Noboribetsu Bear Park (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Noboribetsu Bear Park?
What makes it 80% Couple-Friendly: Couples share scenic ropeway views and Lake Kuttara lookout, then feed bears and enjoy café treats for a playful date; however, most areas are outdoors and strong animal odors may bother sensitive partners.
Positives:
- Interactive Experience: Feeding and human-cage viewing bring you face-to-face with bears.
- Scenic Moments: Summit deck offers a private spot for couples to relax and photograph.
Challenges:
- Steep Terrain: Paths between enclosures climb sharply—wear sturdy shoes.
- Limited English Signage: Most signs are in Japanese—download a map or ask staff for help.
What is Noboribetsu Bear Park?
- A mountaintop wildlife park devoted to the exhibition of Hokkaido brown bears
- A ropeway-linked complex combining natural forest habitat with secure ranch-style bear enclosures
- A themed estate featuring a replica Meiji-era village, duck-racing track and educational exhibits
What is so special about Noboribetsu Bear Park for couple trip?
- Scenic gondola ride with forest and lake views
- Face-to-face bear viewing from a protected cage
- Interactive bear feeding moments for memorable photos
- Live bear athletic shows showcasing their agility
- Romantic summit deck perfect for couple selfies
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can enjoy the ropeway, bear shows, feeding and summit views without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Noboribetsu Bear Park
Scenic Ropeway Gondola:
Ride 7 minutes up 1,260 m with forest and lake views. Admission included.
Tip: Sit on the left for best Lake Kuttara vistas.
Lake Kuttara Observation Deck:
Capture romantic photos with panoramic views.
Tip: Use free Wi-Fi at the summit to share instantly.
Human Cage Bear Viewing:
Step inside a protected viewing room surrounded by bears.
Tip: Stand at the center window for unobstructed 360° views.
Bear Athletic Show:
Watch brown bears climb, swing and compete on stage.
Tip: Check the show schedule posted at the entrance.
Bear Feeding:
Buy ¥200 packs of cookies or apples from vending machines.
Tip: Hold treats flat to entice bears to stand up for photos.
Bear Mountain Café:
Try curry with bear-paw prints and Hokkaido sweets.
Tip: Order early—seats fill up during peak hours.
Souvenir Shopping:
Browse bear-themed snacks, T-shirts and stationery.
Tip: Look for local honey jars as a sweet keepsake.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Noboribetsu Bear Park
- Prebook Tickets: Buy ropeway tickets online to skip the queue at peak times.
- Arrive at Opening: Be first on the gondola for quiet summit views before crowds.
Reviews of Noboribetsu Bear Park
Andy Rupp
A lot of people dont like this place but I actually enjoyed it. It was a unique experience being able to feed bears. The views from the bear park was also amazing, perfect view of one of the many crater lakes in the area and the sea.
Annie M.
Gondola ride was the only positive experience. The bears looked very miserable & were being freely feed dried nuggets by tourists, who were trying to elicit reactions from the poor animals as entertainment. There are not any conditions in which any animals should be held… quite the sad sight. Smell was deathly - had me googling ways to try to break these animals out of their enclosures. Gondola wa...
Peng Wan Choo
Unique attraction nestled on a mountaintop in Hokkaido, accessible by ropeway with scenic views along the way. The park houses many Ezo brown bears and you can observe them up close in a safe environment. Watching them catch snacks thrown by visitors is both entertaining and adorable. There's also a small museum and a traditional Ainu cultural exhibit. While the facilities are a bit dated, it’s st...
Christine H
Bear watching is great and the surrounding natural scenery is also nice. Duck races are also a little fun. It has a unique Japanese atmosphere.
Luke L'sk
I came in town to Noboribetsu for a brief visit. Didn't have so much plan on what to do but with an extra day of time so I've decided to visit the bear park. I got the ticket online. Upon entry, they simply scanned my QR code and gave me a bag of bear snack and a ticket to ride the gondola to get up the mountain. As soon as I got off the ride, it seemed like there was a blizzard going on. So I bu...
When is the best time to visit Noboribetsu Bear Park (Sapporo, Japan)?
From spring to autumn, spot playful cubs, mature bears, and veteran performers. In winter, the ropeway runs on clear days and paths can be icy—bring traction cleats.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ropeway + park admission (per adult) | JPY 3,000 |
| Bear feeding treats | JPY 200 |
| Café snack or curry | JPY 800 |
| Souvenir | JPY 1,500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,500 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Noboribetsu Bear Park
Address: 224 Noboribetsuonsenchō, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan
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About Noboribetsu Bear Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 143-84-2225Explore Popular Things to Do
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