Top Karuizawa Outdoor Activities

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.

Discover the wild Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel during this guided nature tour. Professional nature guides who're familiar with the squirrel's lifestyle and gliding patterns will help you see them in their natural habitat. Native to Japan, learn about where they live and why, as well as their diet and behaviors while visiting the Picchio Visitor Center. Afterwards, bask in the silence and admire the sight of the squirrels at play.

See the unique and captivating snow monkeys and explore cultural highlights on this private tour. Visit top sightseeing spots in Hokushin and the Northern Nagano area. Go to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, renowned home to the special snow monkeys (admission fee not included). Then, head to Obuse Town, where you’ll visit the Hokusai Katsushika Museum and the optional addition of the Ganshoin Temple.

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.

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.

Meet in Karuizawa as early as 10:00 a.m. and enjoy a relaxed, flexible journey to Kusatsu with a dedicated private guide until up to 5:00 p.m. Travel comfortably by private vehicle, avoiding crowded buses and trains, with a hotel-to-hotel transfer from Karuizawa to Kusatsu. During the tour, your luggage can be stored in the vehicle, allowing you to travel hands-free. You may stop at selected highlights such as Harunire Terrace, Onioshidashi Park, Shiraito Falls, and Asama Farm according to your preferences, with free stops at scenic photo spots. If you wish to visit locations not listed, please consult with us in advance. The itinerary can be adjusted within the available time and route. This tour is ideal for travelers who value flexibility, local insight, and a personalized experience while enjoying the nature and attractions of the Karuizawa–Kusatsu area. Arrival times may vary depending on the places visited.

It is a trekking tour with an exclusive guide to the summit of the small Asama mountain of the Asama mountain foot. Koasayama is a parasitic volcano on the eastern foot of Mt. Asama at an altitude of 1,655 m. A guide will guide you through the formation and vegetation of Mt. Asama and aim at the summit. As it is about two and a half hours by round trip, if you are new to mountain climbing, you can feel free to participate regardless of age or sex. From the top of the mountain covered by the volcano, the spectacular Mt. Asama and the wonderful prospects await.

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.

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!

Indulge in a personalized, Nagano wine journey from Karuizawa with complimentary private transport. With a dedicated driver, all guests can fully enjoy wine tastings without driving worries. Your personal host, Eriko—a former 16-year international Flight Attendant, certified Sommelier, Nagano Terroir Guide, and Tōmi Wine Ambassador—brings world-class hospitality, having guided for the prestigious Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (Tastevin Wine Brotherhood). Explore Unno-juku, a preserved Edo-period post town, and learn about the Chikuma River Wine Valley at the local Wine & Beer Museum. Then, visit Villa d’Est Garden Farm & Winery, a pioneer of Japanese fine wine, to discover its gardens and boutique winemaking philosophy. Savor an exquisite seasonal farm-to-table lunch paired with estate wines (or craft non-alcoholic pairing) amidst panoramic vineyard views. Experience Nagano’s rich terroir and wine gastronomy completely at your own pace.

Step into the Edo period and follow in the footsteps of shoguns and travelers on the historic Nakasendo. This guided walking tour takes you across the Usui Pass, once known as the most difficult section of the route, while immersing yourself in history and nature. Along the way, Kamishibai storytelling brings to life legends of Sakamoto-juku, depicted in ukiyo-e prints. Dressed in Edo-style travel gear (sedge hat, straw raincoat, travel pass), you’ll visit landmarks such as Kumano Shrine, the Usui Sekisho checkpoint, and the Nagai Family Residence, where Emperor Meiji once stayed. Experience the journey with all five senses: See: History and legends through Kamishibai Taste: Chaya Bento with Toge no Chikara Mochi Hear: Multilingual guide commentary Smell: Cedar forest phytoncide walk Touch: Cross the pass in Edo traveler attire At the end, receive a souvenir certifying your Usui Pass crossing. Relive samurai culture and discover one of Japan’s most fascinating walking routes.