10am: Arrive at Shinjuku-Station in Tokyo.

11am: Transfer to Kobuchizawa by Japan Rail train – it’s a two hour train trip from Shinjuku to Kobuchizawa. Bento Box lunch in the train.

1pm: Arrive in the equine loving village of Kobuchizawa. Tanaka san will show you around the village and point out the numerous horse stables, top-notch show jumping facilities, 3 star cross-country courses and designated horse trails that run like cattle pads through the town. You’ll check in at your hotel. In the afternoon you’ll be introduced to your horses and a enjoy a short introductory ride around the farm. Dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant called ‘Ru’.

Guests will enjoy a thirty kilometre trail ride along the Yatsugatake Endurance Course today which will take approximately five hours. Riders will view Mount Fuji with her snow-covered hat on the horizon as you climb deeper into the forest that skirts the village. You’ll startle deer and stretch the horses legs out with some lovely, loping canters. The four-hour ride is a perfect introduction into the riding diversity that’s on offer. The ride will be split with lunch at a local restaurant where the horses are tied up outside. Dinner at a local restaurant in the town of Kobuchizawa.

This morning guests will ride (approximately 2.5 hours) the historic trail ride of ‘Bo Michi’ to the Metori-Yusui fountain. Bo-Michi which means straight road was built by Takeda Shingen, feudal lord of Yamanashi area in the early 16th century. There are lots of old stone Buddhas along the trail. Lunch will be enjoyed at a traditional Soba noodle restaurant called Teku Teku.

This morning guests will ride to Morinoshiki guest house through old Japanese rural area. A traditional Japanese Tea ceremony will be performed at a tea house. Lunch at the Morinoshiki guest house and ride back to the farm. Approximately four to five hour ride today. Dinner to be enjoyed at a local Kobuchizawa restaurant.

This morning the guests have the option to shop or visit a traditional Misogi-Shrine. Lunch at a local restaurant.

2.30 pm: 2 hour train trip back to Tokyo.

4.30pm: Arrive at Shinjuku-Station.

Please remember that the benefit of this ride being so intimate with only 3-4 guests on each departure date is you can custom-design your itinerary according to your travel and riding desires. If you would like to ride in the afternoon or ride for longer, please ask Tanaka san (your guide) and he’ll accomodate where possible. Due to cultural barriers guests need to ask Tanaka san rather than assume he’ll know what they need.