TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Senbonmatsu Ranch is a comprehensive leisure-type tourist ranch located in Nasu-Shiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture. Developed between the Meiji and Showa periods to promote dairy farming, it is now a regional tourist hub with vast pastures, dairy farming experiences, snack shops, horseback riding, and a campsite. The ranch's name comes from the pine forest within the grounds, and it boasts a lush highland landscape. Its specialties include soft serve ice cream and dairy products made with fresh milk, as well as snacks made with local ingredients, making it popular with families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Vast pastures and cows and horses: You can see the relaxed animals up close and it's a great place to take photos.
- Experience programs such as dairy farming and butter making: Enjoy dairy farming experiences (reservations required and fees apply) tailored to the season and events.
- Famous soft serve ice cream and dairy products sold directly: Soft serve ice cream made with fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, and other souvenirs are popular.
- Horse and pony riding (for children): Short horse and pony riding experiences are available for beginners (fees apply).
- Fishing ponds, athletic facilities, and play equipment: There are plenty of facilities for small children to play in, as well as leisure activities that can be enjoyed casually.
- Camping and barbecue facilities: You can stay overnight and enjoy barbecues at the adjacent campsite (reservations required).
- Seasonal Events: There are seasonal events such as spring to autumn flower displays, autumn harvest festivals, and winter illuminations.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- The nearest major train stations are Nasushiobara Station or Nishinasuno Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen and Tohoku Main Line.
- Approximate distance from Nasushiobara Station: Approximately 15-25 minutes by taxi (depending on traffic conditions). Local buses and tourist shuttles may also be in operation, so please check the timetables in advance.
- Access by car: Approximately 20-30 minutes from Nasu IC or Nishinasuno-Shiobara IC on the Tohoku Expressway. From the Tokyo metropolitan area, it takes approximately 2 hours on the expressway (this may vary depending on the departure point and traffic conditions).
- Parking: There is a large free parking lot (please follow the signs when it is crowded).
- When using public transport: Buses may be infrequent, so please check the schedule in advance, especially on weekends and during peak periods.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Quick tour + soft serve ice cream: about 1 hour
- Relaxing stay including experience programs and horse riding: 2 to 4 hours
- Stays including camping and barbecues: 1 night minimum
Nearby spots
- Nasu Highlands area: Nasu Animal Kingdom, Nasu Safari Park, Rindou Lake Family Farm, etc. (within a 20-40 minute drive).
- Nasu Garden Outlet: Convenient for shopping and dining (approximately 20-30 minutes by car).
- Shiobara Onsen: You can relax in the hot springs for a day trip or stay overnight (around 30 minutes by car).
- Nearby hiking trails and observation spots: It can be used as an entrance to the Nasu Mountain Range and a base for accessing tourist spots.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: The number of visitors increases on weekends, public holidays, summer vacation, Golden Week, and during the autumn foliage season. Please allow plenty of time as you may have to wait for parking spaces and facilities.
- Manners for interacting with animals: Feeding animals outside of designated areas and times and crossing fences are strictly prohibited. Please do not leave children unattended.
- Check in advance about using facilities: Horse riding, experience classes, barbecues, and campsites often require reservations and charge fees, and opening hours and fees vary depending on the facility. Please check the official website or call the facility for the latest information.
- Clothing and shoes: The pastures and trails may become muddy or muddy. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing that you don't mind getting dirty.
- Seasonal precautions: In summer, you will need protection from the sun and insects, and in winter, you will need protection from the cold. Outdoor facilities may be restricted in bad weather.
- Garbage and Environmental Conservation: Please separate garbage within the facility and dispose of it in the designated areas. In order to protect the natural environment, please be mindful of restricted areas and planted areas.
Note: Facility opening hours, program contents, fees, and access details may change depending on the season and operation. We recommend checking the latest information on Senbonmatsu Ranch's official website or by phone before visiting.
