How Do You Stay Safe at Shiga Kogen? Bears, Cold, Roads and Emergency Numbers

Published 2026-10-04 · Sources checked 2026-10-04 · Treasure Hunting Co., Ltd.

This guide is for visitors who want to know how to stay safe in Shiga Kogen's mountains. It covers bears and monkeys, fast-changing mountain weather, cold, roads that close without warning, and the emergency numbers.

We used the official website of the Shiga Kogen Tourism Association, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. All pages were read on 2026-10-04. This guide is not an emergency plan. In an emergency, follow the instructions of the authorities.

Emergency numbers

• 119, fire and ambulance. JNTO says to call 119 for a fire, and when someone is seriously sick or injured.
• 110, the police. For a traffic accident or a crime.
• Japan Visitor Hotline. JNTO runs this line in English, Chinese and Korean, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 050-3816-2787.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency says its ambulance service is available to anyone in Japan. After you call, have your passport, cash or a credit card, and any medicine you take ready.

Bears

Asiatic black bears live in Shiga Kogen. The association notes that reports of bear sightings and incidents have been rising across Japan in recent years. Its page on wild animals gives this advice:

• Always carry a bear bell, a radio or something else that makes noise, so bears know you are there.
• Take extra care early in the morning, at night and in bad weather.
• Avoid hiking alone.
• If bamboo grass moves oddly or you hear rustling, a bear may be there. Leave slowly.
• If you meet a bear, do not yell, throw things or run. Back away slowly without turning your back, and keep your eyes on the bear.
• If a bear attacks, protect your face and head with your arms.

Monkeys

The association warns that monkeys may come onto the road looking for food. They may approach anyone holding food, and could take bags or phones.

Watch them from a distance. Do not look them in the eye, because that is a threat to them. Do not feed them or show them food or drinks. If a monkey bites you, wash the wound and see a doctor.

Do not stop your car on the road to take photos of animals. The association says this can cause collisions.

Mountain weather and clothing

The association says Shiga Kogen is 5 to 10°C cooler than the land at the foot of the mountain, even on clear days. Wear long sleeves and long trousers on the trail, even in summer.

Carry rainwear that also keeps you warm. The association warns that getting wet can lead to hypothermia. Do not use an umbrella on the trail, because of the danger of lightning.

Start hikes early. The association suggests finishing by 4 pm in summer and by 3 pm in early autumn. Temperatures can drop quickly in the late afternoon.

Winter cold

The association gives average temperatures of around -5°C in December, -8°C in January and -10°C in February. It says cotton jeans are not suitable in winter, because they absorb water and dry slowly.

Bring a proper winter jacket, a thick hat, gloves, warm socks and waterproof boots. The association says snowfall varies from year to year, and ski areas open only when there is enough snow.

Roads

The association says Shiga Kogen is high, and the weather changes quickly. Even roads that are normally open can close suddenly because of ice or snow. Check the weather forecast and road closures before you drive.

• Around mid-October, areas near 2,000 meters often get light snow. Watch for icy roads.
• In winter, snow tires are a must. Two-wheel-drive cars also need chains.
• Japan drives on the left. Wild animals may cross the road suddenly.
• If your car breaks down, contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or your rental company.

There are no taxis waiting in Shiga Kogen, and local buses do not run often. Plan how you will get back before you set out.

Earthquakes and volcanoes

JNTO says an Earthquake Early Warning can come by TV, radio and phone. Stay calm and make sure you are safe, even if you do not feel shaking. JNTO adds that the Japan Meteorological Agency issues volcanic warnings for about 110 active volcanoes.

The association's Japanese road page asks visitors to check the Nagano Prefecture website for the latest on volcanic activity at Mt. Shirane.

What we could not verify, and therefore left out

• The current volcanic alert level for Kusatsu-Shirane. Check the Japan Meteorological Agency before you go near it.
• Where the nearest hospital is, and whether it treats visitors in English.
• Whether 110 and 119 calls are answered in English.
• Recent bear sightings in Shiga Kogen itself.

Related guides

• How do you get to Shiga Kogen from Tokyo and Nagano?
• When and where can you see the autumn leaves at Shiga Kogen?

Sources

All URLs retrieved 2026-10-04.

1. Beware of Wild Animals (Shiga Kogen Tourism Association) — (bears; monkeys; photos from cars)
2. Spring to Autumn: General Information for Green Season (Shiga Kogen Tourism Association) — (rising sightings; hiking times; light snow; snow tires; JAF; no taxis)
3. Plan Ahead: FAQ for Winter Season Bookings (Shiga Kogen Tourism Association) — (winter temperatures; clothing; snowfall varies)
4. Trekking (Shiga Kogen Tourism Association) — (5 to 10°C cooler; clothing; hypothermia; lightning)
5. Traffic Information (Shiga Kogen Tourism Association) — (sudden road closures)
6. Main road opening information (Shiga Kogen Tourism Association, in Japanese) — (Mt. Shirane volcanic activity: check Nagano Prefecture)
7. For safe travels in Japan - Guide for when you are feeling ill (Japan National Tourism Organization) — (119 and 110; Japan Visitor Hotline)
8. Safety tips for travelers (Japan National Tourism Organization) — (earthquake early warning; volcanic warnings)
9. Guide for Ambulance Services (Fire and Disaster Management Agency) — (ambulance for anyone; what to prepare)