TOKYO -- In response to a series of bear sightings in the Japanese capital, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Environment announced July 14 that it has added bear-related guidance to its rules for using nature parks.

The rules apply to the Tokyo section of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, which includes several municipalities such as Okutama and Hinohara, as well as Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park, which includes Mount Takao -- all in western Tokyo. The guidelines set out rules according to various types of park use, such as hiking, mountain biking and trail running.

The four newly added bear-related advisories are: carry bear-deterrent gear such as bear bells, whistles and radios; travel in groups; avoid entering mountains at dawn and dusk; and turn back if bear droppings or footprints are found.

A bureau official urged caution, saying, "Before hiking and other outings, people should gather information in advance, make plans that are not overly ambitious and make sure they are properly equipped before enjoying nature."

(Japanese original by Kazuo Yanagisawa, Tokyo City News Department)