Tourism Spots · Kanagawa
Odawara Castle Park Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Odawara Castle Park, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Odawara Castle Park has been seeing bears moving through the broader western Kanagawa area, and the most recent report came on April 15, 2026 at Matsuda 松田惣領, where 1 black bear was spotted. That is the kind of late day sighting that keeps this area on alert, following another report in Matsuda 寄 on April 4, 2026 and a trail encounter in Hadano Tsurumaki on March 29, 2026.
The heaviest activity has been around Matsuda, with repeated reports in 松田惣領, 寄, and 松田庶子, while Hadano, Hakone, Yamakita, and Kannami have also seen bears or bear like animals turn up. Activity peaked in November 2025 with 25 incidents and October 2025 with 22, then dropped through winter and early spring, but the area has still logged 229 black bear sightings overall.
Odawara Castle Park Bear Incident Map
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Odawara Castle Park
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Odawara Castle Park?
Odawara Castle Park has recorded 229 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 Odawara Castle Park?
The most recent bear sighting in Odawara Castle Park was on April 15, 2026 in Matsuda 松田惣領, Kanagawa, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Odawara Castle Park?
Recent bear sightings in Odawara Castle Park have been concentrated in Matsuda 寄 (23), Matsuda 松田庶子 (18), Yamakita (14). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Odawara Castle Park?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 1 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Odawara Castle Park?
Odawara Castle 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.