Noboribetsu Bear Park: Get Up Close to Hokkaido’s Ezo Bears

The Noboribetsu Bear Park, located a quick ropeway ride from Noboribetsu Hot Spring, is home to around 70 Ezo brown bears, the biggest bears in Japan. There are two large bear enclosures where the animals roam freely within, and a third enclosure called the “human cage,” which lets you get up close and personal with the bears. Do not leave the park without feeding the bears yourself! They raise their hands, roll over, and even make adorable poses in the hopes of being fed. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a bear cub during the birthing season in May. Be sure to stop by the Bear Museum to learn more about the history of these majestic creatures in Hokkaido, as well as the Bear Mountain Restaurant for a quick bite to eat before heading home.