Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Nagano

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Overview

Available languages

Japanese
English

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.

*Children under 4 years old cannot join this tour.

Please note that accompanying infants are also not allowed.

*This tour is guided in Japanese and basic English. English ability may vary depending on the guide.

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‘s Included

Use of Binoculars

What To Expect

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 Not Applicable
2

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

2025

Reviews

4.89

75 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

69
4
2
0
0
  • Musasabi Tour

    Amber B,

    Apr 18, 2024

    - Viator

    5.00

    We met at the Karuizawa Wild Life Sanctuary where our tour guide (I cannot place his name at the moment but was absolutely lovely) walked us through the ecology of the Musasabi (Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel) before taking the group out to actually see them. We were all provided binoculars and he set up a monitor where we were able to see the Musasabi’s in their little nestling homes. It was truly an amazing experience and one I’d highly recommend to anyone! We saw them 7 times! Wow!

From JPY 4400

4.89
75 reviews