Nature Watching Tour
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Price
¥2,500～
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Duration
2 hours
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Hosted in
Japanese and English (English level may vary depending on your guide)
Summary
This is one of Picchio’s signature tours. Held in the pristine National Wild Bird Sanctuary Forest in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, join our expert guides on a leisurely walk to observe seasonal nature. With a gentle pace and walking distance just under 2km, this tour is suitable for people of all ages. Keep your eyes peeled for flowers, animal signs, birds, and more!
Highlights
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1. Flowers, Insects, Birds, and More
While the site of the tour is the Wild Bird Sanctuary Forest, birds are only one of many kinds of living things to be seen here. Varieties of flowers bloom depending on the season, insects chatter, wild birds sing, and squirrels and foxes come and go. This is a variety tour where the creatures you observe are unique to that particular day.
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2. Spot Things You Would Otherwise Miss
Deer prints on the forest path, a walnut shell marked by a squirrel’s teeth, the faint sound of a bird landing on crisp leaves, Picchio’s guides are specially trained to pick up the traces of animals. With our guidance, you will be able to see things you may not otherwise notice.
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3. The Many Wonders of Nature
Not only can you learn the names of the animals and plants you see, but your guide will explain the fascinating reasons behind each creature’s form and behaviour. "What is that bird doing?", "Why is this plant so colourful?" As you feel your curiosity grow, feel free to ask your guide questions about the wondrous ecology surrounding you.
Details
- Period
- January 1st to December 31st, 2024（All year round）
Unavailable tour dates: October 16th to 17th, November 27th and in January 2025, 14th to 17th and 20th to 24th. - Times
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. （All year around）
13:30 p.m. – 15:30 p.m.（April – November） - Price
- Adults (13 years and up) – 2,500 yen～ per person
Children (4-12 years old) – 1,200 yen～ per child
Infants (0-3 years old) – Free of charge
Rental binoculars – 300 yen per unit
*Prices change depending on the date. For details, please refer to the reservation calendar. - Requirement
- None (suitable for anyone)
- Meeting Place
- Picchio Visitor Center
- Reservation
- Please make a booking at least one hour before the start time of your preferred tour.
i.e. for morning tours (starting at 10:00 a.m.) please book by 9:00 a.m. on the day. For afternoon tours (starting at 13:30 p.m.) book by 12:30 p.m. on the day.
＊Once capacity for the tour is reached, reservations will be closed so we recommend you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
- Tops
- Long sleeves
Warm jacket (October - May) - Bottoms
- Long pants
Leggings (December – February) - Shoes
- Casual shoes (comfortable for walking in)
Winter boots (December – March) - Others
- Gloves, scarf, and a beanie are useful for cold days
Rain gear in case it rains - Free rental items
- Gloves, beanie, neck warmer, winter boots, and trekking shoes
*These items are available on a first come, first serve basis. You can contact us to reserve items in advance if necessary
- Notice
- ・ Depending on the conditions, there may be variation in the tour finish time. Please join our tours with time to spare
・There is no restroom available for the duration of the tour. Please keep this in mind and use the restroom before the tour starts
・Temperatures can drop below zero from late fall to early spring. Please prepare warm clothing beforehand
・As field conditions can change, please be aware that we cannot be fully responsible for and prevent incidents caused by nature. We advise you to take responsibility for your own wellbeing during the tour. Additionally, if you are feeling unwell, please consider cancelling the tour
・Please arrive on time. If you are late, we may cancel your reservation to allow other guests to join the tour
・Cancellation is free up to 2 days before the tour. For cancellation 2 days before the date, 20% of the tour cost will be charged. For cancellation 1 day before, 50% of the tour cost is charged. If you cancel on the day, we charge the full tour cost
・In cases where we have to cancel the tour due to unexpected reasons (weather etc.), we will contact you 90 minutes before the tour using your provided contact method. Please check your email or phone frequently on the day
・ Children 12 years and younger must be accompanied by a guardian
・ The walking distance is about 2km. Please wear shoes which are comfortable to walk in
