This 74.7 km route from Numata to Kegon Falls crosses Gunma and Tochigi. Over the past 30 days, 4 bear sightings have been recorded within 5 km of the route, including 1 in the past week. This route runs through Asian black bear habitat (native to Honshu and Shikoku). The most recent sighting was reported 4 days ago near Nikkō 清滝丹勢町, Tochigi; the location sits about 74.7 km from the start of the route and 2.8 km off the route line. The closest sighting to the route line was reported 1 week ago at Nikkō 湯元, Tochigi, sitting about 53.3 km from the start and 11 m off the route line.
With activity this close, slow through forested stretches and stay alert at dawn and dusk when bears cross roads.
Sighted something that appeared to be a cub on the way home.
Nikkō 清滝丹勢町, Tochigi
It was about one meter in length. It didn’t move from the spot—perhaps it was eating something—so I took several photos from inside my car. It was in a stream-like area about 25 meters back from the road.
Nikkō 湯元, Tochigi
There was one cub. Please be careful as a mother bear may be nearby.
Nikkō, Tochigi
On May 3, 2026 at around 17:50, a single cub was observed crossing the national highway near the old tollbooth at the bottom of Irohazaka. The incident has been reported to emergency services (110).
Nikkō, Tochigi
Peak activity at 14:00 with 2 incidents
Ursus thibetanus japonicus
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
For mountain rescue, call 110 (police). They will coordinate with local rescue teams.
Draw any route in Japan and get the same bear-safety report, built around the trip you're actually taking.
No comments yet.
Over the past 30 days, 4 bear sightings have been recorded within 5 km of this route, including 1 in the past week. This route runs through Asian black bear habitat (native to Honshu and Shikoku).
The most recent sighting was reported 4 days ago near Nikkō 清滝丹勢町, Tochigi; the location sits about 74.7 km from the start of the route and 2.8 km off the route line.
Recent sightings on this route peak around 14:00. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk.
This 74.7 km route from Numata to Kegon Falls crosses Gunma and Tochigi. Over the past 30 days, 4 bear sightings have been recorded within 5 km of the route, including 1 in the past week. This route runs through Asian black bear habitat (native to Honshu and Shikoku). The most recent sighting was reported 4 days ago near Nikkō 清滝丹勢町, Tochigi; the location sits about 74.7 km from the start of the route and 2.8 km off the route line. The closest sighting to the route line was reported 1 week ago at Nikkō 湯元, Tochigi, sitting about 53.3 km from the start and 11 m off the route line. With activity this close, slow through forested stretches and stay alert at dawn and dusk when bears cross roads.
