Hong Kong travel agency WWPKG has urged tourists in Japan to stay alert after at least five people were injured in bear attacks across Akita, Aomori, and Niigata prefectures on Sunday.
The agency said it has repeatedly reminded travelers to remain aware of their surroundings. Tourists are advised not to look at their mobile phones while walking and not to scream or run if they encounter a bear. Instead, they should back away slowly to avoid provoking the animal.
WWPKG also suggested that tour buses be equipped with bear spray, although the product is currently out of stock.
Yuen Chun-ning, Executive Director of WWPKG, said that some sightseeing stops had been canceled following advice from the Japanese authorities, including popular autumn foliage destinations such as Senshu Park and Shirakawa Village in Akita Prefecture.
Yuen added that while some customers have expressed concerns about traveling to Japan, the number is relatively small, noting that bears will enter hibernation during the winter months.
“The current concern is the situation next spring,” he said. “If the Japanese government doesn’t introduce effective measures to prevent bear attacks, we may adjust our strategy and focus more on promoting travel routes to Kyushu and Okinawa.”
