FAQ

Tour Reservations

• Do I need a reservation?

  Reservations are required for all tours. Please make a reservation from the website homepage.

• How early can I make a reservation?

  Reservation is possible 6 months before the tour date.

• How late can I make a reservation?

  It depends on the tour. Please see each individual tour webpage for details.

• How can I make a reservation?

  Click the "Reserve" button on the webpage of the tour/s you wish to make a booking for

• How do I change or cancel a reservation?

  Please contact us by email (info@m.picchio.co.jp)

• Do you charge a cancellation fee?

  In the case of cancellation due to customer convenience, the following cancellation fee will be charged: • 2 days before the tour: 20% of the tour price • 1 day before the tour: 50% of the tour price • On the day of the tour: 100% of the tour price If the cancellation is received outside of business hours, we will contact you the following day.

• Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

  No. Unfortunately, most of the trails on our tours are unpaved, contain slopes and stairs, so we cannot provide tours for persons with a wheelchair. Apologies for the inconvenience.

On the day of the tour

• What time should I arrive?

  Please come to the meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure for each tour. Reception starts 30 minutes before departure.

• What payment methods do you offer?

  You can pay either by cash or credit card.

• What kind of clothing should I wear?

  It depends on the season and tour, but essentially we recommend long sleeves and pants. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring rain gear in case the weather changes during the tour.

• Do you provide English-speaking guides?

  Yes. For tours booked by overseas customers, we provide an English-speaking guide wherever possible. Please note that in some cases, these guides may be unavailable.

• Is there any compensation if a tour is cancelled by the tour provider?

  We cannot refund any travel or other costs that may arise in case we have to cancel the tour due to unexpected reasons (weather, observation conditions, etc). However we will refund the tour cost itself for those who already paid online.

Facilities

• Do you provide coin lockers?

  No. However, luggage for tour participants can be kept by reception.

• Is there a toilet?

  We have two toilets at the visitor centre. There are no toilets available for the duration of the tour, so please arrive with plenty of time to use the toilet before departure. We especially advise this during busy times as there may be a queue.

• Is there a space to change clothes?

  We do not have a changing room at Picchio. Please make any preparations before you arrive.

• Is there space for changing diapers?

  We do not have any spaces for changing diapers.

Access

• Can you call a taxi?

  Taxis can be arranged by the staff. Please let us know if you wish to use a taxi.

About Shiretoko tours

• Where should I come?

  We can pick you up at the lobby of your accommodation in Utoro area (Pick up from Shari or Iwaobetsu area is Not available). Or we can also pick you up at the Road side station “Utoro Sirietoku”.

• When should I come?

  The meeting time varies depending on the location. Please check the details on the tour pages for specific information. We may experience delays in arriving at the agreed meeting time due to the pickup arrangements for other guests.

• How can I pay?

  We accept both cash and card payments.

• Will the tours proceed in bad weather?

  The tours will proceed in rain or snow but will be canceled in stormy weather. We will notify you at least 1 hour before if your tour is canceled.

• Can I park my car at the Road side station Utoro Sirietoku?

  Yes, you can park your car while you participate in the tour.

• Can I leave my suitcase in a tour vehicle?

  We are sorry, but we do not have enough space for your luggage in our tour vehicle as we allocate space for rental items for the guests. Please consider using luggage lockers at the Roadside station “Utoro Sirietoku” or leaving it at your accommodations.

• Does the tour time include transportation to my accomodation?

  Yes, essentially it does. However, the duration might vary depending on the number of guests or weather conditions, potentially ending earlier or later.

• How long does it take to come to Utoro by car from the airport/stations?

  Following is a rough estimate; ■ From Memanbetsu Airport　Snow season: About two hours　No snow season: About two and a half hours ■ From Abashiri Station　　Snow season: About one and a half hours　No snow season: About two hours ■ From Shari Station Snow season: About 40 mins　No snow season: About an hour

• Can I call a taxi?

  Yes, you can, but please note that the number of taxis in the Utoro area is limited, so the waiting time might be quite long.

• Can you send me to a different location from my pick-up point?

  Yes, we can send you anywhare you want in Utoro area after tour. Please inform the guide of your preferred location when the tour ends.

• Can I come to your office directly and park my car there?

  We are sorry but we do not have a parking area for our guests. We can meet you at the Road side station “Utoro Sir-etok” and you can park your car there for free.

• Can I join/leave in the middle?

  We are sorry, but we cannot accommodate joining or leaving the tour in the middle due to considerations for other guests.