Bears in Niseko and Kutchan: Where to Check Sighting Maps and What to Know in Autumn [2026]

Autumn-leaf hikes, autumn strolls, morning runs.

It's a lovely season. But if you'll be walking outdoors in Niseko or Kutchan, there's one thing worth knowing about: bears (Hokkaido brown bears).

This guide covers where to check bear sightings around Niseko and Kutchan, and what to keep in mind in autumn, based on information from the local towns and the Hokkaido Government.

• Hokkaido designates September 1 to October 31 as its "autumn bear alert period"
• In 2026, bears have again been sighted at the foot of Niseko Annupuri and on hiking trails
• Sighting maps are available on the Kutchan Town and Niseko Town websites
• The basics are about not meeting one: don't go alone, make noise, take your rubbish home

There's no need to be overly afraid. But knowing the basics makes a big difference to how at ease you'll feel.

Bear sightings in Niseko and Kutchan: what 2026 looks like

In 2026, there have again been several bear sightings around Niseko.

In Kutchan, an animal thought to be a bear was seen one night in June at the foot of Niseko Annupuri, near the Grand Hirafu ski area. In August, what appeared to be bear tracks, and a sighting, were reported on trails around Iwaonupuri (Kutchan Town).

In Niseko Town, something that looked like a bear was seen in the Miyata area in July (Niseko Town).

Bears are sometimes seen not only deep in the mountains, but close to town, too.

Autumn is when bears are on the move: the bear alert period

Autumn is when bears eat as much as they can before hibernating.

Every year, Hokkaido sets "bear alert periods" in spring and autumn, when people and bears are most likely to meet in the hills. In autumn 2026, it runs from September 1 to October 31 (Hokkaido Government).

That overlaps exactly with the best time for autumn leaves and hiking. When you head into the hills in autumn, it's worth being just a little more careful than usual.

Where can you see bear sighting maps?

The latest sightings can be checked on each town's website.

• Kutchan Town: the "Harmful wildlife (bear sightings)" page has that year's bear sighting map as a PDF (Kutchan Town)
• Niseko Town: the "Niseko Town bear sightings" page lists dates and places, along with a sighting map (Niseko Town)

The Hokkaido Government website also has a page linking to bear information from towns across Hokkaido (Hokkaido Government). It's handy when you're heading to Rankoshi or other towns, too.

The day before you go, just a quick look for recent sightings near your destination can put your mind at ease.

How to avoid meeting a bear on hikes and walks

The most important thing is not to meet a bear in the first place.

Here's a summary of what the towns and the tourist association advise (Kutchan Town, Niseko Resort Tourist Association).

• Don't go into the hills alone; go in a group
• Carry a bell or radio and make noise so bears know people are there
• Avoid heading into the hills in the dim light of early morning or dusk
• Wear brightly coloured clothing
• Always take your food and rubbish home
• If you find droppings or tracks, turn back straight away

Leaving rubbish behind teaches bears the taste of human food. Taking home even a single lunch box protects both you and the next people to come along.

Where to borrow bear spray

If you're climbing Mt. Yotei or Niseko Annupuri, carrying bear spray is reassuring.

In Niseko, you can borrow it at the tourist information centre at JR Niseko Station and at the Goshiki Onsen Information Center (Niseko Resort Tourist Association). Please check fees and conditions with each facility.

If you do meet a bear

If you ever do see a bear, the most important thing is not to panic.

Advice from Hokkaido and others says that running away, shouting or throwing things can provoke a bear. Back away slowly to put distance between you, and leave the area quietly.

Once you're somewhere safe, let the town know. If you feel you're in danger, call 110.

• Kutchan Town, Agriculture and Forestry Division: 0136-56-8010
• Niseko Town, Agricultural Policy Division: 0136-56-8841

Telling them where and when you saw it also helps keep other people from running into the bear.

Know about bears, and enjoy autumn in Niseko

Autumn in Niseko is one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Check the sighting map before you go and clip a bell to your backpack. That alone makes a walk in the hills feel much safer.

For autumn-leaf spots and what to wear in Niseko in October, see this guide.

— Niseko Hub Editorial Team