Japanese Serow Watching Tour

September 29, October 6, 20, 2024, Karuizawa
  • Price

    ¥20,000~

  • Duration

    7.5 hour

Summary

The Japanese serow is endemic to Japan and is designated as a “Special Natural Treasure”. For a chance to encounter such a unique species, this tour takes guests to the foot of Mt. Asama, one of Japan’s 100 “Great Mountains”, to Kamoshikadaira where beautiful mountain scenery and an abundance of wildlife combine to give an unforgettable nature watching experience.

Highlights

  • Almost all previous tours have achieved a 100% sighting rate

    Japanese serow are solitary creatures. This makes it difficult to happen across them by chance in the forest. Kamoshikadaira is a rocky area of land at the foot of Mt. Asama with very few trees and a high density of Japanese serow, making it a good location for observing this species. It is very likely that by monitoring these slopes, we will spot a serow or even two!

  • Breathtaking mountain landscape

    Kamoshikadaira is 1900m above sea level. At such a height, you will be immersed in the striking scenery of Mt. Asama. Even while trekking to and from the observation point there will be lots to take in. Various birds flitting between the yellow larch leaves, the soothing sound of water as it trickles down the mountainside and, if you look carefully, you will even see patches of nibbled grass, evidence of the infamous Japanese serow!

Details

Period
Sep. 29, Oct. 6, 20, 2024
Time schedule
8:30     Meet at Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso

9:00     Start trekking

12:00   Arrive at Japanese serow observation point.
Eat lunch. Observe Japanese serow.

13:30   Depart Japanese serow observation point

16:00   Return to Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso
Price
20,000 yen~ per person
*Price are change depending on the date. For details, please refer to the reservation calendar.
Tour price includes: guide fee, accident insurance, lunch, 500ml bottle of water, hiking shoe rental
Requirement
Must be 13 years or older
Capacity
5 people (minimum 2 people)
Meeting place
Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso (view directions)

【By train】Approximately 25 minutes by taxi from Shinano Railway Komoro station

【By car】Approximately 25 minutes from the Joshinetsu Expressway Komoro IC (InterChange)
Booking
You can make a reservation online up until 5pm, 5 days before the day of the tour.
*Once capacity for the tour is reached, the reception will close so we recommend you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tops
Long sleeves

Warm jacket
Bottoms
Long pants
Shoes
Trekking shoes (comfortable for walking in)
Others
Backpack, rain gear, small towels, and drinks
Free rental items
Trekking shoes, rain gear, trekking poles, towel, backpack.

*These items are available on a first come, first serve basis. You can reserve items in advance if necessary.
Notice
・Please note that encounters with wildlife are not 100% guaranteed.

・The tour has a minimum of two people, if this minimum is not reached then the tour will not be held.

・Depending on the conditions, the end time of the tour may vary slightly. Please join our tours with time to spare.

・There is no restroom available in the field. Please keep this in mind before starting the tour.

・It can be very cold in the field. Please prepare warm clothing beforehand.

・As the field conditions can change unexpectedly, please be aware that we cannot be responsible for or prevent any nature-related incidents. Please be aware of your own responsibility to protect yourself. Please also be responsible for your own body condition, if you do not feel well please consider cancelling the tour.

・Please come to the agreed place on time. If you are late on the day, we might give your spot on the tour to another guest.

・Cancellation is free up to 2 days before the tour. If you cancel 2 days before the tour, a cancellation fee of 20% of the tour cost will be charged. If you cancel the day before the tour, a 50% cancellation fee will be charged and if you cancel on the day of the tour then the full cost of the tour will be charged.

・In case we have to cancel the tour due to unexpected reasons (weather, trail conditions, etc.), we will contact you by 5:00pm on the day before the tour. Please check your email or phone frequently on that day.

Japanese Serow Watching Tour

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