This ride is set in the rural village of Kobuchizawa, an equine-loving hub. Your guide and host is Tanaka san – he has a passion for his country, coupled with a love of endurance riding and a stable of well-tuned endurance horses. Tanaka san is the perfect guide, speaking fluent English, and has a good understanding of what Globetrotting guests seek in a top-notch horse riding holiday.
Guests will instantly fall in love with Kobuchizawa, a chocolate-box village with family-owned soba noodle and sushi restaurants tucked away in side streets and traditional Japanese arts and crafts abounding.
Don’t be fooled that Japan is second best when it comes to spectacular and varied riding scenery. The beauty of the landscapes will surprise you from the get-go. Within minutes of riding out from the stables, guests trot through an ancient forest along narrow riding paths that snake through trees. This three or four day riding itinerary has been tailored specifically to Globetrotting guests who love riding and exploring different cultures on horseback paired with traditional Japanese food, accommodation and culture.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Arabian and Arabian-cross endurance horses imported from Australia.
- Pace:The pace can vary from a walk right through to a canter.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 90kg / 198lbs.
- Type of tack:Endurance saddles and bitless bridles.
- Seasons:April is springtime in Japan and you’ll be mesmerised by the Cherry Blossoms. November is autumn and guests ride through a portrait of amber, burgundy and buttercup yellow. Departure dates can also fall during the months of May, July and September.
- Group size:A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 guests.
- Time in Saddle:On average, 4 to 5 hours per day.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Guests stay at Lodge Keyspring, which has both western-style and traditional style rooms to choose between. Each western-style room has its own bathroom and toilet. Guests who prefer to sleep in a Japanese style room will use a shared bathroom and toilet. The shared bathroom is Onsen hot spring.
- Ride Length:5 day, 4 night or 4 day, 3 night itineraries available.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all meals from first day dinner to last day lunch, accommodation and riding.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international flights and travel insurance (compulsory), transfers to and from the ride, alcohol, and accommodation on the last day of the itinerary.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!Departing | Finishing | Availability | Total | |||
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4 day, 3 night custom departure dates available on request (for a minimum of two riders). | Available |
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There is a single supplement charge of 18,000 JPY (4 days, 3 nights) or 24,000 JPY (5 days, 4 nights) for guests not wishing to twin share a room. Please note, solo travellers will be required to pay the single supplement charge if there is no one else willing to twin share a room.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all meals from first day dinner to last day lunch, accommodation and riding.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international flights and travel insurance (compulsory), transfers to and from the ride, alcohol, and accommodation on the last day of the itinerary.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN JPY?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Transfer Information
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Trip Notes
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Kobuchizawa Ride

Kyle Wightman
‘Terry and I had a great time in Japan in late April/early May, prime cherry blossom time. Our hosts, Tanaka-san and Mayumi Tsukamoto Suzuki, were fabulous, as were the horses, horse riding, food, and places to visit and enjoy.’

Jennifer Joiner
“An absolutely brilliant combination of wonderful riding against the background of stunning scenery and an immersion into Japanese culture. Riding through lush green forest trails on highly trained and responsive endurance horses, eating beautifully cooked Japanese food, enjoying the company of fellow riders and our perfect hosts (and champion endurance riders) Tanaka san and Mayumi san. Can’t wait to go do it again!”

Laura Reid
“Words do not accurately describe how breathtakingly beautiful the mountains of Japan are from the back of horse. It felt like a dream riding through blossom covered avenues of trees and snow dusted mountain ranges. Tanaka and Mayumi made sure our adventure was nothing short of perfect and I felt so lucky to ride such sweet, sure footed horses like Sebastian and Boy. I cannot think of better way to experience Japan and I’d go back in a heart beat!”

Lisel Avey
“This was a truly unique experience! The location amongst the mountains and forests was breathtakingly beautiful. It was lovely to be picked up each morning and taken to the stable to groom the horses and set off on a new adventure. Each day we passed shrines, waterfalls, so many cherry blossoms and cute little houses. The horses were so good – calm, responsive, willing. I miss my Dasha! Tanaka and Mayumi were so generous with their time and did everything they could to make sure we were well looked after. Oh, and the food – delicious!”

Kaye Bracken
“Riding in Japan was a unique experience. The scenery was absolutely stunning – although we were at the end of blossom time, there were still beautiful blossom trees everywhere. Riding through the little village was such fun. Having a private onsen in our accommodation was much appreciated and well used after our rides.”

Meredith White
“A totally enjoyable ride and cultural experience. Worth every cent!”

Laura White
“When I arrived in Japan for the first time with my mum we struggled to comprehend the fact that we were going to be embarking on a horse riding trip in this country amongst all the hustle & bustle of crazy Tokyo. All my doubts subsided when we arrived by train to the picturesque country side ‘town’ of Kobuchizawa. Completely surrounded by mountains, it felt like an equestrian oasis, complete with amazing restaurants, shops and breathtaking scenery and trails rich with Japanese history. We were welcomed and looked after by our superb hosts, Tanaka san & Mayumi from the minute we stepped off the train. Their excellent hospitality continued throughout the trip from taking us on a mountain trek overlooking Mt Fuji to riding bareback in the forest aboard their beautiful Arabian horses. We were also treated to the most amazing Japanese cuisine, a traditional tea ceremony and origami making in their excellent company. I would not have wanted to see Japan any other way; on beautiful horses with superb company. Would do it again in a heart beat!”

Marnie Phillips
“The Kobuchizawa ride in Japan is absolutely wonderful – brilliant horses, amazing riding, terrific food, incredible and very flexible hosts, cultural experiences and jaw dropping scenery each and every day. All in a magnificent precinct a couple of hours from Tokyo at the base of the mountains, with daily views of Mt Fuji. Utterly awesome!”

Celia Campbell
“Horse riding in Japan during cherry blossom season was more incredible than I could have imagined. The guides were fantastic and very helpful and accommodating.”
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