Spiders in Japan

Japan is a lovely country that has something to offer for everyone. If you enjoy touring stunning scenery and want to experience Japan at night, you have to make sure you watch out for some creepy crawlers. Invertebrates, the country’s smallest inhabitants, can be found in every corner. You need to be aware that Japan has frightening insects, especially arachnids. What’s even scarier is they tend to live like humans and try their best to get through. Therefore, you need to make sure you know what types of creepy crawlers are waiting for you when visiting this beautiful country.

Spiders in Japan Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in Japan

Biggest Spiders in Japan

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in Japan

Wasp Spiders	Bird-Dropping Spiders (Celaenia excavata)	Monkey Orb Weaver Spiders (Neoscona punctigera)
Multi-Colored Phintella Spiders (Phintelloides versicolor)	Black and White Spiny Orb Weaver Spiders (Gasteracantha kuhli)	Diving Bell Spiders (Argyroneta aquatica)
Samurai Spiders (Agriope amoena)	Small Thief Spiders (Argyrodes miniaceus)	Comb-Footed Spiders (Rhomphaea hyrcana)

Biggest Spiders in Japan

Pantropical Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria) also known as Banana Spider and Giant Crab Spider

Giant Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila pilipes)

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Most Venomous Spiders

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasseltii) - The Redback spider, often called the Australian black widow, comes from places in Australia. Nowadays, you can find it all over Australia and even in New Zealand.… Continue Reading >

Sicariidae

Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa) - The brown recluse spider is a special spider found mostly in the central and southern parts of the U.S. It's part of a small group of spiders in North America known for having strong venom, along with the Chilean recluse and black widow.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Orb Weavers

Giant Wood Spider (Nephila pilipes) - Meet the Nephila Pilipes! This golden orb-weaver spider calls many places home, from Asian countries like China and India to faraway Australia. It's one of the biggest orb-weaving spiders out there.… Continue Reading >

Jorō (Trichonephila clavata) - The Joro spider is a big, colorful spider that originally came from places like Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. But guess what? Scientists found them in North America in 2015!… Continue Reading >

Jumping Spiders

Pantropical Jumping Spiders – Plexippus paykulli

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

Arrowhead (Verrucosa arenata) - Imagine spiders weaving beautiful webs! They're called arrowhead spiders and mostly live in the New World. Their fancy name, Verrucosa, means 'warty' and arenata means 'sand' in a language called Latin.… Continue Reading >

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest spider you can find in Japan?

The biggest spider in Japan is typically the Pantropical Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria), also known as the giant crab spider. Another very large species is the Giant Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila pilipes), which is renowned for its impressive body size and the massive, strong golden webs it constructs.

Are there any dangerously venomous spiders in Japan?

Yes, Japan is home to some medically significant spiders, including certain species of Cobweb spiders (Theridiidae) and Sicariidae. While fatalities from bites are exceedingly rare, their venom can cause serious health issues. If you suspect a bite from a venomous spider, it is crucial to seek professional medical attention immediately.

Can Huntsman spiders get inside houses in Japan?

Yes, it is possible to find Pantropical Huntsman spiders inside Japanese homes, especially in warmer, more humid regions. They are drawn to insects for food and can enter dwellings through open windows or small gaps. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are not typically aggressive but may bite if provoked.

What does the Japanese Samurai Spider look like?

The Samurai Spider (Argiope amoena) is a species of orb-weaver with a striking appearance. The female typically has a brightly colored abdomen featuring bold yellow and black patterns, which some say resembles a samurai’s armor. They are known for building large, circular webs often containing a distinctive zigzag-shaped stabilimentum.

Is there a spider in Japan that lives underwater?

Yes, the Diving Bell Spider (Argyroneta aquatica) is found in Japan and is the only known spider to live almost entirely underwater. It creates a dome-shaped web, or ‘diving bell,’ which it fills with air brought from the surface. This unique adaptation allows it to breathe, hunt, and reproduce underwater.

How common are Giant Golden Orb Weaver spiders in Japan?

The Giant Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila pilipes) is fairly common in the warmer, southern parts of Japan, such as Kyushu and the Okinawa islands. These spiders are most frequently seen in forests and gardens during late summer and autumn, where their enormous, golden-hued webs are most prominent and visible.

Why is it called a Bird-Dropping Spider in Japan?

The Bird-Dropping Spider (Celaenia excavata) gets its name from its effective camouflage, which makes it look almost identical to a fresh bird dropping. This mimicry is a defensive strategy to deter predators, particularly birds, who would otherwise eat them. Its lumpy, white-and-dark coloration is key to this disguise.

Spiders in Japan

Common Spiders in Japan

Biggest Spiders in Japan

Most Venomous Spiders