Can You Have a Multi-Day Riding Holiday in Japan? The answer is YES!
I've been getting more and more inquiries from riders lately asking the same question: can you actually have a multi-day riding holiday in Japan? It's a fair thing to wonder — so let's get into it.
Are Multi-Day Horse Riding Holidays Available in Japan?
Yes — but true multi-day programs are still rare in Japan, and here's why.
Japan has plenty of places where you can meet horses or enjoy a short guided trail ride. However, because of the landscape, the relatively small scale of many Japanese stables, and of course important safety considerations, it isn't always easy to find places that can offer several days of riding with different routes, especially for larger groups.
But that is exactly what Horseback in Japan wants to work on.
We want to create these programs by collaborating directly with local stables and making them possible for riders who want something more: several days in the saddle, riding through forests and open countryside, experiencing Japanese horsemanship, and combining it all with the amazing local experiences Japan has to offer. At Horseback In Japan, we already have one program in place, which is a 2-night 3-day Zao Riding program, and feel free to check it out.
Please note that there are limitations when we have a longer program. One stable may not be able to offer every type of ride or every route, so sometimes we may need to transport horses, work with several partner stables, or even create a kind of “stable-hopping” journey to make the experience possible.
But honestly, that challenge is part of the fun.
And let me tell you about something exciting we're preparing in Kyushu, southern Japan.
What Is a Multi-Day Horse Riding Trip in Kyushu Like?
Our new Kyushu riding itinerary is designed especially for experienced international riders. Rather than travelling to a ranch for a one-hour ride and leaving again, the idea is to make the horses and the ranch part of the whole journey.
Over several days, we're looking at combining trail riding through beautiful national park and mountain areas with some very special equestrian experiences. When the weather and conditions allow, we may also transport our horse buddies to pine forests and beaches, giving us even more places to explore on horseback.
And this is not meant to be a one-hour tourist ride.
The idea is to give you hours and hours around the horses, with meaningful riding time and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace, pick up the speed where the terrain allows, and experience the kind of riding that makes you feel like you are really travelling with your horse rather than simply joining a short guided activity.
Of course, all riding pace and routes will always depend on the horses, terrain, weather, and safety conditions on the day.
And while you're in Japan, the cultural experiences are definitely a must.
This program is also being designed to include Japanese-style samurai riding and even yabusame — traditional Japanese horseback archery.
(And by the way, the armor is HEAVY and the bow is REALLY long. You have to try it at least once)
I’m genuinely excited about this program.
And when you're out of the saddle?
There are volcanic landscapes to explore, amazing local food to discover, and some of Japan's best onsen waiting for tired riding muscles.
Imagine waking up in the mountains of Kyushu, spending your day around horses, soaking in an onsen afterwards, enjoying a great Japanese dinner, and waking up the next morning knowing you get to do it all again.
This isn't about ticking another attraction off your Japan itinerary.
It's about experiencing Japan as a rider.
Join Our First Kyushu Multi-Day Riding Test Trip
Before officially launching this itinerary, I want to test the full program properly myself and fine-tune the experience together with our local stable partners.
And just to reassure you — I have definitely visited and ridden with these partners before. What I’m testing now is the new complete itinerary from beginning to end, including how the riding, transportation, accommodation, cultural experiences, and timing all work together as one journey.
After that, I'd love to organize a small test trip with a few experienced and adventurous riders.
I'm looking for riders who understand that this will be a test run — people who are flexible, curious, happy to give honest feedback, and excited about helping us shape what could become a very special riding holiday in Japan.
The goal isn't to pretend everything is perfect before we start.
The goal is to ride it, experience it, learn what works, adjust what doesn't, and build something genuinely great for riders.
I’m planning to keep the test group very small — around 2–3 riders maximum (or a private experience?)— so that we can stay flexible and make the experience personal.
I’ll also do my best to keep accommodation, transportation, and other travel costs as reasonable as possible for the test group.
Trip at a glance
Location | Kyushu, Southern Japan |
Duration | Approximately 3–4 nights |
Riding level | Experienced riders (Comfortable to walk, trot and canter) |
Group size | Small groups, typically 2–3 riders |
Riding | Forest, mountain, countryside and seasonal beach riding |
Special experiences | Samurai riding, yabusame / horseback archery |
Non-riding experiences | Onsen, local food, nature and regional culture |
Language support | English / Japanese / Chinese |
Format | Custom itinerary/test program currently in development |
FAQ
How much does a multi-day riding holiday in Japan cost?
The price will include riding, interpretation, local transportation (not including flights) but the final pricing will be confirmed after the test trip.
How many hours will we ride each day?
The exact riding time depends on the route, weather, horses and conditions. The program is designed to offer significantly more horse and riding time so we will have at least 3-4 hours per day, morning and afternoon riding programs included
Can solo riders join?
Yes. Solo riders can inquire, and where appropriate you may be able to join another compatible small group. For a test group, the max participants will be 3 this time
When will the Kyushu riding holiday be available?
The complete itinerary is currently being tested and developed with local partners. Interested riders can contact Horseback in Japan about upcoming test trips and future dates.
So...
If a multi-day riding adventure through Kyushu sounds like your kind of Japan trip, hit me up!
Tell me a little about your riding experience, when you might be interested in travelling, and what your dream riding holiday in Japan would look like.
Maybe we'll build it together.
Horseback in Japan
Experience Japan as a rider.
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