Tourism Spots · Shiga
Sawayama Castle Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Sawayama Castle, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Sawayama Castle is dealing with a fresh black bear sighting from Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, where a bear about 1 meter long was seen on the road along the west bank of the Yogo River around 20:30 on December 18, 2025. The same spot was reported again around 01:00, which tells the story of a bear moving through the area after dark.
The busiest stretch has been around Nagahama City, with recent reports also coming from Ooyori cho and Minamihama cho, while Maibara City also had a capture report in November 2025. Activity has peaked in November 2025 with 3 reports and continued into December 2025 with 1 report, and the area has seen 16 black bear sightings in all.
Sawayama Castle Bear Incident Map
No incidents in this time range
No incidents in this time range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Sawayama Castle
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Sawayama Castle?
Sawayama Castle has 16 recorded bear incidents in total, but no activity has been reported in the last 30 days. Bear activity varies seasonally, so always check the latest status before hiking or spending time outdoors.
When and where was the latest bear incident in Sawayama Castle?
The most recent bear sighting in Sawayama Castle was on December 18, 2025 in Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, Shiga, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Sawayama Castle?
Recent bear sightings in Sawayama Castle have been concentrated in Sekigahara 大字山中 (7), Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture (1), Ooyori-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture (1). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Sawayama Castle?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Sawayama Castle?
Sawayama 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.