Watch out for bears!

Niseko's nature is very attractive, but to avoid encountering bears,
Please be aware of the following when enjoying the mountain.

・ Wear prominent clothes and do not act alone
・ Do not enter the mountains at night during dim hours
・Keep an eye on your surroundings by making sounds, such as carrying a bell or radio.
・ Be sure to bring back food and garbage
(Please be sure to take your trash home with you as it will attract bears.)
・ If you find bear droppings, footprints, or traces of eating, turn back immediately.
・ Do not enter where there is a "bear haunt" sign
・If you find a bear cub, do not approach it and leave the area.
(It's dangerous because the mother bear may be nearby.)
・If you find a carcass of a Hokkaido deer or other animal, leave it as quickly as possible as a bear may have eaten it.

*On July 6th, climbers reported a possible bear (smelling animal, etc.) near 900m above Niseko Annupuri.
*On June 27th, a brown bear was spotted near the 7th station on the Makkari course at Mt. Yotei.

Everyone please be careful and enjoy nature!

At the JR Niseko Station Tourist Information Center and Goshiki Onsen Information Center, we are lending out bear spray so that everyone can enjoy outdoor activities safely during the climbing season!

Bear spray is an irritant that contains capsaicin (a chili pepper extract) as its main ingredient.
It is effective in repelling bears by strongly irritating the mucous membranes of the skin, eyes, nose and throat.

Bear spray is something you'll want to have on hand in case of an emergency, such as while hiking or camping, but it's surprisingly expensive to buy.
You can rent it at a reasonable price, so please feel free to use it.

For details on fees, loan eligibility, etc., please check or inquire using the links below.