Obihiro to Furano Drive

Driving · Moderate Risk · 118 km · 2h 1m · 2 stops · 1 sighting · Saved May 25, 2026 · Last updated 2 hours ago

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Incidents in last 7 days

Incidents in last 30 days

3 weeks ago

Latest

Safety Summary

With activity this close, slow through forested stretches and stay alert at dawn and dusk when bears cross roads.

Brown bears in Hokkaido are larger and more dangerous than mainland black bears. Exercise extreme caution.

Your Route

Route Profile

Route Timeline

Obihiro, Hokkaido

Moderate Risk 118 km 2h 1m 1 sightings within 5 km

While driving on National Route 38 from Furano toward Minamifurano, there was a large bear in the middle of the road. When I slowed down, the bear appeared startled and ran up the hill on the left side of the road to escape. It was a very fat, large bear.

Furano Higashiyama, Hokkaido

3 weeks ago

Furano, Hokkaido

Total Distance: 118 km

When Are Bears Most Active?

Peak activity at 21:00 with 1 incidents

Brown bears on your route

Hokkaido Brown Bear

Ursus arctos yesoensis

Range: Hokkaido
Size: 200–400 kg
Active: Dawn & dusk

Sharing space safely

·Make noise as you walk so they hear you coming
·Carry bear spray; deploy at 5 m if charged
·If contact happens, lie face down with fingers laced behind your neck. They typically disengage once you stop moving
·Don't run, don't climb

Safety Checklist

Bear spray - Carry and know how to use it Make noise - Talk loudly, clap, or use other sounds Food storage - Use bear canisters or hang food Travel in groups - Bears avoid larger groups Avoid dawn/dusk - Peak bear activity times Stay on trails - Do not venture into dense vegetation Check conditions - Review latest incidents before going Tell someone - Share your trip plan

Hiking in bear country

Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.

Emergency Contacts

110

Police

119

Fire/Ambulance

For mountain rescue, call 110 (police). They will coordinate with local rescue teams.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Route

How many bear sightings are on this route?

In the past 30 days, 1 bear sightings were reported within 5 km of the route. No reports were recorded in the past 7 days.

When and where was the most recent bear sighting near this route?

The latest sighting was reported 3 weeks ago near Furano Higashiyama, Hokkaido.

What time of day are bears most active here?

Recent sightings on this route peak around 21:00. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk.

Is this route safe to travel right now?

This 118 km route runs from Obihiro to Furano within Hokkaido. In the past 30 days, 1 bear sightings were reported within 5 km of the route. No reports were recorded in the past 7 days. The latest sighting was reported 3 weeks ago near Furano Higashiyama, Hokkaido. With activity this close, slow through forested stretches and stay alert at dawn and dusk when bears cross roads.

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