Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Nagano

4.9 (83 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

83 reviews

4.9

On a branch — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Gliding consecutive shooting — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

During this tour, guests will have the opportunity to observe the Japanese giant flying squirrel, an endemic species of Japan and one of the largest flying squirrel species in the world, as it opens its cloak-like body and glides into the forest at sunset. The chance of sighting this amazing creature is more than 90% as a result of our in-depth knowledge of the squirrel’s ecology and flight route. The Japanese giant flying squirrel’s dynamic flight will be sure to make you gasp in wonder.

*Guided in Japanese and basic English (English ability varies by guide).

■ Important Notes

・Age: Ages 4+ ONLY. Under 4 strictly prohibited.

・Rain: Held in light rain. Cancelled 1.5h prior if severe.

・Trail: 5-20 min unpaved walk. No strollers/wheelchairs.

・Observe: Wait quietly in dark ~20 mins. Carry bags (may disband on-site).

・Bring: Flashlight, water, bug spray, long clothes.

・Park: Hoshino P1 (by Sonmin Shokudo, 5-min walk).

・Cancel: 100% fee for no-shows or late arrivals.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Private and Luxury Walking Tours Nature Walks Seasonal Involves Animals Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 30 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Picchio Wildlife Research Center

Ages: Children (4–12 years) · Adults (13–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Use of Binoculars

Itinerary

Stop 1

20 min

Introduction of this tour. A professional nature guide will talk about the ecology of Japanese giant flying squirrels (diet, size, flying distance, etc.) at the Picchio Visitor Center.
Karuizawa Hoshino Area

one hour

Observation. After the lecture, we will walk outside and experience the silence of flying squirrels' glide broken only by the excited gasps of the audience.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

※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.

End point

Check-in starts 15 minutes before the tour at the Picchio Visitor Center.

Please complete check-in at least 15 minutes before departure.

※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.

Using your ticket

You can show your ticket to our staff.

https://www.wildlife-picchio.com/area/karuizawa/

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
We cannot refund you any travel costs or other costs that may arise in case we have to cancel the tour due to unexpected reasons (weather, absence of flying squirrels, etc.)
Some of our guides do not speak English that much but you can enjoy the tour as our lecture slides have English subtitles.