Information checked: September 16, 2026, 8:36 AM JST.
Minobu Town reported two Asiatic black bear sightings on Monday, September 14. One was near Minobusan Ropeway’s Okunoin station on the mountaintop, a location used by sightseers, while the other was in the Iitomi area near the Nakato district public hall’s Harabun branch.
Key Facts For Travelers
What The Official Reports Say
Minobu Town’s current sightings page gives approximate locations and times rather than a prediction of where an animal will move next. A bear seen near Okunoin station may no longer be at that exact point, but visitors should assume that forested surroundings can still present a risk.
Yamanashi Prefecture updated its bear-safety page on September 15 and warns that bears are especially active during the autumn period before hibernation. The prefecture asks people to check the sightings map before recreational trips and to report a sighting to the municipality where it occurred.
Before Using The Ropeway Or Walking
The town’s sighting notice is not itself a ropeway suspension announcement. Minobusan Ropeway’s standard March 16-November 15 guide lists service from 9:00 AM, with the last uphill departure at 4:00 PM and last downhill departure at 4:40 PM, but live operating conditions can differ. Check the operator’s homepage or call before making a special journey.
Stay on used routes, avoid quiet detours into vegetation, and be especially cautious around dawn, dusk, rain, strong wind, fog, or noisy streams where a bear may not hear people approaching. Carry a bell, whistle, or other sound-producing item and keep food and rubbish secured.
What To Do In An Encounter
If a bear is far away, remain calm and quietly leave. Do not shout, throw objects, or move closer. If it approaches, face the animal while slowly backing away instead of turning and running.
Never approach a cub because an adult may be nearby. Leave the area first, then report the sighting to Minobu Town or the relevant local authority with the approximate place and time when it is safe to do so.
Traveler Actions
- Check Minobu Town’s sightings page and Yamanashi’s live bear map on the morning of travel.
- Confirm the ropeway’s live operating notice separately; the bear report does not guarantee normal service or announce a closure.
- Carry a bell or whistle, stay on established routes, and avoid walking alone in quiet wooded areas.
- Keep food and rubbish sealed and take every item away with you.
- If a bear appears, do not run or photograph it; leave slowly and report the sighting after reaching safety.
Official Sources
- Minobu Town official bear-sighting page: September 14 times and approximate locations
- Yamanashi Prefecture official bear alert: autumn warning, live map, reporting route, and current update time
- Yamanashi Prefecture official bear-safety leaflet: prevention and encounter actions
- Minobusan Ropeway official guide: standard seasonal hours and contact information
Update History
- September 16, 2026: Created after checking Minobu Town’s September 14 sightings, Yamanashi Prefecture’s September 15 safety update, the prefectural safety leaflet, and the ropeway’s standard operating guide.
