Bear attacks in northeastern Japan deflate tourism amid peak fall foliage

Northeastern Japan's Tohoku region is facing a serious challenge as a series of bear attacks during the peak fall foliage season is causing a sharp decline in tourism. Normally bustling with visitors eager to enjoy the autumn colors, the area has seen hotel bookings at hot spring resorts plummet. Public access to many scenic spots is being restricted following bear sightings, and local officials are urging visitors to stay alert due to the growing threat. This downturn in tourist numbers is putting a lot of pressure on local businesses, which usually count on this season to boost revenue before winter. One tragic incident occurred in late October in the Gembi area of Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture, where a man was found dead outside his home after a fatal bear attack. The nearby Gembikei gorge, a popular spot for autumn leaf viewing, is seeing fewer visitors as the news of the attack spreads. A manager of a tourist facility selling glassware mentioned that many people assume the attack took place right in the neighborhood, which discourages them from coming. Further north in Kitakami, also in Iwate, a male hotel worker was fatally attacked by a bear while cleaning an open-air bath in mid-October. This tragic event led to the cancellation of about 20 percent of bookings at a nearby hot spring inn, Motoyugeto, and some days have seen a 70 percent drop in bath-only visitors. The inn’s representative, Hironori Takahashi, expressed how devastating the timing is, given that this is usually a peak season for business. Some hot spring operators have even shut down their open-air baths as a precaution. Since April, Iwate has recorded a record five deaths from bear attacks, contributing to 13 such fatalities nationwide. This alarming trend has made some tourists avoid the whole region altogether. For instance, Eri Aoki, a 30-year-old employee from Tokyo, canceled her planned trip to an Iwate hot spring in early November, citing fear over the presence of bears in residential areas. She intends to postpone her visit until winter when bears typically hibernate. In neighboring Akita Prefecture, bears have been repeatedly sighted in and near Senshu Park, a well-known fall foliage destination. This has forced the local government to close the park multiple times throughout late October. Although a couple of bears were captured, another sighting prompted another closure soon after reopening. Since April, Akita has seen four fatalities due to bear attacks. Miyagi Prefecture has also felt the impact, with a fatal bear attack reported in early October. Despite these dangers, some foreign tourists continue to visit Narukokyo gorge, near the border with Yamagata Prefecture. To enhance safety, the Osaki municipal government has installed warning signs in four languages, including English and Korean, and increased security patrols to raise awareness and prevent further incidents. Overall, the bear attacks have cast a shadow over what is usually one of the most vibrant tourist seasons in northeastern Japan. The combination of fear, safety restrictions, and tragic incidents are dealing a heavy blow to the local tourism economy and creating a need for new strategies to protect both residents and visitors.