Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen Launches 'Buko Onsen Original Bear Bell' for Hikers
Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen, operated by Onsen Dojo, will start selling original bear bells on June 1, 2026, to ensure the safety of hikers on Mount Buko.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 23:14
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Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen (Yokoze Town, Saitama Prefecture, hereinafter 'Buko Onsen'), operated by Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd. (Tokigawa Town, Hiki District, Saitama Prefecture, CEO Toshiki Yamazaki), will begin selling original Buko Onsen bear bells for hikers and walkers starting Monday, June 1, 2026.
In recent years, bear sightings have been reported in various locations. Since the Chichibu region is surrounded by mountains, these original bear bells were created to ensure that visitors can enjoy hiking on Mount Buko and visiting pilgrimage sites safely.
◎ Buko Onsen Original Bear Bell
This is an original bear bell made of cypress wood engraved with the Buko Onsen logo, attached with a bell.
Price: 1,000 yen (tax included)
Sales Location: Buko Onsen
◎ Special Services for 'Mizu-Bokka' (Water Porters)
Currently, Buko Onsen offers special benefits to those who volunteer as 'Mizu-Bokka' (water porters) for Mount Buko.
Benefits: 200 yen discount on meals or half-price draft beer.
How to use: Please present a photo taken on the day showing the water porter activity at the front desk.
Available period: During the opening period of the mountain summit toilet in 2026 (approx. late April to late November).
*Even if the summit toilet is closed during this period due to water shortages, the benefits for water porters will still be provided.
■ About Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen
Buko Onsen is a hot spring facility located along the Yokoze River at the foot of Mount Buko, a symbol of Chichibu. It is about a 10-minute walk from Yokoze Station on the Seibu Railway. It features open-air baths surrounded by greenery, jet baths, and saunas. With attached accommodation and camping sites, it is recommended as a base for sightseeing in Chichibu and Nagatoro.
4628-3 Yokoze, Yokoze-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama
https://www.buko-onsen.co.jp/
■ About ONDO Holdings Co., Ltd.
Under its umbrella, including Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd., Kii Company Co., Ltd., Sakanato Co., Ltd., and Saitama Musashi Heat Bears Co., Ltd., it aims to create new value to 'revitalize the region,' contribute to regional revitalization, and develop human resources.
https://ondoholdings.com/
In recent years, bear sightings have been reported in various locations. Since the Chichibu region is surrounded by mountains, these original bear bells were created to ensure that visitors can enjoy hiking on Mount Buko and visiting pilgrimage sites safely.
◎ Buko Onsen Original Bear Bell
This is an original bear bell made of cypress wood engraved with the Buko Onsen logo, attached with a bell.
Price: 1,000 yen (tax included)
Sales Location: Buko Onsen
◎ Special Services for 'Mizu-Bokka' (Water Porters)
Currently, Buko Onsen offers special benefits to those who volunteer as 'Mizu-Bokka' (water porters) for Mount Buko.
Benefits: 200 yen discount on meals or half-price draft beer.
How to use: Please present a photo taken on the day showing the water porter activity at the front desk.
Available period: During the opening period of the mountain summit toilet in 2026 (approx. late April to late November).
*Even if the summit toilet is closed during this period due to water shortages, the benefits for water porters will still be provided.
■ About Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen
Buko Onsen is a hot spring facility located along the Yokoze River at the foot of Mount Buko, a symbol of Chichibu. It is about a 10-minute walk from Yokoze Station on the Seibu Railway. It features open-air baths surrounded by greenery, jet baths, and saunas. With attached accommodation and camping sites, it is recommended as a base for sightseeing in Chichibu and Nagatoro.
4628-3 Yokoze, Yokoze-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama
https://www.buko-onsen.co.jp/
■ About ONDO Holdings Co., Ltd.
Under its umbrella, including Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd., Kii Company Co., Ltd., Sakanato Co., Ltd., and Saitama Musashi Heat Bears Co., Ltd., it aims to create new value to 'revitalize the region,' contribute to regional revitalization, and develop human resources.
https://ondoholdings.com/
FAQ
When will the Bukou Onsen original bear bell be available for sale?
Sales will begin on June 1, 2026.
What is the price of the Bukou Onsen original bear bell?
It costs 1,000 yen including tax.
What benefits do water porter volunteers receive?
Volunteers can receive a 200 yen discount on meals or a 50% discount on draft beer by showing photos of the day's water porter activities at the front desk.
When is the water porter benefit available?
It is available during the summit toilet open period from late April to late November 2026.
How can I access Bukou Onsen?
It is about a 10-minute walk from Seibu Railway's Yokose Station.