Cities & Towns · Nagano
Nozawaonsen Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Nozawaonsen, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Nozawaonsen saw its most serious recent incident on December 4, 2025, in Toyosato, where a 78 year old man shoveling snow near the hot spring area was attacked by a black bear and injured badly enough to need emergency care. Another bear was also reported in Nozawaonsen on December 19, 2025, showing that activity is still continuing in the village.
Most of the action has clustered around Toyosato, with other reports also coming from Hirabayashi and Higashiotaki, so the village edge and residential areas have been in the bear path. The pattern has been busiest in December 2025 with 6 incidents, after October 2025 with 4, November 2025 with 2, and June 2024 with 2 more, and Nozawaonsen has logged 29 black bear sightings overall.
Nozawaonsen Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Comments (1)
12月4日だけで同じ個体の襲撃が複数件報告されてるけど、この日はそんなに活動的だったのか。
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Nozawaonsen
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Nozawaonsen?
Nozawaonsen has 29 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 Nozawaonsen?
The most recent bear sighting in Nozawaonsen was on December 19, 2025 in Nozawaonsen, Nagano, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Nozawaonsen?
Recent bear sightings in Nozawaonsen have been concentrated in Nozawaonsen Mushiu (10), Nozawaonsen Toyosato (8), Nozawa Onsen Village (3). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Nozawaonsen?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Nozawaonsen?
Nozawaonsen 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.