Cities & Towns · Kyoto
Sakyo Ward, Kyoto Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Sakyo Ward, Kyoto saw a black bear reported on January 5, 2026 in Kyoto Ohara Nomuracho, and another was reported on January 1, 2026 in Kyoto Kitashirakawa Toyamacho. In November 2025, the sharpest recent burst came when a bear was reported around Matsugasaki Kotakeyabu cho along the Takano River riverbank, with related reports also reaching Matsugasaki Elementary School and the nearby Takano River area.
The heaviest activity in this area has clustered around Ohara, Matsugasaki, Yase, and the wider Kyoto side of Sakyo Ward, with November 2025 standing out as the busiest month at 16 incidents. Reports also stayed active in October 2025 with 5, September 2025 with 4, August 2025 with 3, and again in December 2025 and January 2026 with 2 each, adding up to 154 black bear sightings overall in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto.
Sakyo Ward, Kyoto Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Comments (1)
November 19th had three separate reports all around Matsugasaki on the same morning?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto?
Sakyo Ward, Kyoto has 154 recorded bear incidents in total, but no activity has been reported in the last 30 days. Bear activity varies seasonally, so always check the latest status before hiking or spending time outdoors.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto?
The most recent bear sighting in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto was on January 5, 2026 in Kyoto Ohara-Nomuracho, Kyoto, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto?
Recent bear sightings in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto have been concentrated in Kyoto (26), Kyoto Hanase-Ofusecho (7), Kyoto Iwakura-Nakazaijicho (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto?
Sakyo Ward, 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.