Tourism Spots · Yamagata
Yama-dera Temple Black Bear Incidents
Bear incident and sighting reports for Yama-dera Temple, compiled from official government sources, news outlets, and community submissions. View the interactive incident map and safety information before hiking or outdoor activities.
Yama-dera Temple has been following a sharp burst of bear activity just over the border in Yamanobe and Tendo. On April 30, 2026, one black bear was reported in Yamanobe Omi just after 6:00 a.m., with follow up sightings in Otsuka and Yōgai, and by 7:00 a.m. another adult bear had been seen in Yōgai itself. Earlier that morning in Tendo Kuramashi, a lone bear was also spotted near the community center and in a residential field.
The busiest ground in this area has been around Yamanobe, Tendo, Kahoku, and Yamagata City, where the recent reports have been clustering near neighborhoods, fields, and the edges of town. Activity peaked in October 2025 with 222 incidents and stayed high in November 2025 with 153, then eased through winter before picking up again in April 2026 with 9 reports. Across this area, there have been 1,005 black bear sightings in all.
Yama-dera Temple Bear Incident Map
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bears in Yama-dera Temple
How many bear incidents have been recorded in Yama-dera Temple?
Yama-dera Temple has recorded 1,005 bear incidents in total, with 9 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 Yama-dera Temple?
The most recent bear sighting in Yama-dera Temple was on April 29, 2026 in Yamanobe 大字要害, Yamagata, where 1 Black Bear was reported. Detailed location and surrounding incidents are available on the incident map.
Where have bears appeared recently in Yama-dera Temple?
Recent bear sightings in Yama-dera Temple have been concentrated in Higashine 大字東根乙 (6), Katayachi, Yamagata City (5), Yamagata Narisawanishi 2-chome (4). These areas have had multiple reports within the last 30 days.
Is bear activity increasing in Yama-dera Temple?
Activity has slowed. 0 incidents in the last 7 days, 9 in the last 30 days.
What type of bears are in Yama-dera Temple?
Yama-dera Temple 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.