Japan is often seen as a hyper-modern and peaceful country, and in many ways, it is. But it’s important to remember that much of the country is still covered in forests, mountains, and untamed natural landscapes. These are the areas where Japan’s native wildlife, including bears, still roam relatively freely.
In recent years, the presence of bears has become a recurring topic in Japanese news: sightings have increased, and some bears have ventured closer to populated areas, crossing paths with hikers, locals, and even tourists. Should you be afraid? Not at all. But being informed and prepared? Absolutely.
What types of bears live in Japan and where?
Japan’s major cities like Tôkyô, Ôsaka, Fukuoka or the Kyûshû region are completely safe when it comes to bears. But once you venture into more rural or mountainous areas, many of which are still easily accessible by train or car, you need to be aware of the potential presence of bears.
Two bear species inhabit Japan, each with its own unique traits and habitat.
The asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus)
This is the most widespread species across the Japanese archipelago. It's found almost exclusively on the island of Honshû. Medium in size, it typically weighs between 80 and 120 kg and measures about 120 to 140 cm long. It has black fur with a distinctive white crescent on its chest, earning it the nickname "moon bear".
Generally shy and elusive, the asiatic black bear tends to avoid humans. However, like any wild animal, it can become unpredictable, especially if startled or searching desperately for food.
The Hokkaidô brown bear (Ursus arctos yesoensis)
The brown bear is found only on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaidô. It’s significantly larger than its black bear cousin, sometimes weighing up to 400 kg. This subspecies is closely related to the brown bears found in Russia and North America. It primarily inhabits vast forested areas and national parks like Shiretoko.
The good news? Their habitats are well-documented, and tourist routes in these areas are closely monitored and well-managed.
Why are bear encounters increasing?
While the chance of running into a bear remains very low for the average traveler, encounters have become more common in recent years. Several factors, mainly environmental and societal changes, help explain this trend:
- Climate change: Shifting seasons and altered natural cycles affect the plants bears rely on for food, prompting them to approach human areas.
- Rural depopulation: Mountain villages are emptying out. Less human activity means fewer dogs, less noise, and less maintained farmland, creating more room for wildlife.
- Bears adapting to humans: Young bears learn that food is easier to find near people, poorly secured trash, abandoned crops, or picnic leftovers.
- Loss of buffer zones: Trails, roads, and tourist areas increasingly border forests, blurring the line between wilderness and human spaces.
Which tourist areas are bear habitats?
Several popular travel destinations in Japan are located near or within areas where wild bears live. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them—just that you should stay alert and informed.
Main black bear regions
- Tôhoku: Akita, Aomori, Iwate, Yamagata
- Chûbu: Nagano, Gifu, Toyama, Niigata, Yamanashi
- Hokuriku: Fukui, Ishikawa
- Chûgoku: Hiroshima, Shimane, Tottori
For example, in October 2025, a Spanish tourist was injured by a young black bear in Shirakawa-gô (a mountain town in Gifu), a rare but telling reminder that even well-known tourist spots can be affected.
Brown bear regions
- Hokkaidô: Especially in national parks and forest areas such as Shiretoko, Akan, and Daisetsuzan
How to avoid bear encounters in Japan?
It’s entirely possible to explore Japan’s natural areas safely, as long as you follow a few simple rules based on official Japanese guidelines.
Tips for nature areas near tourist spots
In most cases, bears actively avoid people. Your goal is to avoid surprising or attracting them.
- Stay on marked trails; don’t wander off-path.
- Avoid walking at dawn or dusk, when bears are most active.
- Never leave food out, even briefly.
- Watch for warning signs posted at trailheads or site entrances.
- In Japanese, "bear" is written as "熊 "or "くま", pronounced "Kuma".
Tips for hiking or mountain areas
The farther you are from busy tourist zones, the more cautious you should be:
- Check local updates: Visitor centers and lodges often post recent bear alerts or trail closures.
- Don’t hike alone: Group noise helps deter bears.
- Wear a bell: Attach it to your backpack or belt to make your presence known.
- No headphones: Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Store food in sealed, odor-proof bags.
- Carry bear spray: Available in Japan’s outdoor gear stores, and recommended for longer hikes in remote areas.
Some local tourism offices or mountain inns even lend out bells or bear spray in high-risk areas.
What if I see a bear while in Japan?
Most bears will leave on their own, but knowing how to react can make all the difference.
If you see a bear from a distance
- Do not approach for photos or to observe.
- Stay calm: don’t shout, move suddenly, or look threatening.
- Never run.
- Back away slowly while keeping the bear in view. Don’t turn your back.
Once you’re safe, report the sighting to a local police station, city office, or tourist information center. This helps authorities alert others.
If the bear approaches you
- Stand tall and slowly raise your arms to look bigger.
- Make eye contact and speak calmly in a deep voice.
- Stay calm; don’t panic or make fast movements.
- If you're in a group, stay together and visible.
- If the bear is within 20 meters, ready your bear spray, but don’t use it too soon, to avoid mistakes.
In most cases, the bear will back off.
What if a bear attacks? (Extremely Rare)
While bear attacks are extremely rare, here’s what to do in a worst-case scenario:
- Yell to scare it off.
- Protect your head and neck with your arms or backpack.
- Curl into a ball, back facing the bear, legs tucked.
- Stay still until the bear leaves.
Contrary to myth, "playing dead" isn’t an active tactic: it’s a defensive posture that reduces how threatening you appear.
How is Japan handling the bear risk?
Japan is one of the world leaders in wildlife coexistence, and local governments take bear-related safety very seriously.
Monitoring bear activity
- AI-powered camera systems in high-risk zones
- Trail closures, alert messages, multilingual warning signs
- Online maps like the Kumamori Map (Bear Watch Map) available at visitor centers
Bear deterrent measures
- Electric fencing around farms and villages
- Noise devices, bells, automatic loudspeakers
- Scarecrow robots (wolf-shaped models used in some farming areas)
- Strict food waste management, even in tourist spots
What happens if a bear poses an immediate threat?
In rare situations where a bear comes too close to a populated area, authorities may:
- Capture and relocate the animal
- Euthanize it, only as a last resort, under strict regulation
These decisions are taken seriously and aim to protect both people and Japan’s delicate ecosystems.