Mountains & Hiking · Gifu
Japanese Alps Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Japanese Alps, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Japanese Alps saw its most striking recent incident on April 13, 2026 in Takayama Shokawa Town Kaijo, where a cub was found on the path and the mother bear was not present. That follows a string of winter and late autumn reports, including February 7, 2026 beside the road near the signboard at Dynam Lando ski resort in Gujo Takawashi Town Nishibora.
The busiest ground has been around Takayama Shokawa Town and Gujo Takawashi Town, especially Oowashi, Hirugano, and Ushimaru, with activity peaking in October 2025 at 23 incidents and then easing through September 2025 with 10 and August 2025 with 2. Across the Japanese Alps, black bear reports have reached 390 in total, and the sightings continue to cluster around roads, shrine areas, and settled edges rather than deep in the hills.
Japanese Alps Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Japanese Alps
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Japanese Alps?
Japanese Alps has recorded 390 bear incidents in total, with 1 reported in the last 30 days and 0 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 Japanese Alps?
The most recent bear sighting in Japanese Alps was on April 13, 2026 in Takayama 荘川町海上, Gifu, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Japanese Alps?
Recent bear sightings in Japanese Alps have been concentrated in Takayama (26), Takayama 荘川町三谷 (14), Takayama 荘川町牛丸 (11). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Japanese Alps?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 1 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Japanese Alps?
Japanese Alps 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.