Travel

Sapporo Park Closed After Bear Attack On Dog Walker

SAPPORO, Sep 27 (News On Japan) - A 43-year-old man was attacked by a bear while walking his dog in a park in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward on Friday night, prompting authorities to close the area and heighten patrols. His injuries are not life-threatening.

According to police, the attack occurred around 8 p.m. in Heiwa Hill Park, where the man encountered what is believed to be a mother bear and her cub, estimated at about two meters and one meter in length respectively. The bear struck him on the right arm before fleeing the scene.

The city has since closed the park for the foreseeable future, and police are maintaining increased security in the surrounding area to prevent further incidents.

Bear-related incidents have been reported in many parts of Japan in recent years. In Shiretoko, Hokkaido, the problem of brown bears becoming habituated to humans has become particularly severe, raising new concerns about how to balance conservation with public safety in regions long known for promoting “coexistence between people and bears.”

Source: TBS

Osaka Suspends New Minpaku Registrations

Osaka City decided on September 30th to suspend new applications for so-called special zone minpaku, a category of private lodging that has seen a sharp rise in disputes with local residents.

North Safari Sapporo Closes After 20 Years Leaving 300 Animals in Limbo

North Safari Sapporo, a private zoo in the southern district of Sapporo, closed its doors on September 30th after 20 years of operation, leaving around 300 animals including lions and wolves without a confirmed relocation plan.

Severe Weather Expected Across Eastern and Northern Japan

Tokyo is expected to record a high of 22°C on October 1st, marking the first time in 112 days since June 11th that the temperature has fallen below 25°C, with rainfall cooling the air and bringing an end to the long stretch of summer-like days.

Photos of Asahara Adorn Aleph's Worship Centers

Photos of cult founder Shoko Asahara, whose real name was Chizuo Matsumoto and who was executed for his role in the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, are being displayed alongside childhood pictures of his son in facilities linked to Aleph, the successor group to Aum Shinrikyo, according to findings by the Public Security Intelligence Agency (PSIA).

Takaichi Tops Poll at 34% for Next LDP President as Koizumi Trails

In a September opinion poll conducted by TV Tokyo and the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, former Minister of State for Economic Security Takaichi was the frontrunner with 34% when respondents were asked who they believed should be the next Liberal Democratic Party president.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

TOKYO is UNMATCHED! Best City in the World?

A travel vlogger shares their excitement upon arriving in Tokyo from Osaka, calling the city their favorite in Japan and possibly the world.

Massive Fireworks Display Lights Up Expo

Osaka is preparing to close the curtains on the Kansai Expo, and a larger-than-usual fireworks display called the "Expo Thanks Fireworks" was staged to express gratitude to everyone involved in the event.

Takeda Castle Ruins Enter Peak Season for Sea of Clouds

The stone walls of the Takeda Castle ruins in Hyogo Prefecture emerged above the clouds as they were illuminated by the morning sun.

Sapporo Park Closed After Bear Attack On Dog Walker

A 43-year-old man was attacked by a bear while walking his dog in a park in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward on Friday night, prompting authorities to close the area and heighten patrols. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Nara's Historic Prison To Become Luxury Hotel and Museum

Hoshino Resorts announced on September 25th that it will open the Nara Prison Museum in April next year, transforming the former Nara Prison, once used as a juvenile correctional facility, into a combined hotel and museum.

Sea of Clouds Over Lake Kussharo Heralds Winter

A sea of clouds spread across Lake Kussharo in Teshikaga, eastern Hokkaido, on Wednesday morning, creating a striking early sign of the coming winter.

Hoshino Resorts Opens LUCY to Promote Nature Tourism

Inbound tourism to Japan rose nearly 20% from January to August 2025 compared with a year earlier, though most visitors continue to flock to major cities, raising concerns about overtourism.

'Boat Houses Are Not Tourist Attractions'

Ine, a small fishing town in northern Kyoto Prefecture known for its traditional wooden boat houses, has recently become a social media sensation, drawing a record number of visitors.

< 2 3 4 5 >