Tourism Spots · Nagano
Kurobe River Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Kurobe River, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Kurobe River has recently seen a black bear with a cub near the main tourist walking trail in Matsumoto on May 5, 2026. Just the day before, another thin black bear was spotted about 15 meters off to the side in Matsumoto, moving away toward the rear.
Most of the activity in this area has been centered around Matsumoto, Toyama City in the Arimine area, and Takayama, with other sightings also coming from Hida and Azumino. The busiest stretch was August 2025 with 11 reports, and the recent counts stayed active through April 2026 with 3 reports and March 2026 with 2; Kurobe River has logged 135 black bear sightings overall.
Kurobe River Bear Incident Map
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Kurobe River
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Kurobe River?
Kurobe River has recorded 135 bear incidents in total, with 5 reported in the last 30 days and 2 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 Kurobe River?
The most recent bear sighting in Kurobe River was on May 5, 2026 in Matsumoto, Nagano, where 2 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Kurobe River?
Recent bear sightings in Kurobe River have been concentrated in Takayama (73), Toyama (10), Azumino (9). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Kurobe River?
Activity is elevated. 2 of the 5 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Kurobe River?
Kurobe River 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.