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.

Picchio's nature watching tour takes advantage of the abundant nature surrounding Karuizawa, immersing guests in a tranquil forest environment to enjoy nature as it is. There is the opportunity to see wildlife including Japanese squirrels, montane brown frogs, and many bird species. Our expert guides share their knowledge and passion, hoping to inspire people to love and engage with Japanese nature. *Guided in Japanese and basic English (English ability varies by guide). ■ Important Notes ・Rain: Held in rain (bring rainwear). Cancelled only in severe weather. ・Trail: Approx. 2km unpaved. No strollers or wheelchairs. ・Infants (0-3): Free, but please bring a baby carrier as they may get tired. ・Bring: Water bottle (refills available at reception) & bug spray/long clothes in summer. ・Parking: Use Hoshino Area P1 (next to Sonmin Shokudo, 5-min walk). Extra parking in peak seasons. ・Cancellation: 100% fee applies for no-shows or if you arrive too late to join.

Whether you are a child or a foreign tourist, anyone can enjoy authentic soba noodle making experience at Shinshu Soba Restaurant Yamahei in Karuizawa Prince Outlets (5-minute walk from Karuizawa Shinkansen Station). An Experienced instructor will carefully guide you through the process of kneading, stretching, and cutting soba noodles. The finished soba noodles will be served with tempura and the famous walnut sauce on the spot.

Shinanoji Nature Trail is a hiking course about 10km in length, which is almost a descent from the peak teahouse. Walk about 7,5 km to the hot spots in Oze, which has many attractions. A downhill trek is relaxed while being healed by the colorful miscellaneous trees and larch forest. You can also see the two famous Karuizawa waterfalls (Shiraito Falls and Dragon Falls) along the way. This course is recommended for people who are not always confident in their physical fitness, and young and old alike, since the entire trip is almost a descent. From Oze Onsen, it is also possible to return to the peak chaya parking lot by bus or directly to Karuizawa Station.

You will go around famous sightseeing spots in Hokushin (Northern Nagano) area. First, you will see the Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park worldly known for its snow monkeys. Then you will go to Obuse Town, which is reputed for its town renewal project vitalizing the historical heritages such as Hokusai Katsushika.

Enjoy a leisurely cycling tour of Karuizawa's classic spots. After renting a bicycle in front of Karuizawa Station, head to Kumobaike Pond, Karuizawa's most scenic spot. After getting off the bike and strolling around for a while, head to Old Karuizawa through the wooded villa area. While touring the narrow paths of the backstreets of Old Karuizawa, we will guide you to classic spots such as St. Paul's Catholic Church, Shaw Memorial Chapel, and the Karuizawa Association Tennis Court, famous for the romance between the Emperor and Empress. The entire route is flat, so people of all ages and genders can participate. For parents and children or couples, there is also a tandem (two-seater) tour unique to Karuizawa!

Qualified instructors will provide easy-to-understand and kind instruction in skiing and telemarking for beginners to intermediate skiers. The content of the lessons can be changed between morning and afternoon, so please feel free to join with your family. We recommend Karuizawa because it is close to Tokyo and the station, but it is possible to go to other areas near Kanto. Lessons for children under 12 years old are OK, but there are restrictions on the number of children depending on their age.

Lesson will be given by a professional Soba chef with an English translator. Young and old can enjoy it at ease.

A guided tour that uses snowshoe to trek the vast field of Asama. Courses for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students can be selected depending on the level, so anyone of all ages can participate. While looking for traces of wild animals and observing wild birds, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Mt. Asama and the superb view.

Walk past Karuizawa inn from the former Nakayama Road to the Sakamoto inn. Sui Hui is a place that was once said to be the most difficult place in Zhongshan Road. At the top of the Usui Pass, you can see the view point of the Kanto plains panoramic view and the Kumano Imperial Shrine, which is famous for its power spots. After that, while going down the borge weir, we aim for Sakamoto inn while passing "Yamanaka teahouse ruins", "Sakamoto inn" with a panoramic view "Nagi". At the end of the trekking we will stop by and guide you to the hot spring "Kotonoyu". Slowly bathe in the hot spring, but if you are on your way back to Yokogawa Station, return to Karuizawa by bus.