Noboribetsu Bear Park Tickets

Noboribetsu Bear Park sits on a mountaintop above Hokkaido’s most famous onsen town, reached only by ropeway, and it is home to dozens of Hokkaido brown bears, the enormous higuma that loom large in the island’s folklore. Love it or find it old fashioned, it delivers a close look at one of Japan’s most powerful animals along with sweeping views over the volcanic landscape.

Bears at close quarters

The bears live in large open enclosures viewed from above, where they have long since perfected the art of standing upright and begging as visitors toss the approved snacks sold on site. The human cage takes it further, placing you behind glass at ground level while bears amble past at arm’s length. Exhibits cover the bear’s role in Ainu culture, and the summit also offers a lookout over the caldera lake of Kuttara, one of the clearest lakes in Japan.

The ropeway and the town

The ropeway ride from the edge of the onsen town is part of the outing, climbing high above the forest with the steam of Hell Valley visible on the way. Combine the park with Jigokudani, the sulphurous valley that feeds the town’s baths, and an onsen soak for the classic Noboribetsu day.

Getting there

From JR Noboribetsu Station, buses run up to Noboribetsu Onsen town in about fifteen minutes, and the ropeway base station sits a short signposted walk from the main street. Limited express trains on the Sapporo to Hakodate line stop at Noboribetsu, about an hour and a quarter from Sapporo.

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