Bear Spray in Japan for Travel
Bear Spray in Japan for Travel
Overview
In this episode, John Daub addresses the growing concern among travelers regarding bear attacks in Japan. Following a spike in media coverage and tourist anxiety, John investigates the necessity of carrying bear spray for visitors. He showcases a specific imported brand, SaberRed, purchased legally at Bic Camera in Tokyo, and explains the regulations surrounding these controlled substances.
John breaks down the statistics, revealing that while bear attacks have increased slightly, the risk to tourists remains statistically negligible. He distinguishes between deep wilderness hiking in regions like Hokkaido, Nagano, and Niigata versus standard tourist activities in cities or popular sites like Nara. The video provides practical advice on how to acquire bear spray legally within Japan, how to use it properly, and alternative safety measures such as noise-making.
Beyond safety gear, John highlights the negative impact of bear fear on rural tourism. He encourages travelers not to cancel trips to beautiful countryside areas like the Shin'etsu Trail, where autumn foliage and authentic food experiences await. The episode balances realistic safety precautions with reassurance, ensuring viewers can enjoy Japan's outdoors without unnecessary panic.
Highlights
- 00:01 John introduces the SaberRed bear spray purchased at Bic Camera.
- 01:01 John's verdict: Most tourists do not need to carry bear spray.
- 02:02 Explanation of import laws; you cannot bring bear spray from the US.
- 03:02 Discussion on how bear news is impacting countryside tourism negatively.
- 04:33 Statistical reality: You are more likely to be attacked by a deer than a bear.
- 06:15 John's personal encounter with bears in Hokkaido with Peter von Gomm.
- 09:34 Instructions on how to properly use bear spray during a charge.
- 13:01 Safety tips: No eye contact, back away, look bigger.
- 15:01 Difference between Hokkaido higuma (brown bears) and Honshu bears.
- 18:43 The role of Matagi (traditional hunters) and current population control.
- 24:13 Postcard Club reveal: Shin'etsu Trail drone shot and food highlights.
- 27:39 Rental options at Montbell for hikers.
- 34:04 Preventive noise measures: Yodeling, clapping, and bells.
- 37:52 Final reassurance for casual tourists.
Timeline / Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Bear Spray
- 01:00 Do You Need It?
- 02:00 Legality and Import Rules
- 03:00 Impact on Tourism
- 04:30 Attack Statistics
- 06:00 Personal Bear Encounters
- 09:30 How to Use Spray
- 13:00 Behavior During Encounter
- 15:00 Regional Bear Differences
- 18:40 Matagi Hunters
- 24:00 Postcard Club & Food
- 27:30 Rental Options
- 34:00 Noise Prevention
- 37:50 Conclusion
Japan Travel Tips
- Buying Bear Spray: You cannot bring bear spray from abroad. Purchase locally at reputable electronics stores like Bic Camera or outdoor shops like Montbell.
- Renting Gear: Montbell offers bear spray rentals for approximately 2,000 yen for 3 days (~$13-15 USD).
- Where to Carry: If hiking in bear country, keep the spray accessible (front pocket or hand), not buried in your backpack.
- Tourist Zones: Bear spray is not needed for city travel or standard tourist sites like Nara Park unless venturing into deep mountains.
- Legality: Carrying bear spray in Tokyo or urban areas may be illegal, similar to pepper spray or knives.
- Prevention: Make noise while hiking (clapping, talking, bells) to avoid startling bears.
- Reporting: If you encounter a bear, report it to the police with details on size and marks to help authorities.
Japanese Language & Culture Notes
- Onsen (hot springs): Traditional Japanese hot springs, often found in mountainous regions where bears may roam.
- Matagi (traditional bear hunter): Indigenous hunters from northern Japan who historically hunted bears for food and ceremonies using tools like the yari (spear).
- Higuma (brown bear): The specific species found in Hokkaido, known to be larger and more aggressive than bears on Honshu.
- Shin'etsu Trail: A long-distance hiking trail spanning the Niigata and Nagano prefectures.
- Montbell: A popular Japanese outdoor clothing and equipment retailer.
- Bic Camera: A major consumer electronics retailer chain in Japan that also sells imported safety gear.
Food & Drink Guide
- Soba (buckwheat noodles): Often served cold in Nagano, paired with negi (green onion), wasabi, and dipping sauce.
- Maitake (mushrooms): Foraged mushrooms mentioned in the context of mountain cooking.
- Mushroom Tempura: Fried mushrooms, a common mountain region dish.
- Bear Curry: John mentions having eaten bear meat curry in Gunma Prefecture, noting the meat is tough but utilized to avoid waste.
People
- John Daub: Host and narrator. Provides expertise on Japan travel, safety, and culture.
- Peter von Gomm: John's friend and fellow American living in Japan. Mentioned regarding a past RV trip to Shiretoko where they saw bears.
- Matagi (Traditional Hunters): Mentioned as historical figures who managed bear populations; John met a third/fourth generation hunter.
Key Takeaways
- Risk is Low: The statistical chance of a bear attack for tourists is extremely low (approx. 0.0000001%).
- Don't Import: Bear spray is a controlled substance; buy it in Japan after arrival.
- Regional Differences: Hokkaido bears (higuma) are more aggressive than those in Honshu (Nagano, Niigata, etc.).
- Tourism Impact: Fear of bears is hurting rural tourism unnecessarily; countryside areas are safe for standard travel.
- Preparation: Hikers should make noise to prevent encounters; spray is a last resort for deep wilderness trekking.
Notable Quotes
- 01:01 "My answer is no. One minute in, you don't really need to carry bear spray."
- 04:33 "You're more likely attacked by a deer than a bear here."
- 06:15 "They're walking roads foraging food—it's their home, respect that."
- 09:34 "Chili pepper irritates their nose badly—they flee."
- 13:01 "Tourists try feeding them like Winnie the Pooh—wild, massive, clawed."
- 18:43 "Attacks rare—.0000001% chance, like car hit or fall."
- 24:13 "Countryside stunning, authentic people/food... No bear spray needed for tourists."
- 37:52 "Don't worry—casual tourists fine."
Related Topics
- Hiking in Japan
- Hokkaido Travel
- Rural Tourism Revival
- Outdoor Safety Gear
- Japanese Wildlife
Search Tags
#only-in-japan-go #japan-travel #bear-spray #hiking-japan #hokkaido #nagano #niigata #wildlife-safety #travel-tips #outdoors #shiretoko #shinetsu-trail #japan-safety
Full Transcript
00:01 John Daub: This is bear spray. It's about $110 for this one bottle. There are many kinds. You can find them on Amazon.co.jp, Amazon Japan, at various price points. I researched this pretty deeply and came up with this brand, SaberRed. You can see it's in Japanese. So this is an imported version from the United States made for Japan.
00:31 John Daub: I got it at Bic Camera, where you buy camera gear, refrigerators, and electronics. They're very reputable, so you know you're getting a good product, not a counterfeit. It took about a day to arrive. It's 234 milliliters. You can spray it for about six to seven seconds. That's it. And there's a reason for that. I want to talk about bear spray and if you need it.
01:01 John Daub: Despite all the media talking about bear attacks in Japan, people are scared. A lot are asking me: do they need bear spray? Do they need to carry this? My answer is no. One minute in, you don't really need to carry bear spray. It's about the same weight as a can of Coca-Cola in your bag. But you can't carry it in the back of your bag—that defeats the purpose. You need it in the front or on you to quickly grab and spray an attacking bear. If you have no experience or training, it could be more liability than asset.
02:02 John Daub: You cannot bring bear spray from the United States in your suitcase to Japan—it's a controlled substance. You can't have it sent directly either; it has to go through an importer. This bottle is about half the price in the US, but it was easier to buy here. I carried it around in a video I'm editing now—should be online before Thanksgiving. I talk about bears a bit there. I went hiking, part solo in deep woods, part with a guide, for four days—soaking in onsens (hot springs), eating good soba (buckwheat noodles), enjoying Japanese food, staying in a mountain lodge.
03:02 John Daub: You can see the bear spray in my pocket, ready to grab against raging bears. This episode's coming online in two weeks—working with Niigata and Nagano folks promoting tourism. But bear attack news has tanked countryside tourism, including Iwate and Morioka—Japanese tourists are creeped out. Reality: 13 fatalities, all in bear country. Bears are coming out of mountains into populated areas for food—not tourist spots. Someone asked if they need it for Nara: no, unless off into mountains.
04:33 John Daub: Percentages are zero-point-zero-zero-zero-1% or so. 125 million people, 13 fatalities—more than usual. You're more likely attacked by a deer than a bear here. I've been "attacked" by a deer and Melon Kuma (mascot)—a ferocious bear with bloody teeth to scare kids about safety. Ever feel like eating bear curry? I have—in Gunma Prefecture, hunters take a certain amount; meat's tough but good to use it all, not waste.
06:15 John Daub: I've encountered bears—check my main channel's "East Hokkaido Experience." Hokkaido has the most attacks; bears there are more vicious. Peter von Gomm and I drove an RV, saw them in Shiretoko National Park. They're walking roads foraging food—it's their home, respect that. Cute cub looked back then ran. Younger bears cause most havoc, short on food.
08:18 John Daub: In the car three years ago was neat, but on foot, you don't want encounters without spray. If hiking, countryside, or camping, good idea. Not for tourist sites, early mornings, or evenings when bears wander. On Shin'etsu Trail (Niigata-Nagano), I was the only one with spray—my guide offered to carry it; he's trained, I'm not.
09:34 John Daub: Don't carry in Tokyo—might be illegal like pepper spray. To use: flip safety, level down for mist under charging bear (they go low then up), spray one blast—six seconds total. Most charges are bluffs. Start low, raise; use all if needed. Chili pepper irritates their nose badly—they flee. Don't skimp—get mist type that shoots wide/strong, good for four years, grizzly-rated. Japanese bears aren't as big but scary.
13:01 John Daub: Tourists try feeding them like Winnie the Pooh—wild, massive, clawed. No eye contact, back away, no teeth (no laughing), look bigger. Keep backpack on for defense. Avoid encounters: bells (annoying), yelps, claps, talk. Don't startle them into defense.
15:01 John Daub: Hokkaido's higuma (brown bears) most aggressive—Shiretoko especially. Nagano, Niigata, Akita, Toyama, Fukushima: shyer, avoid people. Food scarce from hot summers, population boom—younger bears bolder, entering populated areas. Met a matagi (traditional bear hunter), third/fourth generation—used yari (spear) low against charges. They hunted few for food/ceremonies, kept population in check. Now hungrier, more aggressive.
18:43 John Daub: Report encounters to police—describe size, marks. Helps authorities; military now involved. Attacks rare—.0000001% chance, like car hit or fall. Sensationalized—even NHK. Japan Times: more likely here than North America (per capita, dense population, 70%+ forest/mountain). Attacks random, vicious—e.g., ear bitten off. But locals in Nagano/Niigata not scared; roads empty from fear, peak autumn foliage wasted.
24:13 John Daub: Postcard club: this month's from Shin'etsu Trail drone shot—me on empty bridge, foliage peaking. Tokyo postmark, map/QR for episode. Countryside stunning, authentic people/food—mushroom foraging (maitake), fresh Nagano soba cold with negi (green onion), wasabi, mushroom tempura. No bear spray needed for tourists—rent at Montbell (3 days/2000 yen, ~$13-15; buy full if used).
27:39 John Daub: Carry front/ready—pocket/hand. Works on boars/other sensitive animals, not cities (illegal like knives/mace). Tourist spots patrolled; Self-Defense Forces aiding Tohoku/Iwate. Order Amazon.co.jp to hotel 2-3 days early. Rare—I've seen bears once (Shiretoko with Peter von Gomm). They avoid; don't run, back away slowly, look big. Hikers: noise/yelp/yodel (bears flee).
34:04 John Daub: Small sirens/air horns/whistles? Maybe preventively, not post-encounter (could enrage). Yodel/clap/bang drums (Akita style) every 5-10 min. Bells somewhat ineffective. Check East Hokkaido video; join postcard club.
37:52 John Daub: Don't worry—casual tourists fine. Hikers: rent/buy reputable wide-spray. Matane (see you).