The 7 Top Tours In Karuizawa: Which Is Best?

Karuizawa is a jewel in Nagano Prefecture, offering a mix of nature, culture, and shopping that makes it a perfect spot for guided tours. Its lush forests, mountain scenery, and quaint streets create a backdrop that’s both inspiring and relaxing. Among the standout experiences are wildlife-watching adventures, such as spotting the elusive Japanese flying squirrel, and scenic outings like waterfall visits or open-top car rides. We particularly love the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat—like the Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Nagano, which combines expert guidance and binoculars to make that wildlife encounter memorable. With a range of options catering to interests in nature, food, or shopping, Karuizawa is a versatile destination that appeals to many travelers.

Quick Overview:
This list covers a variety of tours, including nature-focused experiences like bird watching and serow spotting, scenic highlights such as waterfalls and ponds, culinary walks, and even private customizable tours. Whether you’re after a 90-minute squirrel sighting or a full-day private adventure, this guide highlights the most interesting options in Karuizawa. Now, let’s explore each one in detail.

1. Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Nagano

This tour is a treat for anyone passionate about wildlife and nighttime nature adventures. It’s designed to give you a real chance to observe the Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel in its natural environment. Guided by professionals who understand the squirrel’s unique gliding behavior, you will visit the Picchio Visitor Center before heading out into the forest in the Hoshino area. The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and promises an intimate encounter with these graceful creatures, often seen gliding silently between trees.

What makes this experience stand out is the use of binoculars included in the price, making it easier to spot those elusive gliding moments. The guide will also share insights into the squirrels’ diet, behaviors, and habitat, adding an educational layer to the adventure. Reviewers give this tour a perfect 5-star rating, highlighting the knowledgeable guide and the magical atmosphere of observing squirrels at play. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and those eager to see rare wildlife in a peaceful forest setting.

Bottom Line:
If you’re interested in birding, nocturnal animals, or just love seeing wildlife in action, this tour offers a memorable, affordable experience that’s perfect for families or solo travelers alike.

2. Wild Bird Sanctuary Forest Guided Tour in Nagano

For those who prefer daytime birding and a broader look at forest ecosystems, this 2-hour guided walk through the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary is a fantastic choice. It’s a laid-back exploration led by naturalists passionate about birdlife, amphibians, and small mammals like Japanese squirrels and montane brown frogs. Since the tour is held in a tranquil forest environment, it’s perfect for those who want to pause, breathe, and appreciate Japan’s native flora and fauna.

The free admission allows for an accessible experience, and the guides’ expertise ensures you’ll learn about the complex interactions within the forest. Reviews praise the guides’ enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge, making this a popular pick for families and eco-enthusiasts. The price ($16.42) offers excellent value considering the duration and quality of the experience.

Bottom Line:
Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing, educational walk that covers a variety of wildlife and plant life, with enough time to really observe the natural surroundings.

3. Tokyo: Karuizawa Scenic Highlights & Outlet Shopping Tour

This full-day excursion combines scenic natural sights with shopping therapy—a winning combo for many visitors. The tour begins with a scenic drive from Tokyo, including stops at Shiraito Falls, where the water cascades down in vivid colors year-round, and Kumoba Pond, famous for its mirror-like surface reflecting changing seasons. It also includes a visit to Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, full of cafes and boutiques, and the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, one of Japan’s largest outlet malls.

The tour, lasting about 10 hours, is led by a multilingual guide who keeps the day engaging and informative. The itinerary is flexible enough for photos, shopping, or simply soaking in the view. The highlight for many is the combination of nature and retail therapy, especially with shopping discounts at the outlet mall. The only review mentions a positive experience, noting the well-organized day and beautiful scenery.

Bottom Line:
This tour is perfect for a full-day escape from Tokyo that balances scenic nature with retail indulgence—a good pick for shoppers and scenery seekers alike.

4. Karuizawa Food Walking Tour in Nagano

If you’re a food lover, this tour offers a tasty way to explore Karuizawa’s streets. Starting in front of the Karuizawa New Art Museum, you’ll walk through the charming Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza shopping street while sampling local street foods. The itinerary includes stops at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, designed by the famed architect Antonin Raymond, before returning to the shopping street for sweets and drinks.

Led by a friendly guide with 25 years of experience, the tour creates a personal and flavorful experience. The price ($105.94) reflects the small-group format and multiple food stops, making it a worthwhile indulgence. Reviewers particularly enjoyed the guide’s efforts to tailor the experience to their sweet tooth.

Bottom Line:
Great for foodies wanting an authentic taste of Karuizawa’s culinary scene, combined with light sightseeing and cultural stops.

5. Japanese Serow Watching Tour

The Japanese serow is a rare and protected species, and this tour provides a rare chance to see one in the wild. The 9-hour hike takes you to Kazan-kan, the highest point (~1980m), where serow often graze on the hillsides. The guide, experienced with wildlife tracking, will help you spot these elusive animals, along with deer and various bird species.

While this tour is relatively high-priced ($169.88), it’s a unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts or serious hikers. The scenic surroundings and the chance to see one of Japan’s most uncommon animals make it worthwhile. Since there are no reviews yet, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long hikes and serious wildlife observation.

Bottom Line:
Perfect for adventurous nature lovers seeking a rare wildlife sighting in a mountain setting. Be prepared for a full day of walking.

6. Karuizawa: Guided Open-Top Car Tour

For a relaxed yet engaging way to see Karuizawa’s highlights, this 4.5-hour open-top car tour is hard to beat. It’s designed to give you a wind-in-your-hair experience as you glide through scenic spots, including viewpoints, mountain scenery, and hidden gems. The tour includes stops at scenic viewpoints and the chance to walk around or take photos.

The tour operates with a lead car guiding your journey, making it easy to focus on the scenery without worrying about directions. It’s suitable for visitors who want to see Karuizawa’s natural beauty comfortably and conveniently. Although specific prices aren’t listed, the tour’s flexible format and focus on scenery make it ideal for those with limited time or mobility concerns.

Bottom Line:
A good pick for scenery enthusiasts wanting an effortless, scenic ride with plenty of photo opportunities.

7. Karuizawa Private Customizable Full Day Tour

This is the ideal choice for travelers who want a completely personalized experience. The 8-hour private tour allows you to select 4-5 attractions based on your interests—be it nature, shopping, or cultural sites. Your guide will help craft an itinerary tailored to your preferences, offering flexibility and exclusivity.

While it costs $291.41 per person, the value lies in the customization and private attention. This tour is perfect for groups or individuals who know exactly what they want to see and do in Karuizawa. With no reviews currently, it’s best suited for seasoned travelers or those with specific plans.

Bottom Line:
Best for independent travelers or small groups seeking a bespoke experience—perfect if you want to avoid the typical tour route.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your interests, budget, and available time. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour, while those craving a full scenic day might prefer the scenic highlights and shopping tour. Foodies should look at the food walking tour, and adventure seekers might opt for the serow watching.

Timing can also influence your choice—wildlife tours are best early or late in the day, while scenic walks suit daytime sightseeing. Book early, especially in peak seasons, as popular tours like the wildlife sightings tend to fill up quickly.

Final Thoughts

Karuizawa offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests and energy levels. For lightweight interest, the wildlife tours and scenic outings are excellent choices. For a more immersive experience, the private customizable tour provides flexibility and exclusivity.

Whether you’re after nature encounters, cultural explorations, or shopping—Karuizawa has tailored experiences waiting for you. Due to popularity, early booking is advised, especially in high season. Pick your favorite and prepare for a memorable visit to this charming mountain retreat.