Information checked: September 20, 2026 at 8:32 AM JST.
The Yamanashi Prefectural Mt. Fuji Research Institute has stopped general use of its outdoor facilities through Sunday, September 20, after a bear was seen at nearby Fuji Hokuroku Park on September 17. The institute warns that restrictions may be extended if another sighting is confirmed.
Key Facts For Travelers
What Is Off Limits Today
The latest institute notice says general use of outdoor facilities is stopped through September 20. Its public-facility guide categorizes the ecological observation garden, nature observation trail and woodland deck area as outdoor facilities. Visitors should therefore leave those areas out of today’s plan unless the institute publishes a newer status.
This is an operational restriction following a nearby wildlife sighting, not a report of a bear currently inside the visitor building. The institute has not announced that the restriction will automatically end at the start of September 21; it says a further sighting could extend the limit.
Indoor Visits Need A Cautious Arrival
The official notice addresses people arriving for indoor use and asks them to remain careful while moving between the car park and the building. The general public-facility page lists the Mt. Fuji Science Lab and Environmental Information Center library as indoor facilities.
Normal public-use information lists 09:00–17:00, with last entry at 16:30. Because the wildlife notice can change, check the institute homepage again immediately before departure rather than treating the normal hours as a guarantee for every part of the site.
Do Not Substitute A Nearby Forest Walk
The sighting was reported at nearby Fuji Hokuroku Park, so changing the plan to an informal walk around the neighboring woodland would work against the purpose of the restriction. Use an indoor activity instead and follow any barriers or staff directions on arrival.
If you have a reservation or were planning an institute-led outdoor program, contact the institute before travelling. The main telephone number is 0555-72-6211; the education desk listed for educational use and guide-walk reservations is 0555-72-6203.
About The Featured Image
The featured photograph is a Pexels image that illustrates a blocked forest route. It was not taken at the Mt. Fuji Research Institute or Fuji Hokuroku Park, and it does not show the current barrier arrangement.
Traveler Actions
- Remove the institute’s outdoor observation areas and forest paths from September 20 plans.
- Check the institute homepage again before setting out, especially for September 21 or later.
- If using an indoor facility, move directly and carefully between the car park and building.
- Do not replace the closed area with an informal walk in the neighboring woodland.
- Call the institute before travelling for a reserved outdoor program.
Official Sources
- Mt. Fuji Research Institute: current outdoor-use suspension and bear-sighting notice
- Mt. Fuji Research Institute: public indoor and outdoor facility overview and general hours
- Mt. Fuji Research Institute: official contact numbers
- Mt. Fuji Research Institute: official access information
Update History
- September 20, 2026: Created from the institute’s current September 17 outdoor-use suspension; no new September 20 bear sighting or confirmed September 21 reopening is asserted.
