Karuizawa Bear Discovery Stay

Join an immersive, expert-led tour with Picchio and discover how to “read” the signs bears leave behind in the wild. Learn to identify claw marks and “bear shelves” (feeding sites high in trees), and explore real-world strategies for coexistence, such as bear-proof garbage bins used in local communities. You’ll also witness a demonstration of a humane barrel trap, designed to safely capture and relocate bears without harm. The experience concludes with a special encounter with the Bear Dog and a live demonstration of how this highly trained dog helps guide bears away from human settlements, offering a unique look into the future of compassionate wildlife management.

Step into a hidden world on this exclusive nighttime tour, led by Picchio’s experienced naturalists. You’ll venture along animal trails normally closed to the public, safely exploring the forest after dusk with guides who have spent decades studying local wildlife. As the light fades, the forest comes alive. Listen closely—you may hear the rustling of nocturnal animals or distant calls echoing through the trees. This rare opportunity offers an intimate glimpse into nature’s secret rhythms. The tour concludes at Mori no Hotori Café & Bar, nestled at the forest’s edge. Unwind under the stars with a calming Kuromoji herb cocktail, the perfect way to end a night immersed in the wild.

Delve into the natural and cultural heritage of Karuizawa through stories shared by knowledgeable staff. This guided tour offers a rare look into the resort’s origins and longstanding commitment to sustainability. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the hydroelectric power plant, built over 100 years ago and still generating the majority of the resort’s energy today. You’ll also learn about the resort’s early environmental philosophy, shaped by figures like Godo Nakanishi, founder of the Wild Bird Society of Japan, whose stay here sparked a nationwide bird conservation movement. The experience concludes with a visit to the resort’s gardens, where you’ll meet a longtime gardener and discover the native wildflowers that flourish in the surrounding landscape.