Nagano: Japanese Flying Squirrel Night Tour & Wildlife Guide

See wild flying squirrels leap at sunset in Nagano’s quiet woods

You’ll wait quietly with binoculars as dusk falls over Nagano’s forest, watching for the giant flying squirrel to leap from tree to tree above you. A local guide shares stories and ecology tips (with English slides), making even the wait feel special. If you’re patient, and lucky, you’ll catch those silent flights overhead that stick with you long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Learn and watch flying squirrels

• Attend squirrel ecology introduction
• Walk outside for squirrel observation

The experience

The first thing I noticed was how the air in Karuizawa changed as we left the lights behind: cooler, sharper, and carrying that earthy smell you get after a light rain. Our guide, Yuki, met us at the Picchio Visitor Center and handed out binoculars (which I kept fumbling with). She spoke mostly in Japanese but smiled a lot and pointed to her English slides when she saw me squinting. The group was a mix of families and one older couple who seemed to know every bird call by heart. I liked that it wasn’t just tourists: some locals too, bundled up and whispering quietly.

We walked maybe fifteen minutes through the trees, flashlights off. It was that blue hour where everything feels hushed and expectant. Yuki stopped us under this huge chestnut tree. She said it was a favorite spot for the Japanese giant flying squirrel (I tried to say “musasabi” but probably butchered it, she laughed). We waited in near silence except for someone’s jacket rustling and distant frogs. Then suddenly there was this soft thump above us: Yuki flashed her light just as this big squirrel stretched out like a tiny cape and glided right over our heads. I actually gasped out loud. Didn’t expect it to be so quiet or so close.

We saw two more flights after that, each time everyone holding their breath until the squirrel landed on another trunk. The whole thing lasted maybe twenty minutes, but honestly it felt longer: time kind of stretches when you’re standing still in the dark waiting for something wild to happen. On the walk back, my shoes picked up mud but I didn’t care. Still think about that first glide sometimes when things feel too noisy back home.

What’s included

Your evening includes use of binoculars during observation time, guidance from a local nature expert (with English support via slides), and an easy forest walk starting from Hoshino P1 parking near Sonmin Shokudo before returning after watching the flying squirrels glide at dusk.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:00, 16:15, 16:20 and 16:30

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Picchio Wildlife Research Center

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How likely am I to see a Japanese flying squirrel on this tour?

The chance of seeing a Japanese giant flying squirrel is over 90% due to guides’ knowledge of their habits and routes.

How much walking is involved?

The walk is 5–20 minutes on unpaved forest trails. Strollers or wheelchairs aren’t suitable.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Hoshino P1 parking (by Sonmin Shokudo), which is about five minutes’ walk from the visitor center.

What should I bring for this night wildlife tour?

You should bring a flashlight, water bottle, bug spray, and wear long clothes for comfort.