This 15-hectare enclosure at the Sahoro Resort in northern Tokachi, Bear Mountain meets bear-watching requirement perfectly. Thirteen male higuma roam the forested enclosure, which has very clever viewing facilities.
For ¥2000 you can stroll along a 370m boardwalk 5m above ground level and look down on the bears. The more expensive entrance price includes a ride in a heavily fortified bus that looks like it's going into a war zone. In either case, you're virtually guaranteed a close-up of a massive (300kg to 400kg!) higuma .
There's an observation point at ground level where you are only separated from the bears by a very thick window. It is a sobering experience…and an absolute must. Bear Mountain is closed during the winter as all the bears are hibernating.
You'll need your own wheels to get to Bear Mountain. It's part of the Sahoro Resort (サホロリゾート) complex on Route 38, 54km northeast of Obihiro and 66km southeast of Furano.
