Travel

Spanish Tourist Injured in Bear Attack at World Heritage Shirakawa-go

GIFU, Oct 06 (News On Japan) - A Spanish tourist was attacked by a bear while visiting Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO World Heritage village in Gifu Prefecture known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, on October 5th. The incident adds to a growing number of bear encounters reported across Japan in recent weeks.

According to Shirakawa Village officials, the 40-year-old man was walking through the Shirakawa-go area around 8:30 a.m. when a bear suddenly attacked him from behind. The bear, believed to be a juvenile Asian black bear (tsukinowaguma) about one meter in length, scratched the man’s right arm, causing minor injuries. He was treated for abrasions and is in stable condition.

The attack occurred near the shuttle bus stop that serves visitors heading to the Ogimachi observation deck, a popular spot overlooking the gassho-style village. Following the incident, the village suspended shuttle bus operations from the afternoon and closed local roads and walking trails within a one-kilometer radius as a precaution.

Authorities in Shirakawa Village said they have received around 90 bear sighting reports since April 2025—nearly three times the annual average—suggesting that bear activity in the region has sharply increased this year. Experts attribute the rise in encounters to a shortage of acorns and other food sources in the mountains, pushing bears closer to human settlements.

Tourists expressed concern following the attack, with one visitor saying, “A bear appeared? That’s shocking. It will definitely affect tourism.”

Local officials are urging both residents and visitors to remain alert, avoid walking alone in forested areas, and immediately report any bear sightings. Patrols and warning signs have been reinforced throughout the Shirakawa-go area as the autumn travel season continues.

Source: TBS

Northern Japan Warned of Heavy Snow and Blizzards

A strong winter-pattern pressure system drove the season’s coldest air across the country on November 18th, making snow and rain more likely along the Japan Sea coast while bringing heavy snow and blizzard conditions to parts of northern Japan, with temperatures falling sharply nationwide and even areas that see sunshine experiencing a biting northerly wind.

Japanese Embassy in Beijing Urges Citizens to Stay Vigilant

The Japanese Embassy in Beijing urged Japanese nationals in China on November 18th to take extra precautions for their personal safety as the Chinese government intensifies its opposition to Prime Minister Takai’s recent comments regarding a potential Taiwan contingency, prompting the embassy to send a warning email later in the evening.

Japan Is Facing an Unprecedented Surge in Bear Attacks

A reporting team found itself face to face with a bear while investigating the sharp rise in bear-related incidents that has left 13 people dead this year.

Sakurajima Erupts, Sending Plume 4,400 Meters High and Disrupting Flights

Sakurajima erupted in the early hours on October (date not provided in source), sending a plume of ash soaring to 4,400 meters above the crater, the first time it has exceeded 4,000 meters since October last year, with volcanic rocks reaching as far as the sixth station on the mountainside as the volcano continued erupting intermittently throughout the morning and caused ash to fall over Kagoshima Airport, where a thin layer accumulated on aircraft.

JAL Cabin Crew Get OK to Wear Sneakers

Japan Airlines (JAL) has introduced a new policy starting November 13th allowing its cabin crew and ground staff who serve customers at airports to wear sneakers during work hours.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Foreign Luxury Hotels Rapidly Adopt Japan’s Kumiko Woodwork

Foreign luxury hotels are increasingly incorporating kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique, into their interiors, with the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka drawing particular attention from overseas visitors for its striking geometric patterns crafted without the use of nails.

Japan’s Best Autumn Hot Spots Reach Their Peak

Autumn seems to be passing quickly this year, with peak foliage arriving almost before many have had time to notice. To help readers avoid missing the season’s highlights, reporters visited some of the best spots now at their most vibrant.

JTB Continues to Reshape Japan’s Travel Landscape

JTB’s domestic travel and inbound tourism demand have rebounded sharply as the company’s annual revenue has surpassed 1 trillion yen, and it is now taking on a major transformation of Japan’s travel industry through a series of unconventional strategies.

Kinosaki Onsen Tests Pedestrian Zone

Toyooka City in Hyogo Prefecture has begun a trial pedestrian zone in the Kinosaki Onsen district to create a safer environment for tourists strolling through the hot spring town.

Sakurajima Erupts, Sending Plume 4,400 Meters High and Disrupting Flights

JAL Cabin Crew Get OK to Wear Sneakers

Japan Airlines (JAL) has introduced a new policy starting November 13th allowing its cabin crew and ground staff who serve customers at airports to wear sneakers during work hours.

Ski Season Opens in Western Japan

The ski season has officially begun in western Japan, with Grand Snow Okuibuki in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, becoming the first resort in the region to open on November 14th.

Japan Plans to Triple Departure Tax to 3,000 Yen

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) policy committee has drafted a resolution calling on the government to raise the “departure tax” to secure funds for overtourism countermeasures. The proposal seeks to increase the current 1,000 yen per-person levy to 3,000 yen, and to set the rate at 5,000 yen for travelers using business class or higher.

< 2 3 4 5 >