Shiretoko National Park sits at the eastern edge of Hokkaido, and its trails run through some of the highest brown bear density in Japan. Four counters rent bear spray here, all operated by the Shiretoko Nature Foundation, and each one handles the paperwork slightly differently.
A note from Bear Safety Hokkaido: book your rental location around your actual trailhead, not the other way around — walking back across the peninsula to return a can wastes half a day here.
The four counters
| Location | Municipality | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shiretoko Nature Centre | Shari | Shiretoko Five, Furepe Falls |
| Kinoshita-goya | Shari | Rausu-dake approach from the Shari side |
| Rausu Visitor Centre | Rausu | Rausu-dake approach from the Rausu side |
| Rusa Field House | Rausu | Rusa-Shiretoko-misaki coastal route |
Rate and what’s included
- Roughly ¥1,000 per day (as of Aug 2026 — confirm current pricing with the counter directly)
- A briefing on how to use the spray, roughly 20 minutes, is required before rental
- A holster is normally included
- Starting spring 2026, renters also receive a free loan of a “ココヘリ” (Coco Heli) mountain rescue locator beacon
If the can gets used or lost
Rental units tend to be higher-strength commercial sprays. If one is discharged or lost, expect a compensation fee in the range of ¥12,000–20,000 (as of Aug 2026). This is standard across most Hokkaido rental programmes, not specific to Shiretoko.
Booking and hours
Hours and whether reservations are required vary by season and by counter. Before travelling, confirm directly with the Shiretoko Nature Foundation which counter matches your trailhead, and whether same-day walk-in rental is available or a reservation is needed.
Related Reading
→ Bear Safety in Hokkaido: Complete Guide for Hikers (coming soon)
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