Bear Sightings in Shirakawa-go: How to Stay Safe When Visiting

Recent Bare Incidents in Shirakawa-go and Nearby Areas

The scenic village of Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture is renowned for its historic thatched-roof houses and rich natural surroundings. Recently, however, it has become the site of increased wildlife encounters, including a case in early October 2025 in which a Spanish tourist was injured at the bus terminal.

Spanish tourist injured in latest bear attack —The Japan Times

Visitors should treat the risk not as a reason to cancel their trip, but as one more reason to stay informed and prepared.

Why Are Bears (クマ) Being Spotted More Often?

Several factors appear to be driving the uptick in bear activity near human-settled areas:

• 🐻As autumn deepens and winter draws near, bears search more activity for food to build fat reserves for hibernation.
• 🌰A decline in available natural food sources (such as acones and nuts) may lead bears to venture closer to villages.
• 🏡Depopulation in rural zone and changes in land use blur the boundaries between “wild” and “settled” spaces.
  These dynamics are making areas like Shirakawa-go more susceptible to bear encounters.

Areas and Times to Be Especially Careful

While the overall risk remains low, visitors should take extra care in the following situations:

• Time of day: Early morning and dusk, when bears are more active.
• Location: Areas adjacent to forest edges, less-used trails, parking lots or bus stops near wooded zones.
• Seasonal nuance: Even into early winter, when tourists might assume wildlife activity has subsided, bears may still roam if hibernation is delayed due to weather or food shortages.
  For example, in the recent tourist-injury case, the bear appeared near a bus terminal rather than deep in the forest.

How to Stay Safe —Visitor Tips

Here are practical, visitor-friendly guidelines for safe travel in bear-country areas:

• Carry a noise-making device (such as a bear bell/ 熊鈴, kumasuzu) or frequently make noise (talking or radio) while walking to reduce surprise encounters.
• AVOID WALKING ALONE in remote or wooded segments; stay in groups when possible.
• DO NOT LEAVE FOOD, wrappers, scented items or garbage outside unattended —in vehicles or near accommodations —since bears are attracted by odours.
• If you see a bear: stay calm, DO NOT RUN, keep eye contact, slowly back away, and do NOT try to take close-up photos.
• Follow signage and staff instructions: certain trails or zones may be closed temporarily after sightings.

By following these steps you help ensure both your own safety and the well-being of wildlife.

What Local Authorities Are Doing

The village of Shirakawa-go and Gifu Prefecture authorities are actively responding to increasing bear sightings:

• 🚓Regular patrols and monitoring of high-risk zones around village.
• 🪧Installation of warning signage in multiple languages for international visitors.
• ⛔️Temporary closure of certain access points or visitor facilities after incidents.
  Visitor cooperation is emphasised: staying on marked paths, reacting to warnings, and reporting sightings if safe to do so.

Respecting Nature While Staying Safe

Visiting Shirakawa-go means enjoying one of Japan’s treasured natural and cultural landscapes. It also means entering an environment where wild animals, including bears, roam freely.

By staying aware, following guidance, and respecting wildlife space, visitors contribute to a safe visit and help preserve the delicate balance of nature and human enjoyment.

Conclusion

Staying informed and acting responsibly will allow you to enjoy the charms of Shirakawa-go safely. Keep alert, make minimal noise, avoid isolated forest edges without guidance, and follow local instructions.
Let nature be your companion —not your surprise.