Picchio Wildlife Research Center Karuizawa
Discover Japan's enchanting wildlife with expert-led tours, from elusive flying squirrels to diverse birdlife in the serene Karuizawa forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Mating season for flying squirrels
Picchio Wildlife Research Center Karuizawa
Best Time
Mating season for flying squirrels
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Japan's enchanting wildlife with expert-led tours, from elusive flying squirrels to diverse birdlife in the serene Karuizawa forests.
"A wonderful nature tour and hike! Sachiko-san was a lovely guide and so knowledgeable about the birds and fauna."
🎯 Book Night Tours in Advance
Flying squirrel tours are popular and require advance booking, especially during mating season.
👟 Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be on your feet for nature walks and night tours, so comfy shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel Night Tour
Forests of Karuizawa
Witness the magic of these tiny, nocturnal gliders in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable experience for all ages.
Nature Walk & Wildlife Spotting
Karuizawa Nature Reserve
Explore diverse flora and fauna with knowledgeable guides. Discover animal tracks, unique plant-insect relationships, and local birdlife.
Birdwatching Excursions
Various locations in Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a haven for birdwatchers. Guides can help you identify numerous local and migratory species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Wildlife Adventure
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Night Tours in Advance
Flying squirrel tours are popular and require advance booking, especially during mating season.
👟 Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be on your feet for nature walks and night tours, so comfy shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:
Japanese dwarf flying squirrels
🗣️ English-Speaking Guides Available
Many guides offer explanations in English, making it accessible for international visitors.
☔ Be Prepared for Rain
Karuizawa can be rainy; guides use props to keep tours engaging even in wet weather.
Snow monkeys, Nara park - how ethical is visiting them?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Night Tours in Advance
Flying squirrel tours are popular and require advance booking, especially during mating season.
👟 Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be on your feet for nature walks and night tours, so comfy shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ English-Speaking Guides Available
Many guides offer explanations in English, making it accessible for international visitors.
☔ Be Prepared for Rain
Karuizawa can be rainy; guides use props to keep tours engaging even in wet weather.
🚕 Arrange Transportation
Taxis can be arranged by guides, especially helpful if your mobile plan lacks a phone number.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the knowledgeable and engaging guides who make wildlife tours, especially the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel night tour, a magical experience. The center is highly recommended for its educational content and ability to cater to families and international guests. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the expertise and passion of the guides significantly enhance the overall adventure.
"What a wonderful nature tour and hike! Sachiko-san (小口）was a lovely guide and so knowledgeable about the birds and fauna. we even saw a baby musasabi in its nesting box! Highly recommended"
Dorothea Koh
"The tour is really nice, for the detailed and interesting explanation. We are from other country, besides from Japanese, the guide also explains in English and makes sure that every member in my family understands what he was saying. Our guide also brings all kinds of seeds, plants, and animal mascots with him. Since it was a rainy day when we get a tour, there wasn’t many birds, so the guide uses all kinds of mascots and plants he brought with him to help people understand what kind of plant or animal he was saying now. I fully recommend people visiting Karuizawa to attend the tour, it really helps for understanding the place more."
林亮乙
"Traveling as a couple, we did both the nature walk (Yoshi-san) and the night time flying squirrel tour (Lily-san) both were fantastic and we were able to grab lunch in-between at the food court down the hill.
As a nature-educator adjacent professional myself, Yoshi-san's unique style of storytelling and deep connection with the forest inspires me to level up my own game. We were shown animal tracks and even the unique mutualist relationship between native plants and insects.
Lily-san is SO good with kids. In our group, we had a little girl always walking alongside her, it's clear that the kids really look up to her. Lily-san helped us call a taxi at the end of the night because our Sakura mobile plan doesn't come with a phone number.
Thank you Picchio Karuizawa! I'd also highly recommend their Shiretoko branch as well."
Shou Zhang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Picchio Wildlife Research Center is located in Karuizawa, a resort town accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. From Karuizawa Station, you can take a taxi or local bus to reach the center. Some visitors mention the proximity to the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Station.
Yes, Karuizawa is about an hour to an hour and a half away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, making it a feasible day trip or a short getaway.
While taxis are available, renting a bicycle is a popular way to explore Karuizawa's scenic routes. For tours, your guide can often assist with arranging transportation like taxis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tours in advance, especially for the popular Japanese dwarf flying squirrel night tour, as they can fill up quickly.
The center itself may have specific hours, but the tours, particularly the night tours for flying squirrels, operate in the evenings. It's best to check their official schedule for specific tour times.
Yes, Picchio offers various tours including nature walks, birdwatching, and the highly sought-after night tour to see Japanese dwarf flying squirrels.
Tour prices vary depending on the type and duration. It's advisable to check the official Picchio Karuizawa website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main draw is the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel, especially on night tours. You can also spot various birds, learn about local plants and insects, and potentially see animal tracks during nature walks.
Absolutely! Guides are known to be excellent with children, making the tours educational and engaging for younger visitors.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Dress in layers as the weather can change, and bring rain gear if there's a chance of precipitation.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of your flash, especially during the night tour, as it can disturb the wildlife. Always follow your guide's instructions.
Don't worry! Guides are prepared for all weather conditions and often use mascots and props to ensure an informative and fun experience, even on a rainy day.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, visitors often mention grabbing lunch at the food court located down the hill from the main tour areas. Karuizawa itself offers a variety of dining options.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring snacks and drinks for personal consumption during breaks, especially on longer tours. However, purchasing from local eateries is encouraged.
📸 📸 Photography
The most unique photo opportunities are during the night tour, capturing the elusive flying squirrels. Daytime nature walks offer chances to photograph diverse flora, fauna, and scenic forest landscapes.
It's best to avoid using flash photography, especially during the night tour, as it can startle and disturb the wildlife. Always ask your guide for permission before using flash.
For wildlife, a telephoto lens can be beneficial. For general nature shots, a versatile zoom lens is useful. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions during the night tour, but ensure it's not disruptive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the day, the nature walks are equally engaging. Guides use animal mascots and props to explain about plants and animals, ensuring even the youngest participants stay interested. The focus on interactive learning makes it a fun and memorable outing for the whole family.
💑 Couples & Nature Enthusiasts
During the day, the nature walks led by passionate guides like Yoshi-san provide a deeper connection with the forest. You'll learn about intricate ecological systems and discover hidden natural beauty, making it an ideal outing for those who appreciate the outdoors and wish to learn more about Japan's biodiversity.
🌍 International Visitors
Booking tours in advance is straightforward, and the staff are helpful with arrangements like calling taxis. The opportunity to witness unique Japanese wildlife like the dwarf flying squirrel makes it a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting Japan.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrels
June is highlighted as a prime month for viewing these creatures, coinciding with their mating season. This means they are often more active and visible. The tours are conducted with a deep respect for the animals' well-being, ensuring minimal disturbance. Visitors often describe the experience as magical and unforgettable, with guides like Lily-san being particularly skilled at engaging children and making the search exciting for everyone.
It's important to remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the expertise of the Picchio guides significantly increases your odds. The thrill of the chase, combined with the serene forest atmosphere at night, makes this a truly special adventure.
Expert Guides: The Heart of the Experience
Their expertise extends to identifying various local fauna and flora, pointing out animal tracks, and explaining the intricate mutualistic relationships within the forest ecosystem. For international visitors, the availability of guides who can explain concepts in English is a significant plus, ensuring everyone can appreciate the natural wonders of Karuizawa.
Beyond their ecological knowledge, the guides also provide practical assistance, such as helping to arrange transportation at the end of a tour. This level of service, combined with their genuine enthusiasm for nature, transforms a simple walk in the woods into a deeply enriching and memorable experience.
Karuizawa's Natural Charm
Visitors often enjoy exploring the area around the center, perhaps sitting by a pond with a coffee after a tour. The town itself offers a pleasant ambiance, with its own attractions like the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Station, which can be a convenient stop before or after your nature excursions.
The combination of accessible wildlife encounters and the serene natural environment makes Karuizawa and Picchio a compelling destination for nature lovers seeking an authentic Japanese outdoor experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit