Tourism Spots · Hiroshima
Shirakami-sha Shrine Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Shirakami-sha Shrine, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Shirakami-sha Shrine has been hearing the closest alarm from Hiroshima City itself: on December 16, 2025, Asa Zoological Park closed part of its west area after a black bear was sighted, and the affected section was set to reopen on December 19. Earlier in that same cluster, a bear was seen near houses in the Toyama district of Asaminami Ward on December 12, 2025 around 7:30 PM, with other sightings and traces also turning up in nearby neighborhoods.
The pressure points are Asaminami Ward and the surrounding parts of Hiroshima City, where sightings, tracks, and sign of feeding have kept turning up around homes, roads, and orchards. Activity peaked in November and December, with 6 incidents in November 2025 and 5 in December 2025, while the area has recorded 16 black bear sightings overall.
Shirakami-sha Shrine 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 Shirakami-sha Shrine
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Shirakami-sha Shrine?
Shirakami-sha Shrine 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 Shirakami-sha Shrine?
The most recent bear sighting in Shirakami-sha Shrine was on January 9, 2026 in a settlement, Hiroshima, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Shirakami-sha Shrine?
Recent bear sightings in Shirakami-sha Shrine have been concentrated in Kamiyasu 7-chome, Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City (2), Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima (2), a settlement (1). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Shirakami-sha Shrine?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Shirakami-sha Shrine?
Shirakami-sha Shrine 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.