Toyama · Nagano
Bears on the Tateyama–Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama–Kurobe Alpine Route crosses the Northern Japan Alps by cable car, bus, and ropeway, from the Murodo plateau to the towering Kurobe Dam. The high alpine sections are above the treeline, but the forest belts on both approaches — and popular hikes around Murodo — are Asian black bear habitat.
25 bear sightings within 10 km of the route in the past 90 days
Most recent: Sep 14, 2026
Bears are present along this route. Carry a bell, make noise, and take extra care at dawn and dusk and near dense brush.
Aggregated from sightings near 6 points along the route. Real-time data from official reports and news.
Sightings along the route
Status by section (past 90 days)
- Tateyama Station16 within 10 km
- Bijodaira15 within 10 km
- Midagahara14 within 10 km
- Murodo10 within 10 km
- Kurobe Dam8 within 10 km
- Ogizawa1 within 10 km
Recent sightings near the route
- Sep 14, 2026near Murodo
- Sep 1, 2026near Murodo
- Aug 23, 2026near Murodo
- Aug 20, 2026near Ogizawa
- Aug 16, 2026near Murodo
- Aug 14, 2026near Tateyama Station
- Aug 14, 2026near Murodo
- Aug 13, 2026near Tateyama Station
When are bears most active?
Bears are most active in autumn (September–November) and late spring, and around dawn and dusk. In years when acorns and beech nuts fail, they roam farther and appear closer to trails.
Hike safely
- • Make noise (a bear bell, talking) to avoid surprise encounters.
- • Don't hike alone; avoid dense brush and dawn/dusk if you can.
- • If you meet a bear: stay calm, don't run, back away slowly.
Full bear safety guide →·Bear spray & bells →
Nearby spots
Sources & reliability
Bear sighting data is compiled continuously from official municipal and prefectural reports and local newsacross Japan. Safety guidance follows advice from Japan's Ministry of the Environment and prefectural wildlife authorities; for brown bears we reference the Hokkaido Government.
Last updated: Oct 1, 2026
Information is provided for reference only and may be incomplete. Always follow local signage and official guidance.