Summary
The Japanese serow, an animal found only in Japan, is designated as a Special Natural Treasure. This tour offers the rare opportunity to encounter this unique species at the foot of Mt. Asama, one of Japan’s 100 Great Mountains, to Kamoshikadaira where stunning alpine scenery, and abundant wildlife come together for an unforgettable nature-watching experience.
Highlights
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A great opportunity to spot the elusive Japanese Serow.
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 great location for observing this species. Keep an eye on these slopes and you may well be rewarded with the sight of a serow — or even two!
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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 elusive Japanese serow!
Details
- Period
- Oct. 5, 8, 15, 19 2025
- Time schedule
- 7:50 Meet at Picchio Visitor Center ・ Tour briefing by your guide
8:00 Transfer by private vehicle to Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso (trailhead)
9:00 Start trekking from the trailhead (Asama Sanso)
12:00 Kamoshika-daira (serow observation)
12:30 Kazan-kan Mountain Hut (lunch / serow observation / restroom break)
13:30 Depart Kazan-kan Mountain Hut and begin descent
16:00 Return to the trailhead (Asama Sanso) ・ Transfer by vehicle
17:00 Arrive back at Picchio Visitor Center ・ Tour ends
*There are two toilets available:
・Trailhead toilet (near Asama Sanso)
・Simple toilet (Kazan-kan Mountain Hut)
*The course and schedule may be subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions. - Price
- 25,000 JPY per person (tax included)
*Guide fee and insurance are included.
*Lunch is not included, so please bring your own.
A “Lunch Box (Sandwiches)” is available upon request for an additional 1,800 JPY. - Requirement
- Adults (13 years and older)
*Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. - Capacity
- 8 people (minimum 2 people)
- Booking
- You can make a reservation online up until 3 p.m., 4 days before the day of the tour.
*Once capacity for the tour is reached, no more reservations will be accepted so we recommend you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
- What to wear
- ・Long-sleeved top and long pants (synthetic fabrics recommended, cotton not suitable)
・Trekking shoes and thick socks (sneakers not allowed)
・Rainwear (please bring, as sudden weather changes are common)
・Hat
・Warm clothing (fleece and down jacket — both are essential in late October)
・Gloves (required in late October)
This tour uses the Mt. Asama trail and involves about 3 hours of ascent and 2 hours of descent (elevation gain: approx. 500m). Please join with clothing appropriate for mountain trekking.
Even on clear days the temperature may only reach around 15°C, and on cloudy or windy days it can drop to around 5°C. - What to bring
- ・Backpack
・Warm clothing
・Rainwear
・Lunch
・Drinks (about 1 liter recommended)
・Emergency snack (such as chocolate bars)
・Towel
・Sunscreen - Free rental items
- Binoculars, trekking shoes, rainwear, and trekking poles
*Please note that trekking shoes and rainwear are available in limited numbers and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If needed, please reserve in advance.
- 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.
・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.
