Hiruzen Horse Park, Maniwa

Hiruzen Horse Park is a family-oriented equestrian facility located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture. It sits in the foothills of the Hiruzen Plateau, one of the finest highland resort areas in western Japan, and operates in close partnership with Maniwa City under a civic philosophy of promoting coexistence between horses and people. The park serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a functioning horse riding club, making it a genuinely dual-purpose destination.

The park keeps approximately 30 horses, ranging from former G1-race thoroughbreds of Chuo Keiba to gentle ponies popular with children. Beyond tourism, the facility actively supports the retraining and rehabilitation of retired racehorses, and works to raise public awareness of horses and dressage. The staff includes a representative who is an Olympian, and the large arena has served as a venue for the National Athletic Meet.

Visitors can feed horses carrots — sold inside the park — pet them, and take guided rides across the grounds. Instruction is tailored to each rider's level, making the experience accessible to complete beginners, while more experienced riders can take on an outdoor course surrounded by open nature. An indoor track is also available, allowing visits to continue regardless of the weather.

For those seeking a more structured commitment, a Level 5 riding license is available after completing a minimum of 9 lessons (20 minutes each), followed by a riding test and a written exam, with a near-100% pass rate. Club membership options include a regular individual membership at ¥110,000 entry fee plus ¥16,500 monthly, and a short-term one-year membership at ¥33,000 entry. Lesson fees are ¥16,500 per 40-minute session.

Entry to the park itself is free, with individual activity fees applying as needed. No reservation is required for feeding, petting, or short outings, but advance booking is necessary for riding lessons and license courses. The park is located directly adjacent to Hiruzen Jersey Land, and visitors should use that facility's parking lot. Public transport access is available via Chutetsu Northern Bus or the Maniwa City Community Bus "Maniwakun♡".