| Ticket type | E-ticket (direct entry) |
| Tour types | None |
Opening hours may vary depending on the season, or the ranch may be closed temporarily for various reasons. For details, please check the official website http://kumakuma.co.jp/
Opening hours during year-end and New Year:
Showa Shinzan is a geologically young volcano that formed between 1943 and 1945 during the Showa era. It dramatically rose from flat farmland due to intense seismic activity, pushing up the land and creating its distinctive dome shape. This rapid formation makes it a unique geological phenomenon, constantly steaming and still showing signs of volcanic activity. It stands as a testament to Earth's dynamic forces, continuing to evolve even today.
At Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, visitors can enjoy various interactive experiences with Hokkaido brown bears. You can watch over 100 bears in their expansive enclosures and have the chance to feed them directly with specially purchased bear snacks. For an even closer encounter, there's a unique "People's Observation Room" where you can view the bears through secure glass panels, allowing for an intimate and safe interaction.
Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch prioritizes visitor safety through a well-designed, controlled environment. Bears are housed in secure enclosures, and interactions like feeding occur from elevated platforms or through protected observation areas, ensuring no direct physical contact between visitors and bears. Staff are present to supervise and guide visitors on safe viewing and feeding practices, making it a secure experience for all.
Families visiting Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch can expect an engaging and educational experience. You'll observe around 100 Hokkaido brown bears, enjoying their playful antics. A highlight for children and adults alike is the opportunity to feed the bears using designated channels, creating memorable moments. The special People's Observation Room offers a safe, close-up view, making it a fun and interactive outing for all ages.
Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch is primarily accessible via bus or car. From JR Toya Station, you can take a local bus to Toyako Onsen bus terminal. From Toyako Onsen, it's a short bus ride or taxi journey directly to the Showa Shinzan area, where the Bear Ranch is located. Checking local bus schedules in advance from Toyako Onsen is recommended for the most convenient travel.
Direct hiking on Showa Shinzan mountain itself is generally restricted due to its ongoing volcanic activity and protected status. However, visitors can enjoy various walking paths and viewing points around the base of the mountain. These paths offer excellent opportunities to observe the mountain's unique geological features and steaming vents from a safe distance, providing a good perspective of its active nature.
Yes, Showa Shinzan is considered an active volcano, despite its current state of dormancy. It dramatically rose out of a field between 1943 and 1945, making it one of Japan's youngest mountains. Visitors can still observe steam and gases continuously rising from its vents, indicating ongoing geothermal activity beneath its surface. This visible activity is a constant reminder of its recent volcanic birth and dynamic nature.
The Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch offers a unique observation experience through its special "People's Observation Room." This room allows visitors to view the bears through sturdy glass panels, providing an incredibly close-up and immersive perspective in a safe environment. It offers an intimate encounter, allowing you to observe the bears' expressions and behaviors in detail, enhancing the overall visit.