Japan’s Rising Bear Encounters — What Every Tourist Needs to Know
- MASX
- Nov 1
- 3 min read
Japan is known for its sublime landscapes, vibrant culture, and seamless blend of tradition and modernity. But it’s also a region where nature can surprise us — particularly when it comes to wildlife. In recent years, tourism and forestry officials alike have sounded the alarm: bear encounters in Japan are increasing — and that means you, as a visitor wanting to explore Japan’s wild side, should be informed.
Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can travel smart (and safely) on your next luxury adventure.
What’s going on?
Here are the key facts and trends:
The number of bear-human incidents in Japan has surged. For example, in 2024, Japan recorded 219 bear attacks (with six fatalities) in the 12 months to March — the highest on record.
In 2025 the trend continues: at least seven fatalities have been recorded since April 2025 and over 100 injuries in the same period.
This is no longer confined to remote mountain trails. Encounters are increasingly happening closer to human settlements, including near or even inside more urbanised areas.
Why are bear attacks increasing?
Several factors are converging:
Bear populations & habitat changes
Population growth (or at least stable populations) of bears in some regions, due to reduced hunting and re-wilding of certain areas.
Human habitation, farming and tourism pushing further into bear habitat, so the overlap is greater.
Food shortages & climate change
Bears’ normal food supplies (nuts, acorns, seeds) are being disrupted by climate shifts (warmer winters, poor mast years) so bears are forced to roam more extensively and enter human-dominated zones looking for food.
Hibernation cycles are shifting: bears may be active later or for longer, increasing chances of human contact.
Societal changes
Rural depopulation and fewer active hunters means less human-presence in buffer zones that used to deter bears from approaching villages.
Urban-fringe zones are now increasingly bear-accessible. Even near Tokyo, sightings have increased.
What does this mean for you, the tourist?
If you’re planning a luxury (L.U.X.) trip in Japan that includes nature, wilderness, hiking, rural lodges, hot springs in mountainous regions, or even excursions near less-trafficked towns — you should take into account that the bear-risk is real (though still rare).
Here are practical safety tips:
Plan ahead: If you’re hiking or staying in semi-remote lodging, check with local guides/hosts about recent wildlife activity.
Travel with a guide: Especially if you stray outside major urban areas or the most-tourist zones — a local guide is extra valuable.
Noise & visibility: Make your presence known (talking, clapping, using bear bells) when walking in forested or brushy areas. Bears tend to avoid humans if they hear/see you.
Avoid surprise encounters: Stay on established trails, avoid hiking alone at dawn/dusk when bears may be more active.
Don’t run if you see a bear. Back away slowly, remain calm. Running may trigger a chase response.
Know lodging protocols: Luxury lodges in remote areas — ask what measures they have in place (bear-proof food storage, cabin door locking, local wildlife alerts).
Use trusted operators: When booking tours, choose companies that understand local wildlife risks and have protocols in place.
Stay updated: Local prefectures may issue bear-warning alerts, trail closures or guidance — check before you go.
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