If You Meet a Bear During Your Japan Trip

On the Ministry of the Environment's national park pages, select your travel area to find regional bear sighting information and visitor centers (park information offices). In the Japanese menus, 「クマ出没情報」 means bear sighting information, 「ヒグマ」 means brown bear, and 「ツキノワグマ」 means Asiatic black bear. Check the dates and locations of sightings and when each notice was last updated.

Sapporo · 札幌

In Sapporo, the city office's 「札幌市ヒグマ出没情報」 shows where bears have been sighted, with a map. Whether nature trails are closed must be checked in separate notices. No marks on the map doesn't mean there are no bears or that the trail is safe.

If you meet one up close, don't suddenly scream or move abruptly. On the trail, make noise in advance so bears know you're there — but once you've already met one, move so as not to startle it.

Even if you only see a cub, the mother may be nearby. Don't approach for a photo or to feed it.

This position is meant to reduce injuries during an attack. It doesn't guarantee you won't be hurt. Don't lie face down and wait in advance just because you see a bear.

If you have bear spray and can use it, use it the way you learned for your product. Each product has a different range and spray pattern. Don't copy the range of a different product.

After putting distance between you and the bear, say where you are and how the injured person is doing when you call for help. Give the mountain or trail name, the name on the nearest sign, or your phone map location. Don't go back for a photo of the bear.

If you see a bear near your home or village, tell the city office, the local government, or the police. If you need immediate police help, call 110. In an emergency, call 119 or 110 first. The JNTO tourist support hotline can't replace an ambulance or police call.

Don't spray bear spray on your body, clothes, tent, or gear in advance. Don't substitute personal defense spray or insect repellent. The spray can also reach people nearby and harm them, so follow the safety lock and storage instructions.

The Ministry of the Environment says both carrying bear spray in the cabin and checking it as baggage are prohibited. You can't bring it even if the can is small or within the allowance for regular sprays. Don't pack it when flying between cities in Japan or when returning home, either.

If you plan to rent, ask the shop or facility in advance whether they carry bear spray, how to use it, and where to return it. You also need to check availability and business hours separately. Ask the seller or rental shop how to return or dispose of any leftover product. Don't leave it with someone else or ship it on your own.

If you've already brought it to the airport, tell the airline or airport staff. Don't assume you can just send it by courier. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism notes that items that can't go on a plane may also face air-transport restrictions when sent by courier.

Cut back on hiking and forest walks, and I recommend changing your plans to places the on-site manager says are open. Don't assume you must cancel your whole Japan trip — or that other areas are safe — just because a bear was sighted in one area.

Ask your lodging whether you can stay tonight, whether the road there is blocked anywhere, and how to get back. Check the operator's same-day notices for road closures and whether your bus or train is running. If you're returning home, check your booked flight and your transportation to the airport separately.

If you need to change or cancel a reservation, ask your lodging, airline, or booking site whether it's possible and what it costs. Bear sightings don't make every reservation free to cancel or refund.

If you don't know who to contact during your trip, call the JNTO tourist support hotline at 050-3816-2787. From abroad it's +81-50-3816-2787, operating 24 hours in Korean, English, and Chinese. On-site interpretation or supplies can't be guaranteed.

Feeding bears, monkeys, or other animals — or leaving food or trash — can make them depend on human food, drawing them near homes and villages or causing damage. Backing away without running and the protective position during an attack are guidance for bears. Don't treat them as how to handle other animals.