By a stroke of luck, the ‘Flying Squirrel Watching Tour’ offers nature enthusiasts the chance to witness these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. This captivating experience allows participants to observe the flying squirrels up close and personal.
The tour begins at Picchio (軽井沢野鳥の森) Nature Tours and Conservation in Nagano, Japan. Getting there is a breeze, with convenient access to public transportation options like the Shinano railway, Seibu Kanko bus, or taxi. The tour concludes at the same meeting point, and a full refund is available for cancellations made 24 hours prior to the start time. However, last-minute cancellations are non-refundable.
Keep in mind that unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or the absence of flying squirrels may result in tour cancellations. While the guides may have limited English proficiency, they provide lecture slides with English subtitles. With a maximum group size of 30, this tour promises an intimate and immersive experience.
Quick Takeaways
- The tour includes the use of binoculars for squirrel watching.
- The tour has a specific start time.
- The meeting point for the tour is at Picchio (軽井沢野鳥の森) Nature Tours and Conservation.
- The tour is accessible by public transportation from Karuizawa station or Naka-Karuizawa station.
What’s Included and Start Time
The tour includes the use of binoculars and has a specific start time. Participants will have the opportunity to rent binoculars to enhance their wildlife viewing experience.
The tour starts promptly at the designated time, so it’s important for attendees to arrive on time to avoid missing any part of the tour. The duration of the tour may vary depending on the specific itinerary and wildlife sightings, but participants can expect to spend a few hours exploring the natural habitat of the flying squirrels.
Binocular rental is available for those who don’t have their own, ensuring that everyone has the chance to observe these fascinating creatures up close. With the use of binoculars, participants can catch a glimpse of the flying squirrels’ acrobatic feats and marvel at their graceful movements in the treetops.
Meeting and Pickup
Participants will gather at the designated meeting point at Picchio (軽井沢野鳥の森) Nature Tours and Conservation to begin their flying squirrel watching tour. The meeting point is located at 2148 Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano, Japan.
It’s easily accessible by public transportation, including the Shinano railway, Seibu Kanko bus, and taxi services from Karuizawa station or Naka-Karuizawa station. If taking the Shinano railway, participants can get off at Naka-Karuizawa station and either take a 17-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to reach the meeting point.
Alternatively, the Seibu Kanko bus departs from the North Exit of Karuizawa station, and participants can get off at Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu bus station, which is just a 5-minute walk away. Taxis, such as Masuya Kotsu, Karuizawa Kanko Taxi, and Asama Kanko Taxi, are also available for transportation.
These convenient meeting arrangements ensure that participants can easily reach the starting point of the tour.
Location and Accessibility
Located at 2148 Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano, the Picchio (軽井沢野鳥の森) Nature Tours and Conservation serves as the meeting point for the flying squirrel watching tour. This location is easily accessible by public transportation, making it convenient for visitors.
Here are the options for reaching the meeting point:
- Shinano railway: Visitors can take the train and get off at Naka-Karuizawa station. From there, it’s just a 17-minute walk or a quick 5-minute taxi ride to reach Picchio Nature Tours and Conservation.
- Seibu Kanko Bus: Depart from the North Exit of Karuizawa station and get off at Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu bus station. It’s then just a short 5-minute walk to the meeting point.
- Taxi options: Visitors can also choose to take a taxi. There are several taxi services available, including Masuya Kotsu, Karuizawa Kanko Taxi, and Asama Kanko Taxi.
With these accessible public transportation options, reaching the meeting point for the flying squirrel watching tour is a breeze.
Transportation Options
To reach the meeting point for the flying squirrel watching tour, visitors have various transportation options available.
- Public transportation is a convenient choice, with the Shinano railway providing easy access. Visitors can get off at Naka-Karuizawa station and take a 17-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the meeting point.
- Another option is the Seibu Kanko Bus, which departs from the North Exit of Karuizawa station and takes visitors to Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu bus station, just a 5-minute walk away.
- For those who prefer taxis, there are several options available, including Masuya Kotsu, Karuizawa Kanko Taxi, and Asama Kanko Taxi. These taxi services can be contacted at the provided phone numbers.
With these transportation options, visitors can easily reach the meeting point and begin their exciting flying squirrel watching tour.
End Point and Refund Policy
After completing the flying squirrel watching tour, travelers will return to the meeting point at Picchio (軽井沢野鳥の森) Nature Tours and Conservation.
Here is some important information regarding the end point and refund policy:
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Refund eligibility:
- Full refund for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance of the experience.
- No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time.
- No changes accepted less than 24 hours before the start time.
- Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.
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Meeting point clarification:
- The activity ends back at the meeting point.
- No refund for travel costs or other expenses in case of tour cancellation due to unexpected reasons (weather, absence of flying squirrels, etc.).
- Some guides may have limited English proficiency, but lecture slides have English subtitles.
- Maximum of 30 travelers for this tour/activity.
Please note that the tour requires good weather, and options for rescheduling or full refund are available in case of cancellation due to poor weather.
Language and Group Size
The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers and offers English subtitles on lecture slides, despite some guides having limited English proficiency. Group size limitations ensure that each traveler has a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
By keeping the group small, participants have a better chance of spotting the elusive flying squirrels and getting a closer look at their fascinating behavior.
Plus, the use of English subtitles on lecture slides helps bridge any language barriers that may exist. While some guides may have limited English proficiency, the subtitles ensure that all participants can understand the information being presented. This allows for a more inclusive and informative experience for everyone involved.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
The tour’s cancellation and refund policy allows for a full refund if cancellations are made at least 24 hours in advance of the start time. Here are some important points to note regarding the refund policy and tour cancellation:
- Full refund: Customers who cancel their reservation at least 24 hours before the start time will receive a full refund. This ensures that participants have ample time to adjust their plans if necessary.
- No refund for late cancellations: Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t eligible for a refund. This policy is in place to account for the preparations made by the tour operators and guides.
- No changes accepted: It’s important to note that no changes will be accepted less than 24 hours before the start time. This ensures that the tour operators can maintain a smooth and organized schedule.
- Weather-related cancellations: In case of poor weather conditions that may affect the experience, you will have the option to either reschedule or receive a full refund. This allows for flexibility and ensures customer satisfaction.
Weather and Rescheduling Options
In case of inclement weather, participants have the option to reschedule the Flying Squirrel Watching Tour. The tour organizers understand that weather conditions can greatly impact the experience and want to ensure that participants have the best opportunity to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
If the weather is deemed unsuitable for the tour, such as heavy rain or strong winds, you will be given the opportunity to choose another date for their tour. This flexibility allows for a more enjoyable and successful experience.
It’s important to note that the tour will only be rescheduled due to poor weather conditions, as the absence of flying squirrels doesn’t warrant a rescheduling option. By offering the option to reschedule, the organizers prioritize the satisfaction and enjoyment of the participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Meals or Snacks Included in the Flying Squirrel Watching Tour?
Meals or snacks are not included in the Flying Squirrel Watching Tour. However, you will have the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat during the best time for spotting.
Can Children Participate in the Tour?
Yes, children can participate in the tour. The Flying Squirrel Watching Tour offers family-friendly activities that are suitable for all ages. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about and observe these fascinating creatures.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Join the Tour?
The minimum age requirement for the tour is not specified. However, it is recommended that children be at a suitable age to fully enjoy and understand the experience of watching flying squirrels.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the tour. The duration of the tour may vary, depending on the specific itinerary and activity.
Is There a Specific Season or Time of Year When the Chances of Spotting Flying Squirrels Are Higher?
The specific season or time of year when the chances of spotting flying squirrels are higher can vary. Factors such as mating season and food availability can influence their activity levels, making it more likely to spot them during certain times.
The Sum Up
To sum it up, the Flying Squirrel Watching Tour offers nature enthusiasts a unique opportunity to observe these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. With a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, participants can expect an intimate and immersive experience.
The tour includes lecture slides with English subtitles for those with limited English proficiency. While cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, it’s important to note that the tour may be canceled due to unexpected reasons.
This tour promises an unforgettable wildlife experience.
