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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
During this tour, guests will have the opportunity to observe the Japanese giant flying squirrel, an endemic species of Japan and one of the largest flying squirrel species in the world, as it opens its cloak-like body and glides into the forest at sunset. The chance of sighting this amazing creature is more than 90% as a result of our in-depth knowledge of the squirrel’s ecology and flight route. The Japanese giant flying squirrel’s dynamic flight will be sure to make you gasp in wonder.
*Guided in Japanese and basic English (English ability varies by guide).
■ Important Notes
・Age: Ages 4+ ONLY. Under 4 strictly prohibited.
・Rain: Held in light rain. Cancelled 1.5h prior if severe.
・Trail: 5-20 min unpaved walk. No strollers/wheelchairs.
・Observe: Wait quietly in dark ~20 mins. Carry bags (may disband on-site).
・Bring: Flashlight, water, bug spray, long clothes.
・Park: Hoshino P1 (by Sonmin Shokudo, 5-min walk).
・Cancel: 100% fee for no-shows or late arrivals.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Check-in starts 15 minutes before the tour at the Picchio Visitor Center. Please complete check-in at least 15 minutes before departure.
Itinerary
-
1
Introduction of this tour. A professional nature guide will talk about the ecology of Japanese giant flying squirrels (diet, size, flying distance, etc.) at the Picchio Visitor Center.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Karuizawa Hoshino Area
Observation. After the lecture, we will walk outside and experience the silence of flying squirrels' glide broken only by the excited gasps of the audience.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We cannot refund you any travel costs or other costs that may arise in case we have to cancel the tour due to unexpected reasons (weather, absence of flying squirrels, etc.)
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- We cannot refund you any travel costs or other costs that may arise in case we have to cancel the tour due to unexpected reasons (weather, absence of flying squirrels, etc.)
- Some of our guides do not speak English that much but you can enjoy the tour as our lecture slides have English subtitles.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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