Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Enjoy tours that offer encounters with seasonal wildlife in nature.
Picchio is located in the popular tourist resort area of Karuizawa Hoshino Area, adjacent to the Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest. It offers a variety of tour plans where visitors can observe forest creatures up close. The visitor center sits beside Kera Pond, formed by streams flowing from the forest, in a beautiful and open setting where you can enjoy tours that provide encounters with wildlife throughout the seasons.
The tours are led by guides who are passionate about the forest's creatures, offering detailed insights into the fascinating behavior of the wildlife. These tours are suitable for both children and adults. In spring, the forest comes alive with delicate flowers and the songs of birds, while early summer brings the peak of wildlife parenting. During summer vacation, encounters with various insects are a highlight, while in autumn, you can observe animals preparing for winter amidst the fall foliage. In winter, tracking animal footprints in the snow is a popular activity.
Nearby attractions include the Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu, a natural hot spring, and Harunire Terrace, home to unique shops and restaurants, both within walking distance. After the tour, you can enjoy dining or shopping in the same area, making it a complete experience.
Various tours allow you to observe forest creatures up close.
Set by the beautiful and open environment of Kera Pond.
Experience the fascinating behaviors of the local wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are there brochures or informational signs in foreign languages?
Most of the signs are in Japanese, but some have English translations.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes, it is.
Q
Are there coin lockers available?
There are no lockers, but participants on tours can leave non-valuable items with the staff for safekeeping.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
During this stay at Hoshino Resorts in Karuizawa, the on-site facility that impressed me most was definitely Picchio in the Wild Bird Forest. It's not only a place to enjoy the natural scenery; you can also sign up for a guided forest tour and follow professional staff into the woods to look for birds unique to Karuizawa while learning a lot about the ecosystem. It's a very interesting nature experience.
I visited right as fall was turning into winter. The staff explained that once the pond freezes in winter, the park offers a seasonal ice-skating experience. You can rent skates and buy gloves and other supplies there, which is very convenient. Luckily, we arrived just in time for opening and were among the first visitors to try the rink. Since only hotel guests could use it, it wasn't crowded and was especially comfortable to skate. Even beginners can borrow skating aids, so there's no need to worry at all.
I couldn't skate at all, and when I first put on the skates, I was so nervous that I kept holding onto a staff member's hand and wouldn't let go. But after practicing for an hour, I could already skate slowly with an aid, which gave me a real sense of accomplishment! Before I knew it, I'd been there for two hours and reluctantly left. On the way out, I happened to meet three ladies from Taiwan, and I couldn't help recommending that they give it a try. I wonder if they also managed to challenge themselves and make some wonderful memories of Karuizawa?
