Climber traffic falls 30% in Japan's bear-hit Hokkaido, Tohoku
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Climber traffic fell more than 30 percent in northern Japan's Hokkaido and Tohoku regions between April and June compared with the sa
Climber traffic in northern Japan's Hokkaido and Tohoku regions fell more than 30% between April and June compared to the same period two years earlier, according to an analysis of smartphone location data on major mountains. The sharpest declines were seen in areas hit hard by bear attacks, with Hachimantai in Tohoku seeing a 46% drop in hikers from 2024 levels.
In Hokkaido, hiker traffic fell 18% in 2025, and bear attacks in Akita and Iwate prefectures were the highest in the country, with nine deaths reported. Bear attacks have been reported near popular hiking trails, leading to temporary trail closures and a heightened sense of caution among hikers. Experts advise taking precautions like carrying bear bells and staying on designated paths to enjoy hiking safely.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
