Authorities Warn Hikers After Bear Sighting on Mount Takao

A black bear has been spotted near one of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Takao in western Tokyo, prompting authorities to urge visitors to take precautions ahead of the five-day Silver Week holiday and the approaching autumn foliage season. According to Hachioji City, an Asiatic black bear was captured by a wildlife observation camera at around 11 p.m. on August 20 in the mountains of Mount Takao, one of Tokyo's best-known hiking and sightseeing destinations. The bear appeared about 70 meters north of Shiromidai, near the middle section of Trail No. 1, one of the mountain's most heavily used routes. The paved trail runs through an area surrounded by tall trees and is regularly used by large numbers of hikers.

Visitors interviewed at Mount Takao on September 17 expressed surprise and concern. "I was shocked," one hiker said, while another noted a sense of fear regarding the bear's proximity. Mount Takao is easily accessible from central Tokyo and attracts particularly large crowds during holiday periods and the autumn foliage season. One visitor mentioned that bears can walk anywhere, while another expressed surprise at the sighting so close to the trail, stating, "I think I definitely want to carry a bear bell."

Local businesses are also taking precautions. Daichi Usui, deputy manager of the Takao Coffee main store, mentioned that the restaurant has long implemented measures to prevent food waste from being left outside. "There are concerns about bears and the weather, but we will continue doing what we can as usual," he said. Hachioji City noted that the latest bear appeared at night and urged hikers to avoid entering the mountain when visibility is poor, including early in the morning and after sunset.

"Please check the latest bear sighting information and take appropriate precautions, such as carrying a bear bell or other items that make noise," the city advised. Bear sightings have continued across Japan in September, with various incidents reported. A bear carrying a pear was filmed at an orchard in Miyoshi, Hiroshima Prefecture, and two bears were seen in a residential area in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, prompting emergency responses.

Takayoshi Yamauchi, an associate professor in the Faculty of Agriculture at Iwate University who specializes in bear ecology, explained that bears are particularly active during this time of year. "August is actually a period when food for bears is scarce," Yamauchi said, noting that this may lead them to wander into populated areas. Bears inhabit forests in western Tokyo's Tama region, making Tokyo unusual among major world capitals for having a wild bear population within its administrative boundaries.

Growing Bear Population Raises Safety Concerns

A Tokyo Metropolitan Government survey conducted in fiscal 2025 estimated the bear population at between 120 and 378 animals, indicating an increase. Experts warn that the risk of encounters may grow in the coming weeks as more people enter mountain areas for hiking and other autumn activities. "In September, once bears reach an area with good food, they may stay there and continue eating," Yamauchi explained.

Hikers on Mount Takao on September 17 were seen using various precautions. An elderly hiker mentioned carrying a bear bell to avoid unexpected encounters, while another visitor brought a conch shell as a noise deterrent. Yamauchi advised hikers to be cautious about strong scents, as some bears are attracted to volatile smells. He also recommended that people enter bear habitats in groups and remain vigilant, not only looking at the ground but also checking the trees above them.

Community Events

Bear precautions are being strengthened at events during the holiday period. Organizers of Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival, scheduled for September 20 in Yamagata City, have introduced measures after bear sightings in nearby areas. From September 16 through September 19, organizers are setting off firecrackers and other loud devices in mountains near the festival site to deter bears. A wildlife deterrent device known as Monster Wolf is also set to be installed in a park near the venue to help keep bears away.

Authorities and experts are urging people planning to visit areas with recent bear activity during Silver Week to check current sighting information, carry noise-making equipment, and take other precautions before entering the mountains.