The 44-year-old Spaniard was taken to hospital by ambulance but could later be discharged with abrasions on the arm.
Shirakawago is located in central Japan and is known for its traditional houses that are listed on the UN's World Heritage List. There, hiking trails have been closed and police are patrolling the streets.
The measures are being taken just a few days after a woman was killed and one was reported missing after a bear attack in northern Japan. The women were out picking mushrooms together with two other people when the bear attacked, according to local media. The accident occurred on a mountain in Miyagi Prefecture.
And in Nagano Prefecture, a body with scratch marks was found, where a bear is suspected to be behind the death.
The bear population in Japan has increased in recent years. According to the public service company NHK, 69 people have been attacked by bears between April and August this year, five have been killed.
