Bear incidents drive steep drop in hikers on Japan's northern and northeastern peaks

Data gathered from smartphone apps by Uneri Inc. and one outlet reveal that climber visits to Japan's "hyakumeizan" fell 34% in the Tohoku region and 32% on Hokkaido during the latest three-month window, compared with the same period in 2024. Nationwide, the 100-mountain list saw an 18% decline. The sharpest losses occurred on Mt. Hachimantai (-46%) and Mt. Adatara (-27%).

Bear encounters have surged, with Akita reporting 59 attacks and Iwate 39 in fiscal 2025, resulting in nine fatalities, and a deadly brown bear strike prompting temporary closure of Mt. Rausu trails. Other areas experienced modest drops, such as Kanto (-17%) and Kyushu (-11%). Wildlife specialist Kiyoshi Yamauchi warned that while bears often avoid humans, sudden encounters—especially near cubs—remain hazardous, urging hikers to use bear bells and stay on marked paths.