Tourism Spots · Nagano
Matsumoto Castle Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Matsumoto 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 Matsumoto Castle area, the most immediate report came from Azumino 穂高有明 on May 10, 2026, where 1 adult black bear was seen, adding to a run of fresh sightings in nearby towns. The same stretch of days also brought bears to Azumino 明科光, Azumino 明科中川手, Matsumoto Kariyaharamachi, Azumino 穂高牧, Azumino 堀金烏川, Matsumoto Gojo, and Asahi, showing that the activity is spreading across the basin rather than staying in one corner.
The busiest pockets are in Azumino and Matsumoto, especially around 穂高有明, 明科, 堀金, Kariyaharamachi, and Gojo, where residential edges and town outskirts keep turning up in the reports. The monthly rhythm has been strongest in November 2025 with 34 incidents, June 2025 with 37, and December 2025 with 20, while the area has recorded 272 black bear sightings in total.
Matsumoto Castle Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
Recent trips through Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle → Ariake yama
2 stops · 2 weeks ago
21 views
Matsumoto Castle → Sakamaki Onsen
2 stops · 4 days ago
1 views
Inaba Shrine → Kaichi School
7 stops · 3 weeks ago
51 views
Takayama Castle → Kaichi School
2 stops · 4 days ago
49 views
Annaka → Yamagata
5 stops · 6 days ago
22 views
Matsumoto → Takayama
4 stops · 1 day ago
3 views
Azusa River → Kamikōchi
3 stops · 4 hours ago
1 views
Matsumoto → Higashiyama Sugawara Shrine
2 stops · 6 hours ago
1 views
Matsumoto Castle → Ariake yama
2 stops · 2 weeks ago
21 views
Matsumoto Castle → Sakamaki Onsen
2 stops · 4 days ago
1 views
Inaba Shrine → Kaichi School
7 stops · 3 weeks ago
51 views
Takayama Castle → Kaichi School
2 stops · 4 days ago
49 views
Annaka → Yamagata
5 stops · 6 days ago
22 views
Matsumoto → Takayama
4 stops · 1 day ago
3 views
Azusa River → Kamikōchi
3 stops · 4 hours ago
1 views
Matsumoto → Higashiyama Sugawara Shrine
2 stops · 6 hours ago
1 views
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 Matsumoto Castle
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Matsumoto Castle?
Matsumoto Castle has recorded 272 bear incidents in total, with 17 reported in the last 30 days and 8 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 Matsumoto Castle?
The most recent bear sighting in Matsumoto Castle was on May 9, 2026 in Azumino 穂高有明, Nagano, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Matsumoto Castle?
Recent bear sightings in Matsumoto Castle have been concentrated in Matsumoto (12), Shiojiri (12), Azumino 穂高有明 (10). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Matsumoto Castle?
Activity is elevated. 8 of the 17 monthly incidents occurred in the last 7 days.
What type of bears are in Matsumoto Castle?
Matsumoto 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.