Morning Nature Watching Tour   Of all the wild birds of winter, a certain ‘red bird’, is the most sought after bird among birdwatchers. The red bird adds a hint of color to the monotone winter forest: because it is a migratory bird only appearing in the winter, its rarity fuels the yearning to get a glimpse of this bird. Come meet this tiny but vivacious red bird of winter in the forests of Karuizawa. Find the Red Bird : December 1st, 2011 – March 31st, 2012 Dates : Everyday Times : 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Age : No limit Capacity : Places are limited, spots reserved in order of arrival Price : Adults - 1,500 yen per person Childern - 1,000 yen per Childern (4 years to primary school age) Note: Tours may become discontinued depending on the weather. Guests wishing to join the tours may exceed capacity during the May holiday week and summer vacation. Early arrival is recommended to assure your spot on the tour. Please gather at the Picchio visitor center 10 minutes before departure. * Contact us in advance if you require an English Interpreter. * An extra fee will be charged for an English Interpreter. Picnic in Snow Fields   Walk in snowshoes in the snowfields Follow the tracks left on the snow by rabbits and foxes, or gaze at rare wild birds – marvel at the natural beauty of winter. The special teatime on snow is another treat. In the crisp winter air, take comfort from the warmth in a cup. Date : December 23rd , 2011 – March 15th , 2012 Time : 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Age : Elementary school students – adults (Children must be accompanied by a guardian) Capacity : 6 guests per day Price : 6,000 yen per guest (includes rental fee for snow shoes and ski stocks) Reservation : Required by 12:00 pm the day the day of tour Note: Tour will be canceled in the event of rain   Ice Frozen Falls Tour   The completely frozen Sengataki Fall, the biggest fall in Karuizawa, is truly a spectacular view. Walk the approximately 2km course to immerse yourself in the natural wonders that can only be experienced during the harsh winter months. Dates : December 23rd , 2011 – February 29th , 2012 Time : 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Age : Elementary school students – adults (Children must be accompanied by a guardian) Capacity : 7 guests per day Price : 5,000 yen per guest (tax included) Reservations : Required by 12:00 pm the day the day of tour Clothing : Coats, gloves, hats to guard you from the cold. Warm boots are recommended. Note: Tour may be canceled due to weather conditions. The highest temperature of the day may fall below zero degrees Celsius. Weather may change at any time; please dress accordingly. Rental snow booths are available (free of charge). Please ask for details when making your reservation.   Pole Walking in the Forest   Breath in the fresh forest air on this exhilarating pole walking tour. Nordic hiking poles will turn this time through the forest into a comfortable walk. By effectively using the upper body, expect to burn up approximately 1.3 times more calories compared to normal walking. Listen to the voices of the wild birds and gaze at the beautiful wild plants and flowers – this light walking tour is full of surprises. This tour is about 4km, approximately 90 min. in duration. Dates : September 11th , 2011 – March 31st, 2012 Time : 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Age : Junior high school students – Adults Capacity : 7 guests per day Price : 5,000 yen per person (tax included) Reservations : Required by 12:30 pm the day the day of tour Clothing : Should be suitable for exercising (long sleeve shirt, long pants), comfortable shoes Note: Please bring your own drinks and towels Tour will take place in the event of light rain, but may be canceled due to weather conditions.   Mt. Koasama Trekking   Go on an easygoing trekking tour as autumn foliages are on the trails of Karuizawa. Mt. Asama, the symbol of Karuizawa, is known as one of the most prominent active volcanoes in Japan. It is also listed as one of the 100 Most Famous Mountains of Japan. At the foot of Mt. Asama sits Mt. Koasama, the ‘small Mt. Asama’ – no doubt a smaller version of Mt. Asama. Dates : September 1st , 2011 to December 22nd, 2011 Time : 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm Age : Adults only Capacity : 7 guests per day Price : 7,000 yen per person (tax included) Reservations : Required by 12:30 pm the day the day of tour Clothing : Should be suitable for exercising (quick-drying long pants, if possible, not jeans), quick-drying shirt (if possible, not cotton) Note: If you are uncertain about your clothing, please ask our staff. Tour will take place in the event of light rain. The Perfect Stage for Star Gazing   How about star gazing in the hills of Karuizawa overlooking the grand Mt.Asama ? The crisp and cold air make winter the best time of year to gaze up at the night sky full of stars. Spend a special night under the stars in a warm sleeping bag, enjoying hot wine. Date : December 1st to March 15th Time : 6 pm - 7:30 pm * January 16th to March 15th : 6:30 pm - 8 pm Age : 4 years or older Capacity : 7 guests per day Price : 5,000 yen per person ** December 14th and 15th are the peak of the Geminid meteor showers. A special event is planned from 8 pm - 10 pm. The special event price is 7,000 yen per guest. Reservation : Required 60 minutes before departure (accepted in order of arrival) Note: Children under primary school age should be accompanied by a guardian. Please note that translators may not be available depending on the day. * Contact us in advance if you require an English Interpreter. * An extra fee will be charged for an English Interpreter. Private Tour   The Picchio staff, all knowledgeable Karuizawa locale, will at your request arrange a customized tour. Since this is a private tour, limited to one group of guests, the itinerary, starting times, and other details will be arranged upon consultation. Observe and experience the wonders of Karuizawa and its nature at your own pace, in a more private setting. 【Winter Tours - Samples】 Duration : ave. 2-3 hours Price : From 18,000 yen (depends on duration and number of guests) Reservation : Required 3 days before the day of tour * Prices given are for one guest, when attending as a group of two. * Tours may be canceled due to weather conditions. Spectacular View and Snow Trekking at Mt. Takamine (4 hours 18,000 yen, December – February) Put on snowshoes after being driven to 2000m elevation – go on a slow trek to the peak. An easy hike, only 90m in range of elevation, an ideal way to enjoy trekking in snow.The view of Yatsugatake Mountains and Northern Alps from the mountaintop is spectacular. Frozen Falls Exploration Tour (4 hours 18,000 yen, January – February) This tour will take you deep into the mountains where people rarely go. Be in awe of the mesmerizing view of the frozen fall - you will gasp in amazement at the powerful sight. With heavy gear, walking on difficult paths and crossing rivers: only then can you reach this fall tucked away deep in the unexplored woods. Star Trekking (4 hours 19,000 yen, December – February) Put on hiking head lights and trek to the top of Mt. Koasama. Cuddle up in a comfortable sleeping bag under the stars at the peak with great visibility. Closest spot to the stars in all of Karuizawa. A promise of an unforgettable time you definitely cannot experience on the ground. Propose Under a Falling Star 　 (2 hours, 9,000 yen, Year-round) A proposal to remember forever as meteors flash overhead. A guide will first outline the legends of the stars, followed by a time alone together. A bouquet of flowers arranged upon your request awaits your return. " Spring Summer Autumn