Japan’s Deadliest Bear Attack: A Complete Guide to the Sankebetsu bear incident site with Access Info and Visitor Experience

The Sankebetsu bear incident is known to many Japanese as “the worst bear attack in Japanese history” that occurred in Hokkaido about 100 years ago.

This article provides basic information about the restoration site, my impressions of the actual visit, and how to access the site from the airport.

Basic Information of the Sankebetsu bear incident site

It will remain closed until May. Please check the official website for the latest information.

What is the Sankebetsu Bear Incident?

The Sankebetsu bear incident occurred in Tomamae-cho, Hokkaido in 1915 and is considered the worst bear attack in Japanese history.

A huge brown bear, estimated at 340 kg, appeared in a human village, taking the lives of seven people and destroying many houses.

This incident was later preserved as a restored site and remains as a valuable source of information on the situation at the time.

It is the most famous bear attack case in Japan, partly because it has been made into media many times, such as in Akira Yoshimura’s novel “Uruma Storm,” and widely spread on social media.

My Visit to Sankebetsu Bear Attack Site

I was staying at a hotel in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, at the time, so We rented a car in the area and headed there, a three-hour drive each way.

On the way, I found a signboard 5 km before my destination. The moment I saw this sign, I remember my heart pounded with excitement at the prospect of visiting the island. Although the area was dotted with villages, there were hardly any people or oncoming cars, and the road was somewhat quiet.

As we approached our destination, a gravel and sand road appeared. It was a little difficult to drive, so we had to be careful, but there was a final sign that told us that our destination was 200 meters ahead.

Finally, we arrived. From the parking space, we could see the entire restoration site.

Stepping into the restored site, we were overwhelmed by the reality that conveys the horror of those days as it was. The reconstructed houses and explanatory panels carefully describe the details of the incident and how the damage was done. The model of a brown bear was particularly astonishing in its size and power, allowing visitors to feel the threat of nature close at hand.

The site is surrounded by abundant nature and is quiet and serene. I was struck by how this beautiful environment contrasted with the tragedy of the incident. On the other hand, some precautions should be taken when visiting. There were many horseflies and bees around the restoration site, and there were also beehives. Therefore, be sure to bring insect repellent and choose brightly colored clothing to avoid irritating the bees.

This is a place where you can learn about past history in a natural setting and have a valuable experience that will make you think deeply. With these precautions in mind, enjoy a safe and fulfilling visit. The commentary was written in Japanese, so I recommend using Google Photo Translation.

How to Access from New Chitose Airport (By Car)

New Chitose Airport is the largest airport in Hokkaido. Most tourists visiting Hokkaido will probably use this airport.

There are many rental cars available at the airport, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.

It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport to the Sankebetsu Bear Incident Reconstruction Site.

• Route
  • After leaving New Chitose Airport, take the Hokkaido Expressway. Exit at the Takikawa IC and drive north on Route 232. This route is relatively smooth and allows you to drive while enjoying the vast nature of Hokkaido.
• Time required
  • Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Caution
  • During the drive, be sure to rest at rest stops along the way and drive safely. In winter, the road surface may be icy, so it is recommended to check the road conditions beforehand. Also, be careful not to violate speeding laws, as Hokkaido’s roads have few curves and it is easy to drive too fast.