Tourism Spots · Nara
Nara Park Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Nara Park, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Nara Park has recently seen a close call in Heguri Midorigaoka 6 chome on April 10, 2026, when a black bear came down from the hill beside the pond and was seen at about 5 meters before it ran off. That kind of edge of the park encounter is the sharp reminder that bears are still moving through this area.
The activity is heaviest around Kizugawa City and the Nara side near Nara Besshiyocho and Nara Ninnikusencho, with sightings also turning up in Kamo cho and nearby communities. Reports peak in November 2025 with 63 incidents and stay very busy through October 2025 with 45 and June 2025 with 41, and the area has logged 249 black bear sightings overall.
Nara Park 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 Nara Park
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Nara Park?
Nara Park has recorded 249 bear incidents in total, with 1 reported in the last 30 days and 0 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 Nara Park?
The most recent bear sighting in Nara Park was on March 19, 2026 in Nara Besshiyocho, Nara, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Nara Park?
Recent bear sightings in Nara Park have been concentrated in Kizugawa Umemidai 3-chome (11), Kizugawa Umedani (9), Kizugawa Kamocho-Hokkejino (8). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Nara Park?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 1 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Nara Park?
Nara Park 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.