Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Nagano
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
Karuizawa 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.
What‘s Included
Use of Binoculars
Options
2026
Reviews
80 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Superb experience, recommended 100%
yvans491,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Seeing squirrels is almost guaranteed which is still quite rare for an activity with wild animals. However, if you think of leaving with photos of squirrels in flight taken with your phone you can forget. They go out at nightfall, so it's dark! Moreover they are very fast! Overall it was a great experience to have the chance to see these creatures! I recommend 100%
Loved it!
X6389KQerinh,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was one of the best parts of our trip to Japan. The rangers guiding the session were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and kind. Highly recommend
Well worth doing
carolinebY3877ZD,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A lovely experience to share with each other and with the rest of the lovely group We had never seen flying squirrels, so to see them leap from the tree was amazing. The 2 guides were lovely and explained each step clearly.
One of the best experiences in Karuizawa!
Footprints391557,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The flying squirrel watching tour is one of the most memorable experiences in Karuizawa. We not only saw the flying squirrel adorable sleeping face in the nest, but observed them flying from tree to tree. Our guide explained the nature of the flying squirrel in an easily understandable way. Picchio’s effort in wildlife preservation and education is really remarkable. We’re glad we attended the tour.
my experience was amazing. We saw 10 years and two foxes.
Departure136912,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00we saw 10 of deer’s and 2 foxes. yamazaki san was amazing. he was very patient to explain everything to us and made tremendous effort to provide a great experience for us. two thumbs up.
Must-do Tour for Wildlife Lovers
F4897SJalanab,Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend the Picchio Musasabi (Flying Squirrel) Tour, even if you only speak English. While the guide’s English was limited, they made excellent use of props, written materials, and visuals to communicate during the first portion at the nature centre. Outside, we were lucky to see three musasabi and one glided right over the group. I appreciated the thoughtful setup, including the red light and nest box camera, which allowed us to observe without disturbing the animals. A meaningful and respectful experience that reminds us why it’s so important to protect the forests for the musasabi and all wildlife.
Special experience
Trip65341924842,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's a great experience to see the flying 🐿️ so happy to see 3 squirrels. And thank for the guide explaining different info.
Wildlife in Karuizawa! Educational and rewarding🌟
ryannt14,May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour is amazing and such a valuable chance to see wildlife in such close distance! 100% recommended if you're visiting Karuizawa. Also the guide Lily San is very professional and speaks good English, which makes the watching tour more than just amusement and it becomes a environment education activity. I had a really good time seeing the ムササビ gliding from the top of the tree :D !!!
Flying squirrels!!
W1309SGdaniell,May 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Odin and Anna did a tremendous job facilitating this tour. Odin was fluent in both English and Japanese which made it easier for us, and we were able to learn a lot about the squirrels in the area. We saw not only one but two flying squirrels in action! Would be a good vibe if you are a bird watching enthusiast (or general animal lover). Would highly highly recommend!
First Class Squirrel Flight Experience
haydenc867,May 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Odin and Ana were lovely hosts explaining to us the background and history of Musasabi. We were able to see two flights. Overall pacing and experience was great!
From ¥4,400
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Operated by Picchio Wildlife Research Center