Tourism Spots · Tochigi
Karasawa Castle Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Karasawa 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 11:55 on May 8, 2026, a black bear was sighted on a mountain path near 1579 Tsukidani cho in Ashikaga City, around Gyodozan Join ji, putting the Karasawa Castle area on alert again. The latest reports also include sightings in Sano City and Ashikaga City in early May, showing that the activity is still moving through the nearby hills and forest edges.
Across this area, Sano City and Ashikaga City have been the main trouble spots, with repeated reports from Tomuro machi, Kanma cho, Kuzu Nishi, Yukiwara cho, and nearby mountain and riverside locations. Activity has been strongest in October 2025 with 22 incidents and November 2025 with 20, and the 181 total sightings in the record show how persistent black bear presence has been around Karasawa Castle and the surrounding ridgelines.
Karasawa Castle Bear Incident Map
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Karasawa Castle
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Karasawa Castle?
Karasawa Castle has recorded 181 bear incidents in total, with 19 reported in the last 30 days and 4 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 Karasawa Castle?
The most recent bear sighting in Karasawa Castle was on May 6, 2026 in Sano 高砂町, Tochigi, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Karasawa Castle?
Recent bear sightings in Karasawa Castle have been concentrated in Sano City (9), Ashikaga City (8), Sano 小中町 (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Karasawa Castle?
Activity has slowed. 4 incidents in the last 7 days, 19 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Karasawa Castle?
Karasawa 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.