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  4. Kota Shrine to Kasugayama Castle Hiking Route

Kota Shrine to Kasugayama Castle Hiking Route

Moderate Risk · 3.3 km · 2 stops · 2 sightings · Saved April 26, 2026 · Last updated 11 hours ago
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0
Incidents in last 7 days
2
Incidents in last 30 days
2 weeks ago
Latest Incident

Safety Summary

This 3.3 km route from Kota Shrine to Kasugayama Castle crosses Niigata. Over the past 30 days, 2 bear sightings have been recorded within 5 km of the route, with no new activity in the past week. This route runs through Asian black bear habitat (native to Honshu and Shikoku). The most recent sighting was reported 2 weeks ago near Joetsu 大字大貫, Niigata; the location sits about 1.5 km from the start of the route and 4.0 km off the route line. The closest sighting to the route line was reported 2 weeks ago at Joetsu 大貫四丁目, Niigata, sitting about 993 m from the start and 3.8 km off the route line.

With activity this close, make noise as you hike, carry bear spray, and avoid the forest at dawn and dusk.

Your Route

Route Profile

Highlights Along Your Route (2)

2 places within 1 km of your route, passing through Niigata.

Kota Shrine
Moderate Risk

Kota Shrine

Niigata

521 incidents

Kasugayama Castle
Moderate Risk

Kasugayama Castle

Niigata

605 incidents

Kota Shrine
Moderate Risk

Kota Shrine

Niigata

521 incidents

Kasugayama Castle
Moderate Risk

Kasugayama Castle

Niigata

605 incidents

Route Timeline

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S
Kota Shrine, Niigata
Moderate Risk 3.3 km 2 sightings within 5 km
Joetsu 大字大貫, Niigata

One bear was sighted on the north side of the Kanayama Tunnel of the Joshin-etsu Expressway within the Ōaza Ōnuki area.

Joetsu 大字大貫, Niigata

Official ·2 weeks ago
Joetsu 大貫四丁目, Niigata

Shortly after 09:00 on the 20th, a cargo truck traveling on the inbound lanes of the Joshinetsu Expressway in Onuki, Jōetsu City, collided with a bear coming from the right. The male driver was uninjured, the front of the vehicle was damaged, and the bear (about 1 meter long) ran off to the east after the collision; the site is about 500 meters from the nearest houses.

Joetsu 大貫四丁目, Niigata

News ·2 weeks ago
G
Kasugayama Castle, Niigata
Total Distance: 3.3 km

When Are Bears Most Active?

Peak activity at 9:00 with 2 incidents

Asian black bears on your route

Asian Black Bear

Asian Black Bear

Ursus thibetanus japonicus

Range
Honshu, Shikoku
Size
80–120 kg
Active
Dawn & dusk

Sharing space safely

  • ·Make noise as you walk; carry bear spray
  • ·If charged, stand firm and use the spray
  • ·If contact happens, resist firmly. They retreat when met with resistance
  • ·Don't climb. They climb better than you

Safety Checklist

Hiking in bear country

Safety picks and trail essentials, top-rated on Amazon and Rakuten.

Emergency Contacts

110
Police
119
Fire/Ambulance

For mountain rescue, call 110 (police). They will coordinate with local rescue teams.

Trip Report - Lake Biwa
Bear risk analysis map showing route with safety levels
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Route

How many bear sightings are on this route?

Over the past 30 days, 2 bear sightings have been recorded within 5 km of this route, with no new activity in the past week. This route runs through Asian black bear habitat (native to Honshu and Shikoku).

When and where was the most recent bear sighting near this route?

The most recent sighting was reported 2 weeks ago near Joetsu 大字大貫, Niigata; the location sits about 1.5 km from the start of the route and 4.0 km off the route line.

What time of day are bears most active here?

Recent sightings on this route peak around 9:00. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk.

Is this route safe to travel right now?

This 3.3 km route from Kota Shrine to Kasugayama Castle crosses Niigata. Over the past 30 days, 2 bear sightings have been recorded within 5 km of the route, with no new activity in the past week. This route runs through Asian black bear habitat (native to Honshu and Shikoku). The most recent sighting was reported 2 weeks ago near Joetsu 大字大貫, Niigata; the location sits about 1.5 km from the start of the route and 4.0 km off the route line. The closest sighting to the route line was reported 2 weeks ago at Joetsu 大貫四丁目, Niigata, sitting about 993 m from the start and 3.8 km off the route line. With activity this close, make noise as you hike, carry bear spray, and avoid the forest at dawn and dusk.

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