This 112 km route from Niigata Science Museum to Yugawa crosses Niigata and Fukushima. Over the past 30 days, 6 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 1 week ago near Niigata, Niigata; the location sits about 16.3 km from the start of the route and 3.5 km off the route line. The closest sighting to the route line was reported 2 weeks ago at Aizubange 大字宮古, Fukushima, sitting about 108.2 km from the start and 40 m off the route line.
With activity this close, make noise as you hike, carry bear spray, and avoid the forest at dawn and dusk.
1 places within 1 km of your route, passing through Niigata, Fukushima.
On April 24, 2026, a bear was sighted crossing National Route 49 in Kawahigashi-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. No detailed reports of damage have been reported.
Aizuwakamatsu Kawahigashimachi-Fukushima, Fukushima
I saw a bear while walking. (morning)
Aga 向鹿瀬, Niigata
At around 19:11 on April 19, 2026, a bear about 50 cm long was sighted on the premises of an office in Miyako-muranishi (Aizubange Town); the bear moved north and fled toward National Route 49. No human injuries were reported, and police urged local residents to be cautious.
Aizubange 大字宮古, Fukushima
Around 18:21 on April 16, a bear about 1 meter long was sighted on a road in Agano-minami, Agamachi, Niigata Prefecture. Tsugawa Police Station has warned local residents to be cautious.
Aga 黒岩, Niigata
A bear (one) was sighted on the general prefectural road Mikawa Interchange Line near Mikawa Shin-aien.
Aga あが野南, Niigata
Peak activity at 18:00 with 2 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, 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 1 week ago near Niigata, Niigata; the location sits about 16.3 km from the start of the route and 3.5 km off the route line.
Recent sightings on this route peak around 18:00. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk.
This 112 km route from Niigata Science Museum to Yugawa crosses Niigata and Fukushima. Over the past 30 days, 6 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 1 week ago near Niigata, Niigata; the location sits about 16.3 km from the start of the route and 3.5 km off the route line. The closest sighting to the route line was reported 2 weeks ago at Aizubange 大字宮古, Fukushima, sitting about 108.2 km from the start and 40 m off the route line. With activity this close, make noise as you hike, carry bear spray, and avoid the forest at dawn and dusk.
