Summary
The Shiretoko mountain range trails and Lake Rausu footpath reopened on July 5, 2026 with mandatory safety protocols following a fatal 2025 bear attack.
The Shiretoko mountain range trails and the Lake Rausu footpath reopened on July 5, 2026 after an extended closure following a fatal brown bear attack on Mt. Rausu in August 2025.
Safety measures for visitors
- The Shiretoko Brown Bear Countermeasures Liaison Committee has implemented recurrence-prevention measures across the trail network.
- Visitors are required to check bear countermeasure information, alert levels and sighting reports on the official website before arrival.
- Bear deterrent spray and other safety gear are strongly recommended for all climbers.
- Trailhead signage listing current bear countermeasure information must be checked before starting any climb.
- The newly established ‘Guidelines for Shiretoko Trekking 2026’ set out expected visitor behaviour.
Why it matters
Shiretoko is one of Japan’s four UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites and its mountain trails are among the most popular hiking destinations in Hokkaido. The 2025 incident and the year-long response set a new baseline for how the site is presented to visitors.
For international readers
Foreign visitors planning to hike Shiretoko should treat the pre-arrival information check as compulsory, not optional. Rental of bear deterrent spray is available at several outfitters in Utoro and Rausu.
Source: Hokkaido Prefectural Government Shiretoko World Natural Heritage portal, July 2026.
Source Details
| Source | Hokkaido Prefectural Government |
|---|---|
| Original Title | 知床連山の登山道および羅臼湖歩道の利用再開について |
| Original Published | 2026-07-05 |
| Region | shiretoko |
| Target Reader | general |
| Review Status | reviewed |
| Risk Level | normal |
| Original Source | Hokkaido Prefectural Government |
Editor Note
Sensitive topic (fatal incident). Keep tone factual, avoid dramatising, and prioritise practical safety guidance for readers.