HIKING IN JAPAN

Bears in Japan: A Hiker's Safety Guide

Bears live across much of Japan's mountains and forests — including popular trails near Tokyo, the Japan Alps, Nikko, and all of Hokkaido. Encounters are rare, but a little preparation keeps your hike safe. This guide covers where bears are, when they are active, and exactly what to do.

5 rules for bear country

• はDon't runNever turn your back and run — it can trigger a chase. Back away slowly while keeping the bear in view.
• ちDon't approachNever approach a bear, especially a cub — the mother is nearby. Avoid dense brush and places with recent sightings.
• みGo togetherAvoid hiking alone. A group is noisier, more visible to bears, and safer.
• つMake noiseLet bears know you are there. Use a bear bell, talk, or play sound from your phone — surprise encounters are the most dangerous.
• 🍯Leave no foodCarry out all food and trash. Food smells attract bears to trails and campsites.

Bear spray & bells: rules and where to buy →

When are bears most active?

Bears are most active in autumn (September–November), when they feed heavily before winter, and again in late spring. They move most around dawn and dusk. In years when acorns and beech nuts fail, bears roam farther and appear closer to trails and villages.

If you meet a bear

1. 1. Stay calm. Do not run or scream.
2. 2. Keep facing the bear and back away slowly.
3. 3. Give it space and an escape route — never get between a bear and its cub.
4. 4. If it approaches, make yourself known calmly; use bear spray only at close range as a last resort.

Popular hiking spots

Check recent bear sightings before you visit.

日本語版: クマ対策の安全ガイド