The Northern Horse Park is a place where visitors can experience that vast landscape of Hokkaido
This is truly a ‘horse theme park’, with around 80 horses of 12 different breeds living on the vast grounds which cover 150,000 tsubo (500,000㎡ or 50 hectares).
There are something for everyone enjoy: horse lovers, first timers and people of all ages.
Located just about 15-minute drive from New Chitose Airport,
this is a convenient spot to visit either when first arriving in Hokkaido, or as a last stop at the end of a trip.
The exciting, nature-rich ‘Horse Theme Park’
When approaching the entrance by car, horses can be seen grazing in the fields even before arriving at the park and the typical Hokkaido scenery is exciting.
After entering the park, visitors are surrounded by a pleasant atmosphere created by many trees with their branches spread out and a grass area.
There are plenty of facilities within the park which make it possible to spend an entire day here, with an area to interact with the horses,
a horse-drawn carriage and a children’s play area, as well as a restaurant.
Above all, the park is spacious and so it never feels crowded despite how nice it is, making this is a wonderful place and a true hidden gem.
It is also surprising for visitors when they are taken from the car park by a carriage, with horses being the preferred mode of transport within the park.
Here the animals work alongside the humans in partnership. Please enjoy the park with an open mind.
Don't miss the horse-drawn carriage
Although there are many attractions, our recommendation is the horse-drawn carriage (Adults ¥600, Children (3-12) ¥300).
This is a large carriage that can carry up to 10 people, pulled by a Clydesdale horse that can grow up to a height of 1.6 to 1.8 meters.
At a first glance, the height of the horse is so surprising that it is difficult to register its size, and its solid body makes it look very powerful.
Although most people usually only meet thoroughbreds or ponies in normal, daily life
(that is if they even get the chance to meet a horse),
this park shows visitors that there are actually many different breeds of horses.
The carriage rides last around 10-minutes and go around the rich, green garden at a slow pace making it a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.
If snow falls in the winter, this carriage ride becomes a horse sled which also looks like fun.
Amazing cute Pony show
The pony demonstrations are also good to watch, shown 2-3 times a day with ponies performing a variety of unbelievable tricks including jumping,
playing musical instruments and soccer! These shows are not to be missed.
The show itself lasts about 20 minutes, after which there is also a meet and greet time where visitors can get up close to the super ponies that performed.
Their short legs are very cute.
The park is under the same management as the Northern Farm which breeds race horses, and so it is also possible to see retired thoroughbreds.
This is especially enjoyable for those who like horses.
Thoroughbreds are selectively bred for running, and here visitors can have the invaluable experience of seeing their beautiful form up close.
Please note that selfie-sticks are prohibited within the park.
The horses are sensitive, timid creatures so let’s follow this rule.
You can use selfie sticks in the park. We apologize for our wrong information.
But Please note that selfie sticks are prohibited near the horses.
A restaurant specializing in ingredients from Hokkaido
The Northern Horse Park not only has attractions, but it also has surprisingly good food.
The spacious restaurant has high ceilings and a relaxing atmosphere.
The dishes are made using carefully selected ingredients from Hokkaido.
For example, there is a pork sauté (¥1700) and other dishes which are made using Makkari pork, producing strong, flavorsome pork dishes.
Pork sauté using Makkari pork ¥1700
For those who want Japanese cuisine, the soba (¥900) is also tasty.
The flour used is from Hokkaido, and the noodles are handmade within the park.
Hand-made soba ¥900
From fall, new soba is available in Hokkaido. It is made straight after the harvest, giving it a stronger taste and aroma.
JAPAN Travel Concierge
Qlip 
