Bear watching in Japan

Visitors can join these two day viewing tours as part of a tailor made package or as an extension to one of InsideJapan’s small group tours. The chances of viewing bears in the mountains during the summer are close to 100%, if the group does not manage to see any bears then they can have their money back!

Run in association with one of the most active bear conservation groups in Japan, this is an ideal way for nature lovers to spend a fun weekend as part of a group learning more about bear conservation issues with an expert guide. Oscar Huygens is one of the three founding members of the Shinshu Bear Research Organisation, and the first person in Japan to obtain a PHD from studying Asiatic black bears. An energetic and fun guide with an incredible knowledge of bears.

The two day tour will begin in the castle town of Matsumoto, 2.5 hours outside Tokyo, before travelling up into the mountains by car and then following a hiking course to the alpine region. Accommodation will be at a mountain lodge and in the evening there will be a one hour presentation on bear ecology and on bear-human conflicts in this area of Japan.

The following day, the group will have breakfast in the mountain lodge before hiking down to the valley. The group will stop for an “obento” lunch on the way taking in the breathtaking sights of the alpine region. Throughout the hike, people will be able to see how and where bear-human conflicts have taken place. The group will then continue to Matsumoto and arrive by early evening.

The two day bear viewing tours depart every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday throughout July and August with prices starting from £195 per person. One night’s bed and breakfast accommodation, one evening meal and transport from Matsumoto station to the mountains is included.

“We are very proud to have the opportunity to work with Oscar Hyugens and to be able to add this fascinating tour to our summer 2007 line-up. It is a wonderful insight into the life of bears in Japan and we are pleased to be able to raise awareness of conservation issues in the alps” commented Celia Green, Group Tours Manager.

To find our more visit insidejapantours.com.