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Nature

Wildlife Night Drive in Nagano, Japan

Karuizawa, Japanby Picchio Wildlife Research Center

  • 1.5 hours
  • Free cancellation
  • Up to 8 travelers
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Guide: Japanese, English

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Overview

The biggest feature of this tour is the high chance of seeing wild animals. The wildlife encounter rate over the past 3 years has been 99.5%.The guides at Picchio are familiar with the ecology of all the wildlife species. They will be able to guide you through the unique aspects of living creatures from an expert perspective, not only from observing the animals themselves but also from observing the surrounding natural environment and ecosystem as a whole. *This tour is guided in Japanese and basic English. English ability may vary depending on the guide.

What's included

  • Use of Binoculars

    Itinerary

    On this tour, guests have the opportunity to explore the nighttime forests and grasslands of Karuizawa searching for wildlife especially Sika deer. We will drive at low speeds in a car equipped with observation lights which will illuminate not only the front but also the left and right so you can search for animals with a wide field of view all from inside the car. In locations where it is safe to do so, we can disembark from the vehicle and get closer on foot, provided that this does not disturb the animals we are observing. Sika deer are the most likely to appear, but on some nights, we might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a hare, foxes, badger, raccoon dog or wild boar. The thrill as your eyes meet theirs in the dark is likely to be a memorable experience for all.

    Meeting and pickup

    *The tour starts at Nature Kids Forest House, not at Picchio Visitor Center For the best route to Nature Kids Morinoie: Please set your destination to "Karuizawa Prince Hotel East." > Searching for our facility name directly may lead to restricted roads within the hotel grounds.

    End point

    *The tour starts at Nature Kids Forest House, not at Picchio Visitor Center For the best route to Nature Kids Morinoie: Please set your destination to "Karuizawa Prince Hotel East." > Searching for our facility name directly may lead to restricted roads within the hotel grounds.

    Good to know

    • 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
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • 1. Meeting Place (Important!) The tour starts at Nature Kids Forest House, NOT at Picchio Visitor Center.
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    • 2. Tour Experience Wildlife: Encounters are highly likely but not 100% guaranteed. Restrooms: Not available during the tour. Please go beforehand. Duration: End time may vary slightly depending on animal activity.
    • 3. Safety & Requirements Clothing: Please dress warmly, even though you will be in a vehicle for most of the tour. Health & Safety: Participation is at your own risk. Please cancel if feeling unwell. Age Requirement: Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
    • 4. Punctuality & Cancellation Punctuality: Please arrive on time. Latecomers may lose their spot. By Guest: 2 days before: 20% | 1 day before: 50% | Day of tour: 100% By Picchio: If we must cancel due to weather/conditions, we will notify you at least 60 mins before the tour.

    Cancellation policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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    from $54per person

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