Tourism Spots · Niigata
Sakado Castle Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Sakado Castle, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Sakado Castle is seeing the sharpest recent push from Minamiuonuma, where a resident spotted a black bear about 1.0 m long near a reservoir at 10:15 on May 3, 2026, and another sighting the same day put a bear of about 1 meter walking north near a pond in Izumidera about 150 m from houses. Earlier that morning, another bear was reported in Izumimyoji, and a separate sighting in Minamiuonuma at 06:40 described an animal believed to be about 1.5 m long.
The busiest ground around Sakado Castle has been Minamiuonuma, Tokamachi, and Yuzawa Kandatsu, with fresh footprints, field reports, and roadside sightings showing the bears are still moving through farm edges and neighborhoods. Activity has been heaviest in October 2025 with 722 incidents and November 2025 with 428, while December 2025 still saw 104 and April 2026 logged 19; altogether this area has recorded 3,206 black bear sightings.
Sakado Castle Bear Incident Map
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No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Sakado Castle
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Sakado Castle?
Sakado Castle has recorded 3,206 bear incidents in total, with 17 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 Sakado Castle?
The most recent bear sighting in Sakado Castle was on May 3, 2026 in Minamiuonuma, Niigata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Sakado Castle?
Recent bear sightings in Sakado Castle have been concentrated in Minamiuonuma Ubashima-shinden (9), Tokamachi (8), Minamiuonuma Ichinoe (7). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Sakado Castle?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 17 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Sakado Castle?
Sakado 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.