Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch?
What makes it 86% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 love tossing cookies, watching cubs wrestle, and reading simple ecology panels; ¥500 tickets, flat loops, and benches help parents, but guard rails, bear noise, and some stairs need supervision.
Positives:
- Safe wildlife interaction: Feeding through fences and glass protects both visitors and bears.
- Educational experience: Kids learn about brown bear behavior and conservation up close.
Challenges:
- Cash-only payments: Bring enough yen as the ranch does not accept cards.
- Limited shade: Few covered areas on paths; pack hats and sunscreen for sunny days.
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 with kids?
- Children can hand-feed brown bears safely
- Face-to-face views in the human cage thrill the whole family
- Playful cubs are most active from late spring to early summer
- Scenic ranch paths offer views of steaming Mt. Showa-Shinzan
- Café and gift shop provide snacks and souvenirs for all ages
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets kids enjoy feeding bears, cub watching, and the human cage without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
Bear feeding experience:
Buy snacks at the entrance and feed bears through the fence.
Tip: Purchase cookie packets or apples from the vending machine before you enter to avoid waiting.
Human cage close-up viewing:
Step into the reinforced glass cage for face-to-face bear encounters.
Tip: Visit outside feeding times to avoid queues and hear their breathing clearly.
Cub play area observation:
Watch year-old cubs wrestle and climb in their separate enclosure.
Tip: Come between late April and early July for the most cub activity.
Ranch café snack break:
Enjoy Hokkaido-melon or vanilla soft-serve and coffee.
Tip: Stop here halfway to rest and refuel before exploring more enclosures.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
- Plan around feeding times: Arrive 10 minutes before the 11:00 or 14:00 feedings for best bear activity.
- Use a carrier for small children: The stroller cannot access the human cage; a carrier ensures all can join.
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 early summer, cubs are active and playful, making feeding sessions more entertaining. In autumn, apple feed is available and the cooler air highlights steam from Mt. Showa-Shinzan.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (2 x ¥1,000) | JPY 2,000 |
| Child admission (2 x ¥500) | JPY 1,000 |
| Bear snacks (4 x ¥200) | JPY 800 |
| Soft-serve ice cream (4 x ¥300) | JPY 1,200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,000 |
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 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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