Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch — Attraction in Sobetsu

Distressing Conditions for Hokkaido Bears –

I was heartbroken and disturbed to see the conditions the Hokkaido bears were kept in at this zoo. These majestic animals are confined to small, barren cement enclosures that resemble prison cells more than a natural habitat. There is no grass, no trees, no natural stimulation—just cold concrete, a metal fence, and, bizarrely, human play equipment like a slide and a swing. These are not toys for wild animals. They are not entertainment props—they are living, sentient beings who deserve dignity and care.

Seeing them pace back and forth, showing clear signs of stress and boredom, is truly upsetting. It’s not only outdated—it’s cruel. Bears need access to natural environments: open space, fresh air, plants, soil, and water. Cement and confinement are no substitutes for a forest.

Imagine, for just one moment, if humans were kept like this—locked in a concrete box with nothing but fake distractions, gawked at day in and day out. Food thrown at them, and its not even the right food they need. Would that be acceptable?

Keeping wild animals in such depressing conditions is inhumane and unacceptable in 2025. This practice needs to end. Please stop supporting these facilities until they commit to real, ethical animal care.

Free the bears. They...

Visited in May as part of a one-day tour from Sapporo. The tour was great but I wish I had read the negative reviews before deciding to visit the bear ranch. Here's why: Within the alloted time, I could have chosen to go up a ropeway to experience an amazing view from a lookout point. Upon entering the ranch, I was greeted with a seemingly "cute" but really abhorrent experience: two bear cubs enclosed within a glass cage so that visitors could see them play. The cage was small, and, of course, mama bear was not there. Several dank and small cages made up the "middle school" where juvenile bears had to interact with visitors who were throwing them little biscuits you can buy. Larges enclosings hosted several adults. These areas had cement floor, no greenery whatsoever, and hosted more bears than they should. I really love Japan, and have spent several months traveling around the country. I never truly feel bad except when visiting zoos or places like this one. For a country so developed, they could do a lot better when it comes to...

DO NOT VISIT - Poor animal welfare conditions I came here after reading concerning reviews and wanted to see for myself. Unfortunately, what I witnessed was deeply troubling. The bears are kept in cramped enclosures that are far too small for animals of this size. They showed clear signs of stress and distress. The facility itself was poorly maintained with inadequate cleanliness standards. What makes this even more disappointing is that this operates in a UNESCO Global Geopark region - an area meant to protect natural heritage. Instead, this attraction appears to prioritize profit over the wellbeing of these native animals. These intelligent creatures deserve much better living conditions, proper space, and appropriate care. None of that was evident during my visit. I cannot in good conscience recommend this place to anyone who cares about animal welfare. There are many other ways to appreciate wildlife that don’t involve supporting facilities with substandard conditions. Save your money and visit ethical wildlife...