karuizawa

Flying Squirrel Watching Tour

Karuizawa, March 13 to November 30, 2026

Price

¥3,500~
Duration

1.5 hours
Hosted in

English & Japanese (English level may vary depending on your guide)

Book Now(Advance Payment Required)

Summary

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.

Highlights

Lecture indoors

The tour begins with a lecture on the flying squirrel’s ecology, explaining what it eats and how it glides. Of course, there will also be tips on how best to observe the flying squirrel during the observation part of the tour and binoculars will be handed out in preparation.
Observe inside the nest

The second part of the tour takes the guests outside to a known flying squirrel nest. With our specially installed cameras, guests will be able to see inside the nest and watch live as the flying squirrel grooms it’s big tail, stretches, and prepares to leave for a night of gliding.
Observe the flying squirrel’s flight!

As dusk fully settles in, the flying squirrel will leave the nest and glide silently into the forest. This strange and wonderful sight will have guests exclaiming in amazement. If all goes well and the observation is a success, guests will receive a Picchio original “Flying Squirrel Watcher Certificate”.

Details

Period

Karuizawa, March 13 to November 30, 2026

Time

	1st - 10th	11th - 20th	21st - 31st
March	-	17:30 - 19:00	17:30 - 19:00
April	17:30 - 19:00	17:45 - 19:15	17:45 - 19:15
May	18:00 - 19:30	18:10 - 19:40	18:20 - 19:50
June	18:30 - 20:00	18:30 - 20:00	18:30 - 20:00
July	18:30 - 20:00	18:30 - 20:00	18:15 - 19:45
August	18:15 - 19:45	18:00 - 19:30	17:50 - 19:20
September	17:30 - 19:00	17:20 - 18:50	17:00 - 18:30
October	16:50 - 18:20	16:30 - 18:00	16:20 - 17:50
November	16:15 - 17:45	16:00 - 17:30	16:00 - 17:30

* We are observing wild animals and so the finishing time of the tour will depend on the actions of the flying squirrel.

Price

Adults (13 years old and above) – 3,500 yen~ per person
Children (4-12 years old) – 2,500 yen~ per child
*Prices change depending on the date. For details, please refer to the reservation calendar.

Requirements

Must be 4 years or older. (No children aged 3 and under, even with a guardian.)
*Children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian aged 20 or older.

Booking

Booking & Payment
・Deadline: Book online until 3:00 PM on the day of the tour.
・Payment: Credit card required upon booking.

Waiting List (Request Reservation)
・If fully booked, your reservation becomes a "waitlist request."
・Since capacity depends on the squirrels' daily location, we will notify you on the day of the tour if a spot opens up.

Important Notices
・Tour Conditions: The tour is held only if flying squirrels are in the nest boxes. If cancelled, we will email you by 2:00 PM.

Cancellation policy

・By Guest: 2 days before: 20% | Day before: 50% | Day of tour: 100%
・By Picchio: If we must cancel due to weather or animal conditions, we will notify you at least 90 mins before the tour. Please check your email/phone.

Tops: Long sleeves
Warm jacket (March – May, October – November)
Bottoms: Long pants
Shoes: Casual shoes (comfortable for walking in)
Others: Gloves, neck warmer, or a beanie are recommended in spring and fall.
Rain gear is recommended in case it rains.
Free rental items: Winter boots.
*These items are available on a first come, first serve basis. You can reserve items in advance if necessary.

Notice: 1. Check-in & Timing
・Be Punctual: Late arrivals may lose their spot.
・Flexible End Time: Tour duration may vary slightly depending on the animals.

2. Tour Environment
・Walking & Accessibility: Requires 5–20 mins of walking on unpaved forest trails. Strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted.
・Observation: We will wait quietly in the dark for about 20 mins.
・Restrooms: Not available during the tour. Please go beforehand.

3. Clothing & Safety
・Dress Warmly: Temperatures can drop below freezing in spring and fall.
・Health & Safety: Field conditions can change unexpectedly. Guests are responsible for their own health and safety.
・Requirements: Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (20+).

4. Cancellation Policy
・By Guest: 2 days before: 20% | Day before: 50% | Day of tour: 100%
・By Picchio: If we must cancel due to weather or animal conditions, we will notify you at least 90 mins before the tour. Please check your email/phone.