Tourism Spots · Hokkaido
Sumiyoshi Shrine Brown Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Sumiyoshi Shrine, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
At Asarigawa Onsen 2 chome, Otaru, on February 18, 2026 at about 17:40, a hotel employee spotted and filmed a juvenile brown bear, about 50 to 60 cm long, walking on a municipal road. Police confirmed it was a bear from the video, and that kind of close roadside sighting is the latest sign of bear movement in this area.
The heaviest activity has been in Otaru, especially around Katsuraoka, Katsuraoka Elementary School, and Zenibako, with other recent reports also coming from Miharashi cho. Activity peaked in October 2025 with 32 reports and stayed busy in November 2025 with 18, before easing in December 2025 with 2 and February 2026 with 2. Across this area, Sumiyoshi Shrine and the surrounding district have recorded 93 brown bear sightings overall.
Sumiyoshi 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 Sumiyoshi Shrine
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Sumiyoshi Shrine?
Sumiyoshi Shrine has 93 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 Sumiyoshi Shrine?
The most recent bear sighting in Sumiyoshi Shrine was on February 18, 2026 in Asarigawa Onsen 2-chome, Otaru, Hokkaido, Hokkaido, where 1 Brown Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Sumiyoshi Shrine?
Recent bear sightings in Sumiyoshi Shrine have been concentrated in Otaru Katsuraokacho (12), Sapporo Kanayama 3-jo 3-chome (12), Sapporo Teine-Kanayama (9). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Sumiyoshi Shrine?
No recent activity to assess.
What type of bears are in Sumiyoshi Shrine?
Sumiyoshi Shrine is home to brown bears (Ussuri brown bear), which can weigh up to 500kg and are found only in Hokkaido. They are active from spring through autumn. Always carry bear bells and bear spray when hiking.