Hello, this is Masuo!

I visited Okuhida Bear Park in the Hida–Takayama area of Gifu. You can feed bears and watch them up close—perfect for bear lovers. There’s even a limited-time photo session with a bear cub. Here are the basics, access, time-on-site, and what I felt during the visit.

Basic Info

• Facility: Okuhida Bear Park
• Address: 2535 Ichijōgane, Okuhida-Onsengo, Takayama, Gifu
• Access: From JR Takayama Station (Takayama Bus Center), take the Nohi Bus to Shin-Hotaka Onsen (~1h20m), get off at Kuma Bokujō-mae, 5 min on foot.
• Parking: Free (about 100 cars)
• Hours: 8:00–17:00 (winter 16:00)
• Closed: Winter closure (typically Dec–Mar)
• Admission: Adults (JHS+): ¥1,100 / Children (3yo–6th grade): ¥600
• Experiences: Photo with a cub ¥1,000 per group / Feeding ¥100–¥1,000

I went by rental car from Matsumoto Station, though there’s also a bus stop near the facility. The entry ticket is super cute, and following the official Instagram got me a free biscuit for feeding.

Interacting with the Bears

There are 100+ Asiatic black bears. You can feed them and (seasonally) take a photo with a cub.

Feeding: Adorable Bear Behaviors

Besides the free biscuit, I bought a large apple (¥500)—more pieces than I expected.

What surprised me most was the distance—the bears come really close for treats. They even raise a paw like a person to ask for food.

My favorite moments:

Limited-Time: Photo with a Cub

After feeding, I joined the cub photo session I’d been dreaming about.
This event is not year-round, so check the website. Time slots were 10:00–11:30 and 13:30–15:30. No reservations; a line formed, but I got my turn in about 20 minutes. If you’re inside the time slot, you should be able to take a photo.

The cubs were about 7–8 months old when I visited (which cub you meet varies by day). I met Yuyu-chan. You must follow staff instructions—no touching on your own. It’s more like the cub sits on your knees for the photo. The fur felt firm and heavy, and the experience was unforgettable.
Note: It’s ¥1,000 per person who wants the cub on their knees for the photo.

Souvenirs

The shop is full of bear-themed items—original Okuhida goods, Hida collaborations, cute plushies, cookies, magnets, piggy banks, and even “bear oil.” I brought home my own plush bear as a memory.

Summary

Okuhida Bear Park is a special place to interact with bears and be healed by their cuteness. You’ll see a different side of bears than at a typical zoo. It’s also great to combine with Okuhida Onsen or a stroll in Takayama.