I hiked up Mt. Iwate from the Umagaeshi trailhead and filmed this near the Fudotai Shelter around the 9th station after coming back down from the summit. Basically got the entire idea for this video while hiking up the volcano that morning.
I’m a full-time guide, mostly up in Tohoku (northeast Japan) but I also guide groups up Mt. Fuji in the pre and post season as well as lead normal tours in places like Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo when contracted.
If you’re interested in hiring me to guide you either on a hike or around town, send me an email through this channel or message me on Instagram or Twitter. Some additional info is available here: https://gonorth.jp/services/local-guidance/
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Music used in video was licensed from Artlist (https://artlist.io/William-1544013).
#HikingInJapan #bears #NorthJapan
35 Comments
Missed your videos brother. Welcome back
HES BACK
"You just have to be able to run faster than your friend… that's not true."
This will make Chris Broad feel better
you have a lovely voice
I'm guessing you & Sharla are the standard bearers of encouraging people to come a look about northern Japan. XD
5:30 sparks flew because she thought "this man fought a bear and won." LOL
Yeah those brown bears are a completely different thing if you came across one. I think they are closely relate to Russian Brown bears
Q dawg back in da woods !!!
Bear style hiking technique !!
Q dawg voice of an Angel !!
❤👍🏼🔥
I'm chuffed to hear that the professional guide side of things is tracking nicely (tracking, see what I did there?…)(( sorry )).
Yeah, I think the bell method is too crude and it's good to hear that the statistics are not supporting it. Imo it's hard to predict how is one going to react in that kind of situation, it very much would depend on what was going on inside "the melon" at the time, I'd guess, but in my case I hope I never come across one, because my curiosity and love of nature could easily induce me to do something incredibly dumb on those critical first moments… I have a question for you though: what budget friendly (common) brands of bear spray do you know of in Japan? Thanks Quinlan 🙏 (even if it's a small one it would make me feel safer, and I have plans for a multi-day hike in Chubu sometime next year)
Nipple bear !!!!
It's nice to get a complete overview of what to do about Japanese black bears! The nipple detail really got to me though – I want to keep mine! And I know you're not as specialized in Hokkaido but I'd really like to learn more about those brown bears – they're what I'm really worried about (since Hokkaido is on my bucket list too). Also wow, you're a sake sommelier? Impressive!
Welcome back, it's always nice to see someone showing Northern Japan some love!
So great to have you back! Hope your States visit was restful and enjoyable. And thanks for these tips about Japanese black bear — apparently they’re quite a bit more ill-tempered than what we have in North America. But these tips will serve well in my hikes here in the eastern US.
What's with all those bees lol
The other suggestion is get a can of bear spray if you're really concerned. Another option to make noise, get a Bluetooth speaker.
I think you need to keep the bear call consistent with what the locals use in case they've already developed a sense of fear
OK but how about helping out both sides? So next video up let's see 5 things bears should know about us before we visit.
You and Chris really inspired me to visit Tohoku since moving to Japan. I've been every winter around Christmas, visiting every prefecture in Tohoku at least once now, and this year also visited for the first time in summer. Alongside Shikoku Tohoku is my favourite area of Japan ❤
I have defintely missed your videos, but I am glad you are enjoying time with family and having great success as a guide. I hope your B&B is busy too.
I'm so happy to see you back! Your videos always bring joy to my day! I hope to one day be able to see you on the trails!
Quinn is the MAN! Super chill man of real substance please run for president mate
All good advice. Just two weeks ago my wife and I were taking a short hike in the Grand Teton National Forest. People coming down the trails started telling us that there was one (and possibly two) grizzlies on the trail ahead. After about 5 more confirmations of this fact. Having no bear spray with us that day, we played it safe and turned around and headed back down the mountain. My wilderness backpacking days are behind me now, but my understanding back when I was quite active was that if attacked by a grizzly, play dead. There was no consensus on black bears, some saying fight back and others recommending playing dead.
I for one will watch sake content! I was fortunate enough to finally get to try your local Akabu for the first time. It was a seasonal junmai (浜娘). I thought it was quite tasty. I would certainly like to explore more of Akabu's offerings.
Danke!
I'm happy to see a new post.
In August 2019 my son's school was closed in Kyoto as a bear was spotted in the area.
Hi Quinlan, as always great advice for those exploring out and about in nature. It’s good to hear that you’ve been busy and happy doing what you love most too. Mount Iwate really does look beautiful every time you share your visits with everyone, long may that continue as the seasons progress. Thank you for this update, best wishes to you
Missed you! Welcome back😊
I feel like the older I get, the more irrationally apprehensive about about bears I am. haha
I just don't think I can stand there, and NOT run.
As a kid, I always just told myself I could just jump into a tree…but now, I've seen vids of bears climbing trees, and that they can actually run really fast. There's no escape, if one decides to make me a ragdoll. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Oh an excellent video to return with, very valuable info! I've recovered my herniated disc throughout this year and am aiming to get into hiking to keep the body healthy. Oh if only I could transport to north Japan and sample some sake while I'm at it! Someday someday. I can dream while I'm living in the flatlands of the Midwest 😅
Glad to see you back!
I was super glad to see a new video of yours appear in my notifications – you've certainly been missed – but I am also very glad to hear your guiding work is going so well.
I think it's wonderful that so many of Japan's forests are home to bears – here in Europe, though steadily growing in numbers I believe, the existence of European brown bears still stirs up a lot of controversy. People can live alongside bears and other animals, if they act responsibly and respectfully, and your video captures a lovely set of points that help people do just that.
Thanks for sharing.
Seriously? Upon the initial meeting, one ought to bow deeply and introduce yourself using your best keigo. Then you proffer your business card (remember to use both hands) keep in mind that bears do not carry cards. Instead of running it is advisable to direct the bear to your favorite snack. Treat him to a beer or two. If he becomes agressive then put him in a taxi and let the driver deal with the nusiance. Cheers, 😏😏
Thanks Quinlan your the best 👍
I missed your videos! Of course, I'm behind because of Zelda, but still…