A 4-night, 5-day horseback riding camp for children is set to take place in Niseko, Hokkaido from May 2 (Sat) to May 6 (Wed), 2026. The camp is organized by PlusOne Education (a subsidiary of Riso Education Group), and is held at "Niseko Country Farm" located in Kutchan Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido — right next to Niseko.
The program spans hands-on activities including horse grooming, stable cleaning, and full trail rides through the surrounding nature. Through caring for and riding animals much larger than themselves, participants are encouraged to build confidence and a genuine sense of self-efficacy. Local instructors provide attentive guidance, and supervising staff accompany participants throughout the entire journey from Tokyo.
Program Highlights
1. Horseback Riding and Farm Life in the Vast Niseko Countryside
Set among Niseko's expansive natural scenery — including wide open fields, streams fed by snowmelt, beech forests, and long winding roads with lingering snow — participants can enjoy both horseback riding and the rhythms of farm life in a truly open environment.
2. Building Empathy Through Connection with Horses
The program is designed to nurture kindness and compassion through direct interaction with horses. On-site instructors offer hands-on support for riding, grooming, and general horse handling. Beyond simply riding, the experience focuses on building a relationship with the animal, fostering both empathy and self-confidence.
3. Bread-Making Experience on the Final Day
On the last day of the trip, participants get to try making bread using Hokkaido wheat. The accommodation, "Lodge Niseko Bears," is well known among children for its delicious meals — especially the freshly baked bread served in the morning. The bread-making session (with options available for those with wheat or dairy allergies) adds a fun culinary element to round out the experience.
Schedule Overview
Day 1: Depart Haneda (8:30 AM–9:30 AM) → New Chitose by plane → Niseko by bus
- Farm exploration
- Horse interaction
- Horse grooming
- Horseback riding
Day 2:
- Horseback riding
- Horse grooming
- Stable cleaning
- Original craft experience
Day 3:
- Horseback riding
- Trail riding (a ride through the scenic natural surroundings)
- Horse grooming
- Stable cleaning
Day 4:
- Horseback riding
- Trail riding (a ride through the scenic natural surroundings)
- Horse grooming
- Stable cleaning
Day 5:
- Bread-making using Hokkaido wheat
- Depart Niseko (by bus) → New Chitose → Arrive Haneda (5:00 PM–6:00 PM)
Camp Details
- Dates: May 2 (Sat) – May 6 (Wed), 2026 (4 nights, 5 days)
- Application Deadline: April 28 (Tue), 2026
- Eligible Participants: Elementary school Grade 1 through Junior High School Grade 3 (boys and girls); High school students who have previously participated in STS horseback riding tours
- Venue: Niseko Country Farm, Kutchan Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Transportation: By aircraft (Japan Airlines or All Nippon Airways scheduled)
- Participation Fee:
- Elementary school students: ¥319,000
- Junior high / high school students: ¥363,000
- Fee Includes: Transportation, accommodation, meals, activity fees, travel accident insurance
- Capacity: 12 participants (minimum 6 required for the tour to run)
- Staff: Supervising staff accompany the entire trip (1 staff member per 5–8 students)
