Travelers Urged to Check Bear Maps as Sightings Spread from Mountains to Cities Across Japan

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Bear attacks are common in Japan. The Kanto Smart Living Cooperative reminds travelers to check bear-sighting information before departure and to avoid high-risk times and areas. Being prepared ensures safe travel.

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TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Japan’s tourism boom has continued in recent years, with more and more international travelers choosing to immerse themselves in rural areas and experience local culture. However, this year, a spate of bear attacks across Japan has resulted in seven deaths and over a hundred injuries, the highest number ever recorded. These incidents are not only frequent in mountainous areas but have also spread to urban outskirts and commercial areas, prompting local governments and experts to urge the public and tourists to heighten their awareness of bear attacks.

Experts predict a significant increase in bear sightings and attacks by 2025, which is closely linked to climate and social changes. First, climate change has led to declining harvests of nuts like acorns and beech, forcing bears to migrate down the mountains in search of food. Second, the aging population and abandonment of farming in rural Japan have made bamboo forests and brushwood “hidden pathways” for bears to enter settlements. Third, some bears, having previously foraged in human areas, have lost their fear of humans, a behavior that may even be passed down from generation to generation. Experts also warn that if this winter is warmer again, bears’ hibernation period will be shortened and their activity earlier, further increasing the risk of human-bear conflicts from spring to early summer.

To encourage domestic and international tourists to enhance safety awareness, the Kanto Smart Living Cooperative, an organization dedicated to lifestyle knowledge, has compiled the opinions of wildlife and disaster prevention experts and released “Three Bear Prevention Tips” for reference before and during travel.

Before departure, travelers should consult the local “Bear Spot Map” for the latest warning information. Most local governments in Japan offer platforms. For example, Hokkaido’s “Higumap” displays bear sightings and danger levels; Akita Prefecture’s “Kumadas” allows users to track sightings and receive alerts. If you plan to hike or drive into mountainous areas, be sure to check in advance.

Pay special “attention to high-risk areas”, such as Shiretoko, Daisetsuzan, and the Sapporo suburbs in Hokkaido, and Shirakami-Sanchi, Hachimantai, and Zao in Tohoku. In contrast, Chiba Prefecture, with its long-term bear-free record, presents a lower risk, but basic bear safety knowledge is still recommended.

“Avoid bears’ most active times”, particularly at dawn and dusk, during spring awakenings, during summer breeding season, and during autumn feeding season. They often frequent areas with food sources, such as acorns, wild berries, and grapes, or areas with human activity, such as campsite kitchens, trash cans, and parking lots. Avoiding these times and environments is the most effective way to prevent bears.

A German traveler, a keen mountain camper, said he has camped in Japan’s mountains many times, but this year he’s been paying extra attention to news and maps about bear sightings. He said, “I used to only worry about weather and road conditions, but now I even pay attention to the taste of my food. Before every trip, I always check the local bear map and make sure there haven’t been any recent sightings before setting up camp.”

A resident of the mountainous area of Akita Prefecture, who has long lived with bears, reminds foreign travelers, “Don’t think bears are cute; they move much faster than you might imagine. If you hear unusual noises in the woods, don’t stop to take photos; leave immediately.”

With the increase in bear sightings, travelers don’t need to panic. By researching information beforehand, managing food properly, and remaining alert, they can enjoy nature with peace of mind. Traveling with respect and preparation can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Media Contacts:
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative

PR Agency:
MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
pr@merxwire.com

SOURCE: Kanto Smart Living Cooperative