For many travelers, Japan is associated with bustling cities, serene temples and shrines, and delicious cuisine. However, beyond the urban centers, Japan's mountains and forests are home to wildlife, including Asiatic black bears and the larger Ussuri brown bear. While encounters are fairly rare, bear sightings have increased in recent years, making it important to know how to stay safe if you plan to explore rural areas.
Where Bears Live
Asiatic black bears are found on Honshu and Shikoku, and historically in Kyushu, though bears there are now considered endangered. Hokkaido is home to Ussuri brown bears, which are much larger and potentially more dangerous. Hiking, camping, or rural sightseeing in these regions may bring you near bear habitats, particularly in spring and autumn when bears are most active in search of food.
Tips for Staying Safe
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Make noise: Bears usually avoid people, so it's advisable to carry a bell or speak loudly while hiking.
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Avoid hiking alone: Groups are safer and less likely to provoke a bear.
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Secure food and trash: Never leave food scraps behind, as this attracts wildlife.
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Check local guidance: Parks and mountain areas often post updates on recent sightings.
Useful Bear-Tracking Resources
Several prefectures have "bear-tracking" websites, with data showing where bears have been seen. For instance, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government have the Tokyo KUMAP resource, where you can see color-coded information about bear sightings in the past month, three months, and longer than three months ago.
Some other prefectural bear resources include Fukui Bear Information, Niigata's Bear Sighting Map, Hokkaido's Higumap, and Tochigi's Bear Sighting Map. Please note that most prefectures have their own variation of this, and typically you can find them by searching for the prefecture name you're visiting + bear sighting map in Japanese — Google Translate is super helpful for this!
If You See a Bear
Stay calm and do not run. Slowly back away while keeping the bear in sight. Some visitor centers sell bear spray for serious hikers, but please note, this is only to be used to deter a charging or aggressive bear.
For most travelers, seeing a bear is extremely unlikely, but being prepared helps you enjoy Japan's forests and mountains safely. As is the case with most things in life, a little awareness goes a long way toward a worry-free adventure.
