As Japan enters its peak autumn season for viewing maple leaves and hiking, reports of bear sightings and attacks have surged across the country, resulting in at least 12 fatalities so far. Even popular tourist destinations like Shirakawa-go and Arashiyama have reported bear appearances, prompting some travelers to reconsider their plans due to safety concerns.
Not only have foreign visitors expressed apprehension, but surveys targeting Japanese citizens also reveal widespread unease, with nearly 80% of hikers worried about bear encounters, leading many to postpone or cancel travel plans.
According to a report by TV Asahi, a tour organizer in Japan noted that while travelers previously inquired mainly about natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, or typhoons, this is the first time they've received questions regarding bear threats.
A major Japanese travel agency's London branch has also received multiple inquiries from foreign tourists due to the frequent reports of bear attacks. For instance, one tourist originally planned a full day of hiking in the Tohoku region but shortened the itinerary to only 1.5 hours after reading about recent incidents. To assist in mitigating risks, the agency provides bear spray and delivers it to tourists' hotels upon request.
Meanwhile, a survey reported by Yomiuri Shimbun revealed that when hikers were asked if increased bear sightings impacted their hiking plans, 19.2% expressed significant anxiety, making them hesitant to go hiking, while 57.8% felt somewhat uneasy and decided to act more cautiously. Combined, about 80% of respondents admitted to feeling concerned.
Additionally, 52.8% of participants reported changes to their hiking plans. Among specific adjustments (allowing for multiple responses), 61.6% said they altered their intended hiking destination, and 29.1% canceled or postponed their plans entirely.
Some internet users also expressed their fears, with one commenting that they had a particular destination in mind but decided not to visit out of fear of encountering bears.
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