Horonobe Reindeer Ranch (幌延町トナカイ観光牧場) is one of the main tourist spots in the town of Horonobe. It is located at 398-1 Hokushin in the town of Horonobe in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Horonobe Reindeer Ranch (幌延町トナカイ観光牧場) |
Horonobe Reindeer Ranch details
The Scandinavian-style Horonobe Reindeer Ranch, also known as Horonobe Tonakai Ranch, opened to the public on December 25, 1999. However, the history behind the reindeer of Horonobe goes back to 1989 when the first 173 reindeer were imported from Finland and came to Horonobe.
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| Horonobe Reindeer Ranch - Horonobe Town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
These reindeer were originally intended for commercial purposes. They were kept as livestock because producedoduce exotic meatn is other products such as leather and trinkets out of their antlers.
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| Horonobe Reindeer Ranch area map |
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| Welcome to Horonobe Reindeer Ranch |
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| Horonobe Reindeer Ranch Christmas Tree |
Over time, the population of reindeer grew steadily, and because they were so uncommon, media outlets frequently covered them. However, since the reindeer at that time were raised as livestock and were never intended to promote the town's tourism industry the local government of Horonobe purchased 50 reindeer.
Inside Horonobe Reindeer Ranch
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| Rodolf's cousin |
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| Stealing a pine tree from a reindeer is a bad idea |
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| One of the souvenirs to buy here |
Restaurant Poro
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| Inside Restaurant Poro |
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| Restaurant Poro menu |
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| Duck Miso Ramen |
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| Itadakemasu! |
The Reindeer
Team Nicerio visits Horonobe Reindeer Ranch
My family and I visited Horonobe Reindeer Ranch for the first time last August 13, 2022, which was my 41st weekend here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was one of the destinations that we visited on the 2nd day of our 5-day Drive Up North Road Trip. During our visit, we ate at Restaurant Poro. I tried the Duck Miso Ramen which was the specialty of the restaurant. It was good. After that, we went out to visit the reindeer ranch and were disappointed to see only a handful of reindeer. They were all in the hut away from the gate so it was hard for us to interact with them. Well, I don’t blame them as it was a hot day. Regardless, some of the reindeer looked like they needed to be fed more, the ranch should also be renovated to give it a fresher touristy look.
Horonobe Reindeer Ranch Entrance Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the Horonobe Reindeer Ranch but I highly suggest that you bring cash so that you can try the food in their restaurant and also buy some souvenirs in thep too.
Reindeer Sled *WINTER
Adult 510 yen, Elementary school student 200 yen
* Free for children under elementary school age.
Horonobe Reindeer Ranch Operating Hours
Restaurant Poro is open from 11 AM to 2 PM and is closed on Mondays except if the holiday falls on a Monday then it will be closed the next day.
Reindeer Sled (WINTER)
*Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, the service may not be available depending on the weather so please contact TEL.01632-5-2050 to check in advance.
Why visit Horonobe Reindeer Ranch?
Horonobe Reindeer Ranch has been the symbol of tourism in the town of Horonobe since its opening years back. As a matter of fact, the town’s mascot is a reindeer. I highly suggest that you visit during the winter so that you can enjoy more activities like reindeer interactions and the famed reindeer sled.
Getting to Horonobe Reindeer Ranch
When traveling to Horonobe Reindeer Ranch using the JR Train, it takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Sapporo and about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Asahikawa; when using a long-distance bus between cities, it takes about 4 hours and 50 minutes from Sapporo; and when using a private car with R40 expressway use, it takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes from Sapporo or about 5 hours from Sapporo with R232 expressway use.
Do they offer ramen with reindeer meat?
ReplyDeleteBefore they did but not anymore.
Delete