Tourism Spots · Tokyo
Hachiōji Castle Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Hachiōji Castle, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
At Aikawa Tashiro, on May 5, 2026 at 15:12, a person saw a very black shape on the far bank of the river, likely a cub, after the trail from Mount Kyogatake reached the Hansobo bus stop and turned into a forest road beside the water. The sound of a bell drew its attention, which shows how close the bears are staying to the river corridor there.
The heaviest activity has been around the Hachiōji and Akiruno side of the area, with repeated reports also coming from Uenohara and nearby mountain roads. Sightings built to a peak in October 2025 with 49 incidents and November 2025 with 42, then stayed active through winter before easing to 10 in April 2026.
This area has recorded 733 black bear sightings overall. Recent reports in April 2026 included a cub crying across a stream in Hachiōji and a bear seen in Uenohara near the Omukai bus stop, which shows the activity is still spread across the mountain edges and river valleys.
Hachiōji Castle Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Recent trips through Hachiōji Castle
Otsuki → Hachiōji Castle
2 stops · 6 days ago
2 views
Hachiōji Castle
2 stops · 7 hours ago
1 views
Sayama → Hisaizu Shrine
7 stops · 2 weeks ago
36 views
Gekkō-ji Temple → Taiwa
2 stops · 3 weeks ago
16 views
Aoi Ward, Shizuoka → Moroyama
3 stops · 1 month ago
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Mount Fuji → Inawashiro
4 stops · 2 days ago
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Otsuki → Hachiōji Castle
2 stops · 6 days ago
2 views
Hachiōji Castle
2 stops · 7 hours ago
1 views
Sayama → Hisaizu Shrine
7 stops · 2 weeks ago
36 views
Gekkō-ji Temple → Taiwa
2 stops · 3 weeks ago
16 views
Aoi Ward, Shizuoka → Moroyama
3 stops · 1 month ago
13 views
Mount Fuji → Inawashiro
4 stops · 2 days ago
4 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Hachiōji Castle
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Hachiōji Castle?
Hachiōji Castle has recorded 733 bear incidents in total, with 8 reported in the last 30 days and 1 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 Hachiōji Castle?
The most recent bear sighting in Hachiōji Castle was on May 5, 2026 in Aikawa Tashiro, Kanagawa, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Hachiōji Castle?
Recent bear sightings in Hachiōji Castle have been concentrated in Tokyo Oguno (21), Tokyo Hirai (8), Tokyo Mitsugo (5). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Hachiōji Castle?
Activity has slowed. 1 incidents in the last 7 days, 8 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Hachiōji Castle?
Hachiōji Castle 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.