This 191 km route from Hanno to Sakuho crosses Saitama, Nagano, and Gunma. Over the past 30 days, 6 bear sightings have been recorded within 5 km of the route, including 1 in the past week. This route runs through Asian black bear habitat (native to Honshu and Shikoku). The most recent sighting was reported 14 hours ago near Annaka, Gunma; the location sits about 129.3 km from the start of the route and 549 m off the route line. The closest sighting to the route line was reported 1 week ago at Annaka 松井田町五料, Gunma, sitting about 125.8 km from the start and 244 m off the route line.
With activity this close, slow through forested stretches and stay alert at dawn and dusk when bears cross roads.
4 places within 1 km of your route, passing through Saitama, Nagano, Gunma.
It was a cub about 1 meter long. It immediately went off to the left and disappeared from view. I turned back.
Annaka, Gunma
It was watching us from a distance along the Apt Trail.
Annaka, Gunma
Annaka 松井田町五料, Gunma
According to the Saitama Prefectural Police, around 16:00 on April 30, 2026, a bear-like animal about 60–70 cm long was sighted in Misugidai 1-chome, Hannō City. The area includes schools, restaurants, parks and tourist spots, and police are urging people to prioritize their safety.
Hanno 大字矢颪, Saitama
According to the Saitama Prefectural Police, at around 00:45 on the 20th a bear-like animal about 1 meter long was sighted under the pedestrian bridge east of Misugidai Elementary School in Misugidai 2-chome, Hannō. The face was seen from inside a car, and the gait captured on a drive recorder suggests it was a bear.
Hanno 大字前ヶ貫, Saitama
Near Megane Bridge, walking on the slope along the national highway. Estimated size about 150–170 cm. A clean black body; I could even hear the sound of it crunching fallen leaves.
Annaka, Gunma
Peak activity at 10:00 with 1 incidents
Ursus thibetanus japonicus
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For mountain rescue, call 110 (police). They will coordinate with local rescue teams.
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Over the past 30 days, 6 bear sightings have been recorded within 5 km of this route, including 1 in the past week. This route runs through Asian black bear habitat (native to Honshu and Shikoku).
The most recent sighting was reported 14 hours ago near Annaka, Gunma; the location sits about 129.3 km from the start of the route and 549 m off the route line.
Recent sightings on this route peak around 10:00. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk.
This 191 km route from Hanno to Sakuho crosses Saitama, Nagano, and Gunma. Over the past 30 days, 6 bear sightings have been recorded within 5 km of the route, including 1 in the past week. This route runs through Asian black bear habitat (native to Honshu and Shikoku). The most recent sighting was reported 14 hours ago near Annaka, Gunma; the location sits about 129.3 km from the start of the route and 549 m off the route line. The closest sighting to the route line was reported 1 week ago at Annaka 松井田町五料, Gunma, sitting about 125.8 km from the start and 244 m off the route line. With activity this close, slow through forested stretches and stay alert at dawn and dusk when bears cross roads.
