According to Shirakawa Village officials, a 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 currently 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 reported receiving 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 this rise in encounters to a shortage of acorns and other food sources in the mountains, which is pushing bears closer to human settlements.
Tourists expressed concern following the attack. One visitor said, “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.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147160.php
About the Author
