Stay Safe in the Wild: Your Essential Guide to Bear Encounters in Japan

Oct 28

While bear encounters in Japan are rare, recent increases in sightings make bear safety a must-know for every Japan traveler. Bear sightings and attacks have been reported in Akita Prefecture (known for its delicious regional cuisine like kiritanpo and Inaniwa udon. It is also famous for the Akita Inu dog breed and the well-preserved samurai district of Kakunodate). In Nagano Prefecture (famous for its powder snow in Hakuba and Shiga Kogen), 15 people had been killed or injured as of Oct. 17.

There have also been bear sightings in extremely popular tourist areas like Shirakawago and near the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It could be a cause of concern; you do not want to be in a kimono with a cup of matcha in hand, waiting for a photoshoot, only to see a bear coming toward you!

Bears are running out of food, and it’s best to be prepared on what to do. That's why we have come up with a bear safety guide, so that you can prepare yourself, know what to do if you see a bear, and how to minimize your risk, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

Prevention is Key: Avoiding Bear Encounters

The best encounter is one that never happens. When exploring the Japanese countryside or National Parks, follow these simple yet crucial precautions:

Make Noise: Bears generally want to avoid people. Alert them to your presence by wearing a bear bell on your backpack, talking loudly, or clapping occasionally. This is vital when visibility is poor or on remote hiking paths. You can purchase bear bells and bear sprays from Mont Bell, a Japanese outdoor brand that sells equipment and apparel for outdoor activities, such as climbing, camping, and hiking.
Move around in Groups: Traveling with others significantly reduces your risk, as bears are less likely to approach multiple people.
Watch the Clock: Bears are most active during dawn and dusk. Plan your trekking activities to avoid these times.
Proper Food Storage: Never leave food, scented items, or garbage unattended. This is especially important when camping in Japan. Bears have an incredible sense of smell, and associating humans with food can lead to dangerous situations. Always pack out all your trash!
Check Local Warnings: Before heading out, look for signs or check with visitor centers for recent bear sightings and local advisories. Respect all warnings and trail closures. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has 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, with the help of Google translate. If you book a TokudAw tour, we would do all the pre-checking for you as we take it on us as your navigators to help you tour around Japan safely and comfortably.

What to Do If You See a Bear in Japan

If, despite your precautions, you find yourself facing a bear, stay calm and remember these steps. panic and sudden movements are your biggest enemies.

At a Distance (Over 20 Meters)

Do Not Approach: Never try to get closer for a photo or a better look.
Leave Quietly: Back away slowly and quietly, without running. Do not shout. Keep the bear in sight but avoid direct, prolonged eye contact, which can be seen as a challenge.
Be Aware of Cubs: If you see a bear cub, a protective mother is almost certainly nearby. Leave the area immediately.

Up Close (Under 20 Meters)

Stand Your Ground (Mostly): Resist the urge to run! Bears are faster than you. Running can trigger their instinct to chase.
Look Big: Slowly raise your arms and spread your jacket to make yourself appear as large as possible.
Speak Firmly: Talk in a low, steady, non-threatening voice to identify yourself as human.
Back Away Slowly: Continue to retreat slowly, sideways, or diagonally, always facing the bear.
If Charged: A bear may make a bluff charge. If it makes contact, the safest action is often to play dead—lie face down, protect your head and neck with your hands, and remain still. Fight back only as a last resort against a predatory attack.

Enjoy Japan Safely

Ready to book your next Japan tour? TokudAw can help you design guided excursions and itineraries for unforgettable, secure travel in Japan's most beautiful regions. If you are worried about bear sightings in areas that you are interested to visit, please do not hesistate to express your concern to our guest services, and we will do the appropriate ground work and checking on your behalf. As we specialize in private car travel, you can feel assured that you would be able to enjoy the upcoming beautiful autumn season safely and comfortably.