Tourism Spots · Yamanashi
Lake Kawaguchi Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Lake Kawaguchi, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Lake Kawaguchi’s latest black bear report came from Fujikawaguchiko Saikonishi on May 5, 2026 at 14:30, when a person coming down from Kagikake Pass saw a bear like animal near the Kagikake Pass trailhead and could not confirm it. Just before that, on February 28, 2026 at 20:00, a mother bear and her cub were standing on the roadside shoulder in Fujikawaguchiko Fujigane, which shows how close these encounters can get to roads around the area.
Across the Lake Kawaguchi area, the heaviest activity has clustered in Fujikawaguchiko, with additional reports from Yamanakako, Otsuki, Tsuru City, Oshino Village, and Kofu City. Activity peaked in November 2025 with 44 incidents and again in June 2025 with 41, while July 2025 brought 23 and August 2025 brought 17; the area has logged 518 black bear sightings overall.
Lake Kawaguchi Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Recent trips through Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi
2 stops · 4 days ago
11 views

Yamanashi Prefectural Museum → Lake Kawaguchi
2 stops · 5 days ago
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Zoorasia → Lake Kawaguchi
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Lake Kawaguchi
2 stops · 1 day ago
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Mount Fuji → Lake Kawaguchi
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Mount Fuji → Inawashiro
4 stops · 2 days ago
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Lake Kawaguchi
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Lake Kawaguchi?
Lake Kawaguchi has recorded 518 bear incidents in total, with 3 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 Lake Kawaguchi?
The most recent bear sighting in Lake Kawaguchi was on May 7, 2026 in Kōfu Nakabatakecho, Yamanashi, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Lake Kawaguchi?
Recent bear sightings in Lake Kawaguchi have been concentrated in Fujikawaguchiko Funatsu (12), Fujikawaguchiko Kawaguchi (8), Fujikawaguchiko (8). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Lake Kawaguchi?
Activity is elevated. 2 of the 3 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Lake Kawaguchi?
Lake Kawaguchi 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.
