Saitama Prefectural Police and the Japan Alpine Club are urging hikers in Hanno City to submit mountain climbing reports before entering the Bō no Mine area [1, 2].

The call for reports comes as authorities seek to prevent further fatalities during Golden Week, a peak holiday period spanning late April and early May. By requiring hikers to provide their planned routes via online forms or fax, rescue teams can narrow search areas and locate missing persons more quickly.

Safety concerns are driven by a recent spike in accidents. Police data shows three mountain-rescue incidents occurred during last year's Golden Week period [1]. The situation has worsened this year, with four people reported missing and dead in Saitama as of May 2 [1].

Officials specifically highlighted the risk window between April 26 and May 6, 2025, as a period of increased accident frequency [3]. The "登山届" (mountain climbing report) serves as a critical safety tool for emergency responders when a hiker fails to return on schedule.

"The possibility of narrowing the search area and leading to an early discovery increases," a Saitama Prefectural Police spokesperson said [1].

The Bō no Mine area in Hanno City is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but the terrain can be challenging for inexperienced climbers. Local authorities are emphasizing that self-reliance, and preparation, are essential for survival in the wilderness.

One hiker in the area stressed the importance of situational awareness during the holiday rush. "You have to walk while making sure you clearly confirm where you are," the hiker said [1].

“The possibility of narrowing the search area and leading to an early discovery increases”

The push for mandatory or strongly encouraged climbing reports reflects a growing tension between the popularity of domestic tourism during Golden Week and the capacity of emergency services to manage inexperienced hikers. When climbers omit their planned routes, search-and-rescue operations must cover vast areas of wilderness, which often delays life-saving interventions during the critical first hours of a disappearance.