Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch?
What makes it 79% Solo-Friendly: Solo travelers can spend 1–2 h photographing 100 Hokkaido brown bears, enjoy the human-cage view, and wander freely for ¥1,000, but sparse English signs and stark concrete pens reduce depth.
Positives:
- Safe solo experience: The human cage lets you observe bears up close without a guide.
- Cash-only setup: Vending machines and ticket booth accept only yen in coins and bills.
- Compact layout: Paths loop in under 30 minutes if you skip breaks.
Challenges:
- Limited English signage: Most panels and menus are in Japanese; use translation app for details.
- Exposure to elements: Few shelters along paths; bring windproof layers and sun protection.
- Narrow steps in observation room: The human cage has stairs that may be tight for large bags or suitcases.
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 solo trip?
- Face-to-face bear viewing in a secure “human cage”
- Hands-on feeding interaction with brown bears
- Self-paced photography across age-divided enclosures
- Seasonal cubs and volcanic steam vistas
- Quick café break and unique souvenirs
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to walk the grounds, feed bears, and relax at the café without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
Self-guided bear photography:
Stroll through age-group enclosures and capture bears’ natural behaviors against Mount Showa-Shinzan.
Tip: Bring a zoom lens or long telephoto and move quietly for candid shots.
“Human cage” close-up view:
Step inside the reinforced observation room to see bears at eye level through a safety window.
Tip: Visit early when lighting is best for photos and the cage is less crowded.
Feeding brown bears:
Buy cookie packets (¥200) or apple feed (¥300) from vending machines and offer food through the mesh barrier.
Tip: Hold treats at chest height to encourage bears to stand on hind legs and wave.
Explore bear ecology panels:
Read on-site exhibits about Ezo brown bear habits and conservation efforts.
Tip: Pause at each panel for a quiet learning break away from visitors.
Café and souvenir stop:
Enjoy Hokkaido soft-serve (¥350) or coffee (¥400) and browse local crafts in the gift shop.
Tip: Try melon-flavored ice cream for a seasonal twist.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch
- Arrive at opening: Beat mid-day crowds for uncrowded photos and feeding spots.
- Carry small change: Have coins ready for cookie and apple vending machines.
- Charge your camera: No on-site charging; pack extra battery or power bank.
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)?
Late April to June offers playful cubs in the kindergarten zone. Apple feed (¥300) runs autumn through March. Winter’s steam vents add dramatic volcanic backdrops.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission | JPY 1,000 |
| Bear feeding (cookie) | JPY 200 |
| Soft-serve ice cream | JPY 350 |
| Coffee | JPY 400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,950 |
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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