Kyoto Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Kyoto, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Kyoto has been seeing black bear activity right up to April 26, 2026, when three bears believed to be a parent and cubs were reported on a road in Ukyo Ward in Kyoto City, after other sightings the same morning in Fukuchiyama City and in the Arashiyama and Kiyotaki River area. On April 25, 2026, witnesses also reported three bears near Kōyasan ji and along the Kiyotaki River in Ukyo Ward, with one adult and two cubs moving through the area.
The busiest pressure points have been in Kyoto City, especially Ukyo Ward, with more reports also coming from places like Fukuchiyama, Nantan, Kyotamba, and Maizuru. Activity has climbed hard in late autumn, with 227 reports in November 2025 and 223 in October 2025, then easing to 68 in December 2025 and 31 in January 2026 before March 2026 brought 25 more; across Kyoto, the record now stands at 7,051 black bear sightings.
Kyoto Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Kyoto Monthly Bear Activity Trend
Incidents per month over the past year
Places in Kyoto
Comments (1)
7,023 incidents across one prefecture is staggering.
Hiking in bear country
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Kyoto
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Kyoto?
Kyoto has recorded 7,051 bear incidents in total, with 7 reported in the last 30 days and 6 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 Kyoto?
The most recent bear sighting in Kyoto was on April 25, 2026 in Fukuchiyama Miwacho-Omi, Kyoto, where 5 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Kyoto?
Recent bear sightings in Kyoto have been concentrated in Kyōtango (4), Maizuru Okadayuri (3), Maizuru Tanakacho (3). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Kyoto?
Activity is elevated. 6 of the 7 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Kyoto?
Kyoto 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.