Recently, both Kyoto and Shiga have been seeing an increase in bear activity　not only in deep mountain areas, but even near residential edges, which is something almost unheard of in past decades.

This article is my attempt, as someone who hikes these mountains every week, to help visitors and fellow nature lovers stay safe while enjoying our beautiful region.

🐾Bear Activity Summary

📍 Region: Kyoto & Shiga Prefectures
🗺️ Maps: Official bear sighting maps (displayed side-by-side below)
🔺 Current Trend: Bears appearing closer to urban edges
🟡 Concern Level: Moderate to High depending on area

👟 Advice: Avoid solo hiking; stay alert; check maps before trips

I personally stopped solo hiking due to recent patterns

A New and Concerning Trend in Kyoto & Shiga

For many years, bears in the Kansai region stayed deep in the mountains:

Mount Hiei, Mount Atago, the northern countryside, the deeper parts of the Hira range, and so on.
But since around 2022–2024, and even more in 2025, we began seeing a major shift:
Bears are coming closer to the city.
Not right into central Kyoto or central Otsu, of course—but:

• the edges of Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward
• villages near Kurama and Ohara
• residential areas near Lake Biwa
• farmland on the outskirts of Otsu City

This is extremely unusual for Kyoto and Shiga.
Bears have always “lived in the mountains,” but now their movement patterns are changing.And while the Tohoku region sadly experiences severe bear incidents every year, Kyoto and Shiga have historically been safer.

Fortunately, Kyoto/Shiga has had no fatal bear attacks
…but that does not mean the risk is zero.When sightings happen closer to homes and farmland, the margin of safety becomes smaller—especially for hikers.

Why Is This Happening? (Simple Explanation)
Many wildlife specialists point to several combined reasons:
① Food shortages in the mountains: Poor acorn seasons push bears lower.
② Warmer climate: Bears stay active longer into autumn/winter.
③ Depopulated rural areas: With fewer people using forests, bears roam more freely.
④ Increased population: Bear numbers nationwide have climbed in recent decades.

These factors are not unique to Kyoto and Shiga, but Kansai was once considered “low-risk.”That is no longer the case.

Bears are now appearing in places they never appeared before.

Even if a sighting is just “a bear-like animal,” It still indicates that the boundary between forest and human space is blurring.
As a local hiker and father of two children living in Kyoto, this worries me more than I expected.

If you visit Kansai for hiking, I strongly recommend taking the same cautious approach.

How to Stay Safe (Simple and Effective Tips)

These tips are easy to follow and can significantly reduce risk:

Avoid Solo Hiking: Especially in northern Kyoto, Mount Hiei, Hira Mountains, and Shiga countryside.
Make Noise While Walking: Bears usually avoid humans if they hear you.
Avoid Dawn and Dusk: These are active times for wildlife.
Carry a Bear Bell: A simple jingling sound is enough to alert most bears.
Stay on Well-Traveled Trails: Avoid narrow, abandoned forest roads.

If You Encounter a Bear

• Stay calm
• Do not run
• Speak firmly
• Back away slowly
• Keep your group together

Bears usually want to avoid conflict.

Before You Hike: Check the Official Maps

Below are two official bear activity maps, displayed side by side so you can easily compare Kyoto and Shiga.

Kyoto Prefecture Map

• Shows reports submitted by residents and local offices
• Includes “uncertain” sightings such as “bear-like animals”
• Not guaranteed to be fully accurate
• Not proof that a bear was definitely at the location

Shiga Prefecture Map

• Updated regularly
• Includes sighting dates and areas around Lake Biwa and the mountains

These maps help you understand general patterns, especially in northern and rural zones.

Key Takeaways

• Kyoto and Shiga are facing an unusual rise in bear activity
• Bears are appearing closer to residential edges
• No fatal incidents have occurred here yet, but caution is necessary
• Solo hiking is not recommended at this time
• Checking the official maps before hiking is essential
• Nature is beautiful—but it is changing, and we must adapt

As someone who loves these mountains deeply, I want every visitor to enjoy them safely.

Please take care, stay aware, and enjoy Kansai’s forests responsibly.

See you on the next trail!

🧭 Disclaimer

The bear activity information shown in this article is based on official reports from Kyoto and Shiga prefectures.

Some sighting data may include uncertain information such as “bear-like animals.”

The accuracy of each report is not guaranteed.

Use this map only as a reference and always follow official safety guidance.

Kyoto Day Hikes is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or losses related to wildlife encounters.