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

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