Japanese Traditional View of Nature and Asiatic Black Bear Watching and Conservation Study Tour
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Price
44,000~ *Depends on the tour duration and number of participants
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Duration
1 Day tour : 6-7 hours, 2 Day tour : 15-16 hours, 3 Day tour : 24-25 hours
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Hosted in
Japanese, English
Summary
We offer private tours centered around traditional Japanese views of nature and the conservation of Asiatic black bears, combining topics that interest you. Participants can choose their preferred tour duration, ranging from half-day to 2 nights and 3 days, and select topics of interest for that time.
For example, you can visit "Kumano Koutai Shrine", located at an altitude of 1200 meters on the summit of Usui Pass, which stands on the border between two prefectures.
You will be greeted by traditional guardian lion-dog statues called 'komainu' at the shrine gate, find revered 'Goshinboku' (sacred trees), and observe Japan's natural history and unique traditional landscapes there.
We also highly recommend observing bear conservation management done by the Picchio team. Our conservation efforts, based on traditional views of nature, are highly unique and are sure to be of interest.
Following the lecture, we can go on field study tours to some habitat areas. Some bears are fitted with radio collars, allowing guides to track their movements. You may also encounter bears captured in specially designed drum traps for conservation and research purposes.
Participating in these tours will deepen your understanding of coexistence with wildlife.
Highlights
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A blend of Japanese tradition and nature
Let's learn about the Japanese appreciation of nature through trekking along the Nakasendo Trail and visiting shrines. Japanese people have long coexisted with wildlife, a tradition deeply rooted in their unique religious beliefs, which often attribute divine qualities to wild animals. While trekking along the Nakasendo Trail, we will also introduce you to the history and natural attractions of Karuizawa.
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Experience real bear conservation
Since 1998, Picchio has been engaged in bear conservation management. As a result, we have developed a distinctive individual bear management system that is currently applied only in Karuizawa and its surrounding areas. Through lectures and fieldwork, experience our bear conservation efforts firsthand Depending on your interests and the duration of the tour, you can attend lectures on bear conservation in addition to visiting bear management sites within Karuizawa. You may also learn how to identify and track bears equipped with radio-collars, as well as observe the process of analyzing bear feces.
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Hang out with bear dogs
In 2004, Picchio became the first organization in Asia to introduce bear dogs for conservation, acquiring the initial bear dog from the Wind River Bear Institute in Montana, USA. Bear dogs have played a crucial role in reducing conflicts between humans and bears, ensuring safety for both. In Karuizawa, the number of bear sightings in residential areas decreased from 36 to 9 within just 10 years since the introduction of bear dogs. You might have the chance to spend time with these brave and hardworking dogs.
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Observing Asiatic Black Bears
Visits an area of the bear's summer range unknown to most and gives guests a rare glimpse of Asiatic black bears in their natural habitat. Through the knowledge of our guides, those who join the tour can get a deeper insight into this enigmatic species and learn all about our management project and conservation of bears in Karuizawa and Japan.
