Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Noboribetsu Bear Ranch is a tourist facility located on a hill in Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido, where brown bears are primarily raised and exhibited. For many years, it has been a popular place to observe bears in a natural environment, and visitors can experience feeding them and see them up close from the observation walkways and observation spaces. Accessible by ropeway from the hot spring town, the ranch takes advantage of the terrain to offer excellent views, making it an attractive spot for families and animal lovers.
Highlights
- Observation deck and observation walkway: Located on high ground, you can observe the bears while looking out over Noboribetsu Onsen town and the surrounding mountains. There are multiple lookout points, allowing you to enjoy the sight of the moving bears from different angles.
- Feeding and exhibits: Visitors can often watch the staff feeding the animals, or participate in a paid feeding experience, which allows them to see the impressive movements and feeding of the bears up close (times and fees may apply).
- Introduction to species and individuals: There are explanatory panels about individual brown bears and their ecology, so there are plenty of educational elements to enjoy. Depending on the season, you may even be able to see baby bears.
- Shops and rest areas: There are shops selling souvenirs and snacks and rest areas that you can use between tours.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest train station: Noboribetsu Station on the JR Muroran Main Line. From the station, you can take a bus or taxi to Noboribetsu Onsen.
– Noboribetsu Station → Noboribetsu Onsen: Approximately 15-20 minutes by Dounan Bus, or approximately 15 minutes by taxi (depending on road conditions).
- Access from Noboribetsu Onsen: There is a ropeway (or cableway) station on the Noboribetsu Onsen side, and you can take the ropeway up to the entrance to the bear park on the mountain (check the official website for ropeway operating hours and cancellation information). If you are driving, it is common to use the parking lot in the direction of Noboribetsu Onsen and then travel by foot or by ropeway.
- Note: The ropeway may be suspended due to weather conditions (strong winds, heavy snow, etc.), so please check the operating status in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Visiting the bear park alone: Approximately 1-2 hours. If you want to take your time watching the show and feed the animals, it is best to plan for around 2 hours.
- If you are combining it with the hot spring town or Jigokudani: A half-day to full-day course is recommended (it is efficient to visit Noboribetsu Onsen, Jigokudani, and the bear park together).
Nearby spots
– Noboribetsu Onsen (hot spring town): A tourist hub with numerous accommodations, foot baths, and restaurants.
- Jigokudani (Hell Valley of the East): A famous spot where you can see fumaroles and rugged terrain. There are walking trails.
– Oyunuma Numa/Oyunuma River Natural Footbath: A spot where you can see the natural phenomenon of hot springs up close.
– Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura: A theme park that recreates the townscape of the Edo period.
- Konbu and Lake Toya: If you travel by car, Lake Toya, Showa-Shinzan, and Mount Usu are all within a day trip.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Obey safety rules: Please be sure to follow basic safety rules such as not going inside fences or ropes, staying in designated viewing areas, and following the instructions of staff. In particular, please keep an eye on small children.
- Feeding: Visitors may be prohibited from feeding animals without permission. Feeding experiences are often conducted in designated ways, places, and times, so please follow the instructions.
- Photography: Generally, photography is permitted, but it is considered good manners to refrain from using flash as it may startle the animals.
- Busy periods: Golden Week, summer vacation, consecutive holidays, and autumn foliage season can be quite busy, and you can expect queues for the ropeway and the observation deck to be crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on a weekday or early in the morning.
- Weather and season: Winter is cold and snowy, so it's essential to take measures to protect yourself from the cold. The ropeway may be closed in bad weather, so please check the operation information for the day in advance. Bear activity varies with the season, so bears may be less active in winter.
- Consideration for animal welfare: Please be considerate to the animals on display and refrain from shouting or feeding them without their permission, so as not to cause them stress.
Finally: Opening hours, admission fees, ropeway operation status, and whether or not you can experience feeding the animals may change, so we recommend checking the official website or directly with the site before visiting.
