Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Nagano
4.9 / 5 · 83 traveler reviews
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.
Your experience
Stop 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.
Stop 2
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
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. ※From November 19 to November 30, the meeting location will be changed to 'Sonmin-shokudo'.A reception space will be set up inside the restaurant.
Before you go
- 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.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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