This 6.1 km route runs from Mount Hiei to Shisen-dō Temple, passing through Shiga and Kyoto. In the past 30 days, 3 bear sightings were reported within 5 km of the route. The past 7 days account for 1 of them. The latest sighting was reported 1 day ago near Otsu Ogicho, Shiga.
With activity this close, make noise as you hike, carry bear spray, and avoid the forest at dawn and dusk.
mistaken capture
Otsu Ogicho, Shiga
On the night of May 6, 2026, two residents in a residential area of Nishigamo, Kita Ward, Kyoto City reported to the Kita Police Station and the ward office that they saw one young bear-like animal around 8:00 PM. The site was a field west of the Nishigamo city bus garage, and the ward office put up warning signs on the morning of the 7th.
Kyoto, Kyoto
Observed in a thicket while I was eating. Smaller, about 1 meter, but it looked heavier than that.
Otsu, Shiga
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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In the past 30 days, 3 bear sightings were reported within 5 km of the route. The past 7 days account for 1 of them.
The latest sighting was reported 1 day ago near Otsu Ogicho, Shiga.
Recent sightings on this route peak around 10:00. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk.
This 6.1 km route runs from Mount Hiei to Shisen-dō Temple, passing through Shiga and Kyoto. In the past 30 days, 3 bear sightings were reported within 5 km of the route. The past 7 days account for 1 of them. The latest sighting was reported 1 day ago near Otsu Ogicho, Shiga. With activity this close, make noise as you hike, carry bear spray, and avoid the forest at dawn and dusk.
