Notice: Bear Spray Rental Trial Begins
Starting, September 25, a bear spray rental trial has begun at six satellite facilities along the Michinoku Coastal Trail (MCT), as well as the Oshika Peninsula Visitor Center.
Since the MCT passes through areas inhabited by wild Asiatic black bears, we encourage hikers to take appropriate precautions to avoid encounters with bears. However, for hikers visiting from overseas or distant parts of Japan, bringing bear spray can be challenging due to restrictions on carrying it when traveling by air.
In response to this challenge, the Ministry of the Environment has launched this trial program to make bear spray available for rental.
◆ Period:
September 25 – December 26, 2026
◆ Details:
Please check the flyer below.
◆Participating Facilities
1. Natori Trail Center: 3-12-1 Yuriagehigashi, Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture
2. Tanesashi Coast Information Center: 14-167 Tanakubo, Same-machi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
3. Kitayamazaki Visitor Center: 129-10 Kitayama, Tanohata Village, Shimohei District, Iwate Prefecture
4. Jodogahama Visitor Center: 32-69 Hitachihamacho, Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture
5. Goishi Coast Information Center: 221-68 Ohama, Maresaki-cho, Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture
6. Minamisanriku Marine Visitor Center: 21-1 Sakamoto, Tokura, Minamisanriku-cho, Motoyoshi-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
7. Oshika Peninsula Visitor Center: 50-1 Minamihama, Ayukawa, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
◆Organizer:
Tohoku Regional Environment Office, Ministry of the Environment
Please plan ahead, prepare the appropriate gear, and enjoy a safe hike this autumn!
