Key Facts
• A motorcyclist in Shari Town, Hokkaido, encountered bears three times in one day.
• First encounter: A mother bear and cub on a mountain path at 5:00 PM.
• Second encounter: A bear sprinting near the hot spring during the rider’s bath, just meters away.
• Third encounter: The same mother bear and cub appeared again at 5:30 PM on the return trip.
• The rider described the experience as “pure fear” and took precautions to avoid danger.
• The rider managed to escape the first encounter by turning the motorcycle around and hiding behind another vehicle.
• The hot spring visit was cut short due to safety concerns after the second sighting.
• The rider expressed regret over not being able to enjoy the hot spring as planned.
Summary
A motorcyclist visiting a hot spring in Shari Town, Hokkaido, experienced a terrifying day with three separate bear encounters. The first occurred on a mountain path, where a mother bear and her cub approached. During the bath, the rider saw a bear sprinting nearby, freezing in fear. On the return trip, the same mother bear and cub reappeared. The rider took safety measures, including turning the motorcycle around and hiding behind another vehicle. Despite reaching the hot spring, the rider cut the visit short due to safety concerns. Reflecting on the day, the rider expressed disappointment at not being able to fully enjoy the hot spring experience.
