Kanagi Western Riding Park is a scenic outdoor attraction in Kanagi Town, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy spending time with horses in a beautiful natural setting. Surrounded by the mountains of the Chugoku region, the spacious grounds offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a refreshing sense of openness.
Admission to the park is free, and visitors are welcome to observe and interact with the horses. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular destination for families, couples, and groups of friends looking to enjoy a peaceful day in nature.
One of the park’s greatest attractions is the opportunity to get close to the horses. Visitors can freely observe the stables and riding areas, watching the horses’ gentle expressions and natural movements from nearby.
Spending time with these animals offers a memorable opportunity to experience their warmth and personality while gaining a greater appreciation for the connection between people and animals.
The park also has an open area with play equipment for children. Families can therefore enjoy not only interacting with the horses but also letting children run around and play outdoors. A day surrounded by fresh air and nature provides a welcome break from the pace of everyday life.
The guided horseback-riding experience is designed to be approachable even for beginners. A staff member leads the horse by the reins as it slowly walks around the riding arena, allowing both children and adults to enjoy the experience with confidence.
Riding on horseback also gives visitors a different perspective on the surrounding scenery. Even a short ride can become a memorable part of a trip to Shimane.
The riding experience is available to visitors who are at least 100 cm tall and weigh no more than 80 kg. The experience takes approximately 4 minutes, making it an easy activity to include in a sightseeing itinerary.
Helmets and protective equipment are available to borrow, with safety taken into consideration. Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement is recommended.
On Sundays and public holidays, a special pony-riding experience is available for preschool-age children. Riding a small pony can be an exciting and unforgettable experience for young visitors.
Spending time with the gentle ponies can also help children become more comfortable around animals while enjoying their first experience on horseback.
For visitors who would rather interact with the horses from the ground, the carrot-feeding experience is a fun option. Offering carrots directly to the horses allows visitors to observe their expressions and eating habits up close.
Watching a horse happily eat a carrot is a simple but charming experience that can bring smiles to both children and adults.
On Sundays and public holidays, the park also offers a special feeding activity called the “Present Bucket”, during which visitors can feed several horses. It is an enjoyable choice for anyone who wants to spend more time interacting with the animals.
Visitors can observe the stables and see how the horses live and how staff members care for them. Watching training and everyday care provides an opportunity to learn about aspects of horse keeping that are rarely visible during ordinary visits to riding facilities.
At around lunchtime, visitors may also be able to watch the horses eating. Their movements and the sounds they make as they chew grass and feed can be surprisingly entertaining and provide a gentle, educational experience for children.
Groups can also participate in horse-assisted therapy experiences. Activities such as riding, brushing, and feeding the horses provide opportunities to interact with the animals in a relaxed environment.
These experiences are also used for school activities and community programs, giving the park an educational role as well as its recreational appeal.
The park has an on-site restaurant where visitors can enjoy a Japanese-style yakiniku barbecue buffet and other meals. The buffet features a wide selection of foods, including grilled meat, shabu-shabu, vegetables, seafood, salads, and noodles.
There are also popular lunch dishes such as hamburger steak served with a savory sauce, omurice, and fried chicken set meals, providing choices for both children and adults.
The spacious restaurant is easy to use with a stroller, while terrace seating allows diners to enjoy their meal while looking out toward the horses.
For those looking for a more substantial meal, the restaurant also serves authentic meat dishes prepared with carefully selected domestic Japanese beef, including steaks and beef cutlet set meals.
These dishes are appreciated for their rich flavor and juicy texture, making them an appealing choice for a special meal during a day at the park.
Near the riding park is Japan’s first Kanagi Motorcycle Shrine, a unique destination popular among motorcycle riders. It serves as a place for riders to pray for safe journeys and meet fellow enthusiasts.
The summit of Mount Dōdoko offers expansive views toward the Sea of Japan and Mount Daisen. The area can be incorporated into a scenic drive or motorcycle tour, making it an appealing stop for travelers exploring the mountain roads around Hamada.
In spring, rows of cherry trees burst into bloom, transforming the surroundings into a beautiful seasonal landscape. The scenery changes throughout the year, providing different photo opportunities with every visit.
For travelers interested in photography, the combination of horses, mountains, seasonal flowers, and open countryside creates plenty of opportunities to capture memorable images.
Kanagi Western Riding Park is approximately 5 minutes by car from the Kanagi Smart Interchange on the Hamada Expressway, or approximately 15 minutes by car from the Asahi Interchange.
A large parking area is available, making the park convenient to visit by car. Its location also makes it easy to combine with other attractions and hot springs in the Hamada and Kanagi areas.
Kanagi Western Riding Park brings together horseback experiences, animal interaction, outdoor recreation, and dining in a peaceful mountain setting.
With free admission, visitors can enjoy observing the horses and exploring the grounds, while optional activities such as guided riding, pony rides, and feeding experiences provide opportunities to get even closer to these gentle animals.
Whether you are traveling with children, spending time with friends, or simply looking for a peaceful escape into nature, the park offers a refreshing change of pace. A visit here is an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the mountain scenery, and create special memories surrounded by horses and the natural beauty of Shimane.