Wild Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Karuizawa Nagano
by Picchio
Overview
This 90-minute tour in Karuizawa, Nagano, offers a chance to watch the wild Japanese giant flying squirrel, one of the largest flying squirrel species native to Japan. The tour begins with a 20-minute introduction at the Picchio Visitor Center, where a professional nature guide explains the ecology of the Japanese giant flying squirrel, including its diet, size, and flight distance. After the talk, participants walk to the Karuizawa Hoshino area for about 60 minutes of observation. During this time, the group watches the squirrels glide through the forest at sunset. The guide’s knowledge of the squirrels’ flight routes provides more than a 90% chance of spotting them. Binoculars are provided for better viewing. The tour is conducted in Japanese and basic English, with English subtitles available on lecture slides. Children under 4 years old and infants are not permitted on this tour. The tour may be canceled due to weather or absence of squirrels, and travel costs will not be refunded in such cases.
Highlights
What's included
Itinerary
Introduction at Picchio Visitor Center
A professional nature guide presents information on the Japanese giant flying squirrel’s ecology, covering its diet, size, and flying distance during a 20-minute session.
20 min
Karuizawa Hoshino Area
Participants spend about 60 minutes outside observing the flying squirrels gliding silently through the forest, interrupted only by the audience’s reactions.
60 min
Meeting point
Check-in starts 15 minutes before the tour at the Picchio Visitor Center. Please complete check-in at least 15 minutes before departure.
End point
Check-in starts 15 minutes before the tour at the Picchio Visitor Center(located by the pond.) ※From November 19 to November 30, the meeting location will be changed to 'Sonmin-shokudo'.A reception space will be set up inside the restaurant.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.