors.
Hands-On Events and Demonstrations
Venom Extraction Demonstrations
On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the center holds a variety of special programs, including Habu venom extraction demonstrations, snake feeding sessions, and commemorative photography with giant snakes.
During a venom extraction demonstration, visitors can see how venom is collected from a venomous snake for use in antivenom-related research and production. It provides a rare glimpse into the scientific work carried out behind the scenes.
Snake Handling Experiences
Hands-on classes also give visitors the opportunity to touch relatively docile snake species under appropriate supervision.
For people who are nervous around snakes, encountering one safely and learning about its behavior can help replace fear with curiosity. These programs are particularly popular with families with elementary-school children.
White Snake Kannon and Other Facilities
White Snake Kannon
Within the grounds stands White Snake Kannon, a Buddhist memorial dedicated to snakes that died during the course of breeding and research.
The monument reflects the center’s awareness of the lives of the animals that support its educational and scientific activities. It is a quiet place that offers visitors an opportunity to think about the relationship between humans and wildlife.
Gift Shop
The on-site shop sells a variety of snake-themed souvenirs and goods. These unusual items make distinctive mementos for visitors who want to remember their experience at the Japan Snake Center.
Access to Japan Snake Center
By Public Transportation
Japan Snake Center is approximately a 10-minute walk from Yabuzuka Station on the Tobu Kiryu Line.
From Iwajuku Station on the JR Ryomo Line, the center is approximately 7 minutes by taxi.
By Car
The center is approximately 10 minutes by car from Ota-Yabuzuka Interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway, making it convenient to visit as part of a driving trip through Gunma.
A Unique Destination for Wildlife, Science, and Learning
Japan Snake Center offers much more than the chance to see unusual snakes. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, scientific research, venom studies, and antivenom-related activities, it provides a deeper understanding of these fascinating reptiles and their importance in nature.
From enormous pythons and anacondas to venomous cobras, mambas, habu, and native Japanese snakes, visitors can discover an extraordinary variety of species in one place.
Combining a visit to the center with a trip to Yabuzuka Onsen is another way to enjoy the area, creating a day that combines wildlife education with the relaxing atmosphere of a traditional Japanese hot-spring destination.
For travelers looking for an unusual attraction in Gunma, the Japan Snake Center offers a memorable opportunity to learn about the biology, culture, and conservation of snakes while gaining a glimpse into the important work carried out behind the scenes.