TOUR PROGRAMS

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride through the Snowy Forest

Dash through the snow in a one horse open sleigh! In this program, you’ll visit a horse stable in the Churui district of Makubetsu Town. This stable is run by Tooru Hirukawa, a farrier who also takes care of retired race horses. These large draft horses known as “banba” work with Hirukawa-san, pulling logs from the forest just like in the pioneering age of Hokkaido. Get on board a traditional sleigh pulled by one of the horses, and experience their power and the crisp air of winter as you take a ride across the scenic snow-covered landscape.

Hirukawa-san’s horses live a relaxed life, and they have a friendly and welcoming demeanor.

Momo, one of the friendly horses in stable, likes to take visitors for a sleigh ride.

Hirukawa-san will tell you all about the draft horses as you ride into scenic snow-covered forest.

After the sleigh ride, you can visit the stable’s farm silo turned into an office. You can take a rest while admiring the paintings in the art gallery.

Note: All images are for illustration purposes only. Your actual experience may vary.

Schedule

10:00 Meetup and tour of North Pole Stable
10:15

Horse-drawn sleigh ride

10:45

Silo art gallery viewing

11:00 Tour finish
Tour name Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride through the Snowy Forest
Area OBIHIRO / TOKACHI
Category NATURE FARM/INDUSTRY SNOW/ICE
Season WINTER
Available period Early January to late February 2025 (must have snow accumulation)
Time 10:00-11:00 (please inquire if you prefer a different start time)
Participants 1 to 5 persons
Fee 1 person: ¥14,000
2-5 persons: ¥7,000 per person
Optional
Services
Included
Services
Guide fee, activity fee, tour insurance
Not included Transportation to and from the venue
Things to bring Cold weather gear
Meetup Location

North Pole Stable
Address: Churui Kyoei 161-3, Makubetsu-cho, Nakagawa-gun, Hokkaido
Access: From the Obihiro-Hiroo Expressway, exit at Churui-Taiki IC. Drive southward along National Route 236 for around 1.7 kilometers then turn left at the intersection, and drive for around 500 meters.
Mapcode: 396 140 739*68
Notes ・Please reserve at least 7 days in advance.
・Depending on the circumstances of the stable, we may not be able to accommodate your preferred tour date.
・The tour may be changed or cancelled depending on the weather, snow accumulation level, or the health condition of the horses.

Cancellation Fee:
・2 or more days before the tour date: full refund
・1 day before the tour date: 40% of the tour fare
・On the day of the tour prior to the start time: 50% of the tour fare
・No show: 100% of the tour fare
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