Tourism Spots · Nara
Great Buddha Hall Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Great Buddha Hall, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Great Buddha Hall has recently seen a tense encounter in Heguri Midorigaoka 6 chome on April 10, 2026, when a black bear came down from the hill beside the pond and was only about 5 meters away before the witness shouted it off and it ran. That is the most immediate sign that black bears are still moving through this area.
The heaviest activity has been centered around Kizugawa City, especially Yamashiro cho and Kamo cho, with additional reports in Nara and Heguri; the pace was strongest in November 2025 with 64 sightings and again in October 2025 with 45. The area has recorded 250 black bear sightings in all, and the reports have kept coming through winter into March 2026 and April 2026.
Great Buddha Hall Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
Comments (2)
熊はどうして出るのかね
熊はどうして出るのでしょうね
Hiking in bear country
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Great Buddha Hall
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Great Buddha Hall?
Great Buddha Hall has recorded 250 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 Great Buddha Hall?
The most recent bear sighting in Great Buddha Hall was on March 19, 2026 in Nara Besshiyocho, Nara, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Great Buddha Hall?
Recent bear sightings in Great Buddha Hall have been concentrated in Kizugawa Umemidai 3-chome (11), Kizugawa Umedani (9), Kizugawa Kamocho-Hokkejino (8). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Great Buddha Hall?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 1 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Great Buddha Hall?
Great Buddha Hall 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.