Tourism Spots · Tochigi
Kinugawa Onsen Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Kinugawa Onsen, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Kinugawa Onsen's most recent sharp alarm came on April 21, 2026, when 2 black bears, one about 1.2 meters long and the other about 0.5 meters, were seen walking together on a municipal road near Kinugawa Park in Nikkō 鬼怒川温泉滝. Another bear was reported in the same area that day, and a juvenile was later found on April 26, 2026, in the mountains beside the road near the car stop before Mikonosato at the Yunishigawa terminal tunnel, just about 5 meters from the road.
The busiest ground around Kinugawa Onsen has been Nikkō, especially 鬼怒川温泉滝, 今市本町, 藤原, and 山内, with other sightings also coming from 瀬尾, 野口, and Nasushiobara. Activity has been heaviest in April 2026 with 13 reports and March 2026 with 10, after a strong October 2025 with 15, August 2025 with 15, and November 2025 with 10; across this area, the total stands at 191 black bear sightings.
Kinugawa Onsen Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Nearby Areas
Comments (0)
No comments yet.
Hiking in bear country
Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Kinugawa Onsen
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Kinugawa Onsen?
Kinugawa Onsen has recorded 191 bear incidents in total, with 14 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 Kinugawa Onsen?
The most recent bear sighting in Kinugawa Onsen was on May 8, 2026 in Nasushiobara, Tochigi, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Kinugawa Onsen?
Recent bear sightings in Kinugawa Onsen have been concentrated in Nikkō 宝殿 (14), Nikkō 所野 (8), Nikkō 川治温泉川治 (7). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Kinugawa Onsen?
Activity has slowed. 1 incidents in the last 7 days, 14 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Kinugawa Onsen?
Kinugawa Onsen 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.