READ BEFORE HIKING
You are about to venture inside Japan's wild forests. Please read carefully the following safety warnings before entering the mountain.
BEARS & MONKEYS.
The Japanese black bear: Tsukinowaguma
If you decide to hike the Rokujurigoe Kaido alone or in a small group (below 3 persons), you need to be extra cautious about the Japanese bear.
The Japanese bear is usually very shy and gets easily scared, so traveling in big groups prevents attacks as the bears hear the presence of humans and know how to avoid them.
However, when traveling alone or silently, your presence might remain unnoticed by the bears. A bear might be surprised by your presence. We know that attacks happen when the bear is scared or surprised.
In order to avoid bear encounters, you need to always be making noise. For that purpose, many Japanese stores sell "bear bells".
Attach a bear bell to your hiking gear (bag or trousers) when hiking in the Japanese forests and bears should avoid you. Never leave food on the tracks, and do not get close to baby bears, even if they seem to be alone.
Japanese home centers also sell "bear sprays", which are highly concentrated pepper sprays. Using one will blind the bear for a few minutes, long enough to let you escape.
If you happen to encounter a bear: do not scream, do not run, do not make sudden movements. Slowly step back without turning your back as silently as possible.
If you feel worried about the Japanese bear, don't hesitate to ask one of our expert guides to accompany you.
You might also encounter Japanese monkeys. Feral monkeys can be very aggressive if they feel threatened. Do not try to pet them or to get close to them. Do not throw food at them, and do not make sudden movements. Take off your earrings and accessories to prevent injuries caused by robbing (monkeys like shiny things). Avoid eye contact and walk away.
The Japanese monkey: Nihonzaru
INSECTS.
There are many mosquitoes and horseflies in Japan in summer. As you will be walking inside the forest, the temperature will be comfortable enough for you to be wearing long sleeves and long trousers. Please do so to avoid being stung by insects. We recommend you to spray yourself regularly with an insect repellent, and if possible, to attach an insect-repelling smoke diffuser to your bag.
EMERGENCIES.
Call 119 as soon as you require help.
If you cannot use your phone or there is no network, try to reach a road nearby and make big signs to approaching cars so they can phone an ambulance for you.