Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch?
What makes it 75% Couple-Friendly: Couples share the thrill of feeding bears, pose with steaming volcano backdrops, and split soft-serve, yet the noisy pens and brief circuit feel less intimate, so still fun but not must-do romance.
Positives:
- Close-up Wildlife Interaction: Experience bears up close in the human cage for memorable photos together.
- Scenic Volcano Backdrop: Mt. Showa-Shinzan steaming views add drama to your visit.
- Couple-friendly Photo Spots: Kuma-Jinja and observation decks offer unique backgrounds for partner shots.
Challenges:
- Cold Weather: Temperatures can drop below zero in winter; dress warmly.
- Limited English Signage: Bring a translation app to read feeding instructions and signs.
- Uneven Paths: Some areas have gravel or short steps; wear comfortable shoes.
What is Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch?
- A zoological facility specializing in the care and exhibition of approximately 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears within expansive, age-segregated enclosures
- Located at the foot of Showa Shinzan volcano, a rare rock-tower-type peak noted for its ongoing geothermal activity and distinctive reddish-brown slopes
- Equipped with reinforced observation booths and on-site feed-dispensing machines to support secure bear viewing and feeding
What is so special about Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch for couple trip?
- Feed brown bears hand-in-hand through safe barriers
- Step into the human cage for dramatic close-up views
- Capture photos with steaming Mt. Showa-Shinzan in the background
- Enjoy Hokkaido soft-serve and local snacks at the ranch café
- Visit early to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can feed bears, use the human cage, and enjoy the volcano views without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
Bear Feeding Experience:
Buy cookie packets and apple feed from on-site vending machines.
Tip: Go early to avoid queues and share a snack for fun photos.
Human Cage Viewing:
Step behind reinforced glass for face-to-face bear observation.
Tip: Visit mid-morning when bears are most active for dramatic shots.
Volcano Backdrop Observation:
Walk to the observation decks with steaming Mt. Showa-Shinzan views.
Tip: Head there at sunrise or sunset for softer light and fewer crowds.
Bear Shrine Photo Spot:
Pose by the small Kuma-Jinja torii gates and bear statues.
Tip: Use the shrine’s framing for romantic couple portraits.
Café Soft-Serve Treats:
Taste Hokkaido melon or vanilla ice cream at the ranch café.
Tip: Pair a cone with coffee for a cozy break after bear watching.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
- Avoid Peak Hours: Arrive before 10 AM to skip bus-tour crowds at feeding stations.
- Combine Nearby Attractions: Pair your visit with Noboribetsu Onsen tours for a full-day itinerary.
- Carry Small Change: Keep ¥200 and ¥300 coins ready for vending machines.
Reviews of Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
edtayjb
My family and I who are tourists visited this "bear ranch" - or "bear zoo" - today when we were also in the area for the Mount Usu Ropeway. Whilst initially we were "excited" to see some Hokkaido bears "up close", we later "mixed feelings" if such an attraction was a good thing in terms of wild(?) animal welfare, because seeing the bears "begging" for food from visitors was to us, quite sad in tha...
Isaac Sam
Visited in mid-June and found the bears rather lethargic—perhaps due to the weather. They lounged about with little interest, even as visitors tossed biscuits their way. Amusingly, crows were far more energetic, often swooping in and beating the bears to the treats! While the farm offers a close-up look at these magnificent creatures, the overall atmosphere felt a touch melancholic. Worth a brief...
Arti Prasad
It was nice to be able to see these beauties so up close, but then I’m really not sure what’s the story here. Are these bears being rehabilitated? Are they let back into the wild once they’re well? Or do they live here their whole lives? Which would be really depressing. We did see baby bears as well and they were so adorable. But again they were kept in this glass walled box. So it’s hard to make...
Mervyn Phea
Adorable! These brown bears are so much in captivity that they have grown accustomed to us waving at them and feeding them. I do agree it is not the best condition to remove them from their natural habitat but I do feel from their behavior some of them actually do feel happy there. It’s a rather small compound. Pay extra to feed the bears. Some of them could even catch your thrown food with their ...
Piyanuch R.
Not sure how to feel about visiting this place. There is no other group when we visited there. The cage is not clean and the bears were look bored. We walked around 10-15 mins and nothing more to do. You can buy 100 yen for biscuits pack to feed them but not sure the bears have enough feeding??
When is the best time to visit Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch (Sapporo, Japan)?
From late April to June watch playful cubs; in autumn and winter feed apples (¥300) and wear warm layers as temperatures can drop.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission for two adults | JPY 2,000 |
| Bear feeding snacks | JPY 600 |
| Soft-serve ice cream | JPY 600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,200 |
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 Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
Address: 183 Shōwashinzan, Sobetsu, Usu District, Hokkaido 052-0102, Japan
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About Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
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
+81 142-75-2290Explore Popular Things to Do
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