Noboribetsu Bear Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Noboribetsu Bear Park?
What makes it 75% Kids-Friendly: Kids can hand-feed bears, cheer duck races and meet cubs; stroller rental and toilets aid parents, yet steep winter paths and mainly Japanese safety signs demand close adult supervision.
Positives:
- Family Facilities: Stroller and wheelchair rentals are free at the summit station for easier access.
- Photo Spots: Observation deck offers clear views of Lake Kuttara and surrounding forests.
Challenges:
- Cold Summit Weather: Temperature can drop quickly, especially in winter; pack warm layers.
- Limited English Signage: Most signs are in Japanese; bring a translation app to navigate.
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 with kids?
- Ride the scenic ropeway gondola for mountain views
- Watch bears up close from the human cage
- Join the playful Bear Athletic Show
- Feed bears with affordable snack packs
- Cheer on ducks in the fun duck race
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows time for the ropeway ride, shows, feeding, and duck race without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Noboribetsu Bear Park
Mountain Ropeway Gondola Ride:
Take the 7-minute cable car from base to summit for forest and lake views.
Tip: Buy the combined ropeway & park ticket to save time at the window.
Human Cage Bear Viewing:
Stand inside a glass-protected cage as brown bears surround you.
Tip: Bring a small camera and keep it secure for close-up photos.
Bear Athletic Show:
Watch brown bears climb logs, swing, and perform tricks on stage.
Tip: Check show times on arrival and plan your route to the stage early.
Bear Feeding:
Feed bears with cookie and apple packs sold by vending machine.
Tip: Buy packs (¥300 each) near the main enclosure and hold treats at chest height.
Duck Racing:
Place a ¥200 bet on racing ducks and cheer them to the finish line.
Tip: Pick your duck near the start gate and arrive a few minutes early for best view.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Noboribetsu Bear Park
- Early Arrival: Arrive at ropeway opening to avoid queues and enjoy quieter viewing.
- Online Ticket Purchase: Buy ropeway and park tickets online to skip the ticket line.
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 May to December, visit the Bear Cub Kindergarten for playful cubs. In winter, layer up and check ropeway status, as snow and wind can affect operations.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Combined ropeway & admission (2 adults, 2 kids) | JPY 9,000 |
| Bear feeding packs (4 × ¥300) | JPY 1,200 |
| Duck race bets (2 × ¥200) | JPY 400 |
| Snacks at café (4) | JPY 2,000 |
| Souvenirs | JPY 4,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 17,000 |
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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