Fences for baths to avoid bears?

Living in Japan, I feel like you get used to a few unexpected wildlife encounters here and there. I've seen monkeys in the mountains, deer wandering temple grounds, and some City-Cost community members have even come across a wild boar or two. The topic on everyone's lips of late though is the bear crisis, but I'd never really thought about one of the most vulnerable spots imaginable to encounter one: soaking in an outdoor hot spring.

Views versus safety...it's a tradeoff, but I'd pick safety every time.

The Japan Tourism Agency recently announced plans to help fund safety fences around rotenburo at ryokan and hotels, with the proposal covering about half the cost of installation. The idea is part of a wider government effort to make tourist areas safer, and is supported by a ¥300 million budget for fiscal 2025.

Not everyone is keen, though, with some ryokan owners worrying that fences could ruin the peaceful scenery that makes open-air baths so special. I guess it's a tricky balance between preserving that serene, natural experience and keeping both guests and staff safe.

The issue became tragically real in October, when a worker in Iwate Prefecture was killed by a bear while cleaning an outdoor bath. For me personally, I don't know that any view, irrespective of how pretty it is, is worth the risk at the moment.