Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Nagano

About this experience

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.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 20min

   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.

2. Stop 2 · 1h

   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.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• 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.

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.

You can show your ticket to our staff. https://www.wildlife-picchio.com/area/karuizawa/

Before you go

• 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.

Cancellation policy

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