Station Urimaku

Discover the Heart of Hokkaido’s Wild Beauty

Nestled along National Route 274 in the serene town of Kashimai, Urimaku roadside station offers a rare blend of natural splendor, equestrian charm, and authentic rural experiences. Just a 20-minute drive from the mystical Lake Ranzan, surrounded by the grandeur of Daisetsuzan National Park, this destination invites travelers to step away from the ordinary and reconnect with nature.

Urimaku stands out for its unique horseback riding park, where visitors of all ages can enjoy guided rides through lush green fields, even if they’ve never mounted a horse before. The expansive park golf course, stretching over 1,500 meters with panoramic views of the Daisetsuzan and Ishikari mountain ranges, provides a refreshing challenge for golf enthusiasts. At the on-site market, travelers can savor local specialties like soba noodles made from regional buckwheat, sample hearty meat dumplings, and browse handcrafted souvenirs from local artisans—all within a welcoming, nature-infused setting.

At Urimaku roadside station, experience the only horseback riding park in Hokkaido designed for beginners, where you can ride real horses amid lush green fields with the majestic Daisetsuzan Mountains as your backdrop. The station also features a rare 36-hole park golf course with a 134-meter-long hole, offering sweeping views of the rugged 日高山脈. These unique outdoor experiences, combined with the chance to try locally made meat-jaga manju and handmade leather goods, make Urimaku a one-of-a-kind destination in the region.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM in summer (April–October) to experience the first horse riding session at 鹿追町ライディングパーク, which starts at 9:30 AM and often fills up by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Check the 軽食 counter at うりまく直売所 for the limited-edition meat stew manju, available only during winter months (December–February), and ask staff about daily special offerings.

• Weekend Special: On weekends in July and August, visit the park golf course between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM when the 36-hole course offers free rental of children’s clubs and the staff provides beginner tips.

• Seasonal Event Timing: Plan a visit in late August or early September to attend the Horse Festival (ホースフェスタ), which is held annually at the roadside station and features horse parades and local craft stalls.

• Best Photo Opportunity: Ride the full-size horse riding simulator at うりまく直売所 during daylight hours (9:00 AM–5:00 PM) to capture the best photos with the real horse-sized model in front of the scenic backdrop of the Daisetsuzan Mountains.

• Local Food Tip: Order the buckwheat soba and udon made with local Kawakami-grown buckwheat flour and dashi at うりまく直売所—these are available only during the seasonal hours from March to November and sell out by 3:00 PM.

• Parking Strategy: Use the ordinary car parking area (81 spaces) instead of the large vehicle lot (3 spaces) to avoid being blocked during peak visitation times, as the large vehicle lot is reserved for tour buses and special events.

Spring (April–May): Horse riding begins in April, with the riding park open daily. The surrounding natural landscapes emerge in full bloom, ideal for enjoying fresh air and greenery.

Summer (June–August): Peak season for park golf and horseback riding, with the 36-hole course fully operational. Summer events like the Horse Festival and Ban'ya race draw visitors.

Autumn (September–October): Scenic mountain views from the park golf course shine during autumn foliage. The roadside station remains open, offering local snacks and souvenirs.

Winter (November–March): Horse riding continues in winter with adjusted hours. The nearby Soribetsu Lake hosts the magical "Ice Village" with ice baths and bars from December to February.