Mountains & Hiking · Shiga
Mount Hiei Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Mount Hiei, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Mount Hiei’s latest black bear report came on April 30, 2026 at Otsu Ikadachi Shimozaijicho, where 1 bear was seen on National Route 477 moving from east to west. Just days earlier, on April 25, 2026, 3 bears, including one adult and two cubs, were sighted near Kōyasan ji in Kyoto and fled north after a witness shouted.
The most active areas have been around Otsu and Kyoto, with repeated reports from Ikadachi, Sakamoto, Ohara, Kitashirakawa, and Higashiyama Ward. Activity peaked in November 2025 with 37 incidents, then dropped to 9 in October 2025 and stayed lower through winter and early spring, while Mount Hiei has recorded 193 black bear sightings overall.
Mount Hiei Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
Comments (1)
11月から1月の短い期間で188件も出没が記録されているなんて、相当な数だ。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Mount Hiei
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Mount Hiei?
Mount Hiei has recorded 193 bear incidents in total, with 5 reported in the last 30 days and 2 in the last 7 days. These reports are compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions, and can be viewed on the incident map.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Mount Hiei?
The most recent bear sighting in Mount Hiei was on April 29, 2026 in Otsu Ikadachi-Shimozaijicho, Shiga, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Mount Hiei?
Recent bear sightings in Mount Hiei have been concentrated in Kyoto (9), Kyoto Iwakura-Nakazaijicho (5), Kyoto Ohara-Kodeishicho (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Mount Hiei?
Activity is elevated. 2 of the 5 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Mount Hiei?
Mount Hiei is home to Asian black bears, which weigh up to 120kg and inhabit the mountains of Honshu and Shikoku. They are generally shy but can be dangerous when surprised or protecting cubs. Carry bear bells while hiking.