HOSHINOYA KARUIZAWA ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE SPRING ECOTOUR “KARUIZAWA NATURE STAY” (Japon)
Limited to one group per day, the tour offers three distinct birdwatching experiences in the forests of Karuizawa. The ecotour and resort stay is set within the Joshin'etsukogen National Park, a haven for wildlife. |
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HOSHINOYA KARUIZAWA ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE SPRING ECOTOUR “KARUIZAWA NATURE STAY” (Japon)
Limited to one group per day, the tour offers three distinct birdwatching experiences in the forests of Karuizawa. The ecotour and resort stay is set within the Joshin'etsukogen National Park, a haven for wildlife. |
Catégorie : Asie Pacifique - Japon - Expériences exclusives
- Voyages d'Exception -
- Quoi de neuf ?
Plus de Voyages d'Exception : Retour à la nature
Ceci est un communiqué de presse sélectionné par notre comité éditorial et mis en ligne gratuitement le 08-04-2025
 Yoshimasa Hoshino (second generation) recording birdsong (far right: Yoshimasa Hoshino, center: Godo Nakanishi, founder of the Japan Bird Society)
Crédit photo © Hoshino Resorts
Limited to one group per day, the tour offers three types of birdwatching experiences to enjoy the forests of Karuizawa. Developed jointly by HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, a stay-type resort with the concept of "staying in a valley village," and Picchio, which conducts wildlife surveys and ecotours, the tour builds on a history of valuing coexistence with nature.
Guests can fully enjoy the natural beauty of spring in Karuizawa, a time when migratory birds are bustling, with early morning birdwatching, twilight bird concerts, and a special breakfast enjoyed while listening to birdsong.
Background
Karuizawa Hoshino Area, the founding place of Hoshino Resorts, opened in 1914 as "Hoshino Onsen Ryokan."
Yoshimasa Hoshino, the second-generation owner, began protecting birds, which were then hunted for food, after meeting Godo Nakanishi, a poet and founder of the Japan Bird Society, who stayed at Hoshino Onsen. Yoshimasa, who admired Nakanishi as a mentor and was fascinated by birds, actively held birdwatching tours.
Thanks to his efforts, the forest adjacent to Hoshino Onsen Ryokan was designated as the nationally established "Karuizawa Bird Forest" in 1974.
Later, Yoshiharu Hoshino, the fourth-generation owner, established the "Bird Research Laboratory" (now Picchio) and fully launched ecotourism. Building on this history and values, a birdwatching program was developed to enjoy the natural beauty of spring in Karuizawa.
The Nationally Established "Karuizawa Bird Forest," Located Within the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park
The Karuizawa Bird Forest, located within the Joshin'etsukogen National Park, is a treasure trove of wildlife, where approximately 80 bird species are observed annually, as well as Japanese serows and Asiatic black bears, symbols of the rich forest. The forest has walking trails and is bustling with birdwatchers carrying professional telescopes in spring. Visitors can also enjoy forest bathing in summer, autumn foliage, and find animal tracks like those of mountain hares on the snow in winter, enjoying various expressions of the seasons.
Feature 1: Three Private Birdwatching Experiences: "Observe, Listen, and Taste"
■ [Observe] "Early Morning Birdwatching" with Expert Guidance
Early morning birdwatching in Karuizawa Bird Forest
Spring is the perfect time to observe about 20 bird species during their breeding season. Early mornings are especially active, allowing observation of powerful songs asserting territory and birds flying among the trees. Picchio's wildlife experts provide guidance, enabling close observation of birds and sharing information beyond the scope of field guides, including characteristics, identification, and differences in birdsong. Guests can feel the adorable behaviors of the birds, their robust survival, the vitality of life, and the mystery of nature.
■ [Listen] A Healing Bird Concert in the Twilight Forest
Bird concert in the twilight Karuizawa Bird Forest
The twilight forest in spring is a stage for birds' courtship and parenting. As the forest quiets down in the evening, male birds sing to protect their territories, creating a concert-like atmosphere. Birdsong is said to reduce irritation and stress and enhance positive emotions. Guests can relax in reclining chairs and immerse themselves in the healing moment of being enveloped by the birds' chorus.
■ [Taste] A Special Soup Breakfast While Listening to Birdsong
Soup breakfast enjoyed while listening to birdsong in the guest room
Various birds visit the resort grounds. Godo Nakanishi, who once stayed in Karuizawa, said, "Being able to hear the songs of 40 bird species from inside the room makes it one of Japan's three major bird habitats." Especially from the guest rooms on the second floor of Yamaroji, the highest point in HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, guests can overlook the entire grounds and the bird forest, and birds gather in the trees on the terrace. Guests can enjoy a warm soup breakfast featuring spring mountain vegetables while listening to birdsong.
Feature 2: Full-fledged, Stylish Birdwatching with World-Class Birdwatching Equipment
The program provides telescopes and binoculars from "SWAROVSKI OPTIK," a world-leading optical equipment manufacturer, allowing clear observation of the beautiful figures of birds. Additionally, essential birdwatching items, such as mountain parkas and bird field guides, are provided in the guest rooms, ensuring comfortable and stylish birdwatching throughout the stay.
*Swarovski Optik's Japanese general agent, "Hakuba Photo Industry Co., Ltd.," is a sponsor.
Example Schedule
Day 1
3:00 PM Check-in
4:30 PM "Valley Moment" enjoying valley sweets.
7:00 PM Dinner
Day 2
4:45 AM "Early Morning Birdwatching" with expert guidance.
8:00 AM Breakfast
4:00 PM Bird concert echoing through the twilight forest.
7:00 PM Dinner
Day 3
7:00 AM Special warm soup breakfast while listening to birdsong.
9:00 AM Hot spring bathing at "Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu."
12:00 PM Check-out
"Karuizawa Nature Stay - Spring" Overview
Period: April 12 to May 20, 2025 (excluding certain dates)
Price: Limited to one group per day, from 135,000 JPY per person (including tax and service charge)
*Accommodation and meals not included.
Includes: One early morning birdwatching session, one bird concert, one special soup breakfast, rental of Swarovski binoculars.
Capacity: One group per day (up to 4 people)
Reservations: Required 14 days in advance via the official website.
Eligibility: Guests staying at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, ages 4 and up.
Reservation start date: March 15, 2025.
Notes: Times and tour content may vary depending on weather. Menu may change due to availability of ingredients. Tour proceeds in rain; canceled in severe weather. Bird field guides, outerwear, footwear, and raincoats are available for loan.
Offre d'exception valable jusqu'au 20-05-2025
 The blue-and-white flycatcher, known for its beautiful song and considered one of Japan's three best songbirds
Crédit photo © Hoshino Resorts
 Early morning birdwatching in Karuizawa Bird Forest
Crédit photo © Hoshino Resorts
 Bird concert in the twilight Karuizawa Bird Forest
Crédit photo © Hoshino Resorts
 Soup breakfast enjoyed while listening to birdsong in the guest room
Crédit photo © Hoshino Resorts
 "SWAROVSKI OPTIK" binoculars
Crédit photo © Hoshino Resorts
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