Abashiri: Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride & Making Local Cuisine

If you’re dreaming of a true winter escapade in Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, this tour in Abashiri offers an enchanting blend of outdoor adventure and culture. While we haven’t personally tried it, detailed reviews and descriptions highlight how this experience captures the essence of Hokkaido’s snowy charm.

What truly draws us in are the stunning snowy landscapes on the sleigh ride, the chance to prepare regional dishes with locally grown ingredients, and the family-friendly nature of the experience. One thing to consider is that this tour lasts only three hours, so travelers looking for a full-day adventure might want to combine it with other activities. Perfect for families wanting a cozy, hands-on taste of Hokkaido’s winter traditions, this experience balances outdoor fun with culinary delight.

Key Points

• Outdoor charm: A peaceful horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered scenery.
• Cultural insight: Hands-on cooking class with regional ingredients like potatoes and pumpkins.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children over 12, with gentle outdoor activities.
• Authentic flavors: Make and enjoy traditional dishes such as handmade dumplings and arajiru soup.
• Learn and eat: A well-rounded experience combining cultural learning with shared meals.
• Limited time: A 3-hour experience that offers a compact but memorable taste of Hokkaido winter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Idyllic Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride Through Snowy Abashiri

The highlight for many travelers is the horse-drawn sleigh ride in Abashiri National Park. Imagine sitting back on a sturdy sled, gently pulled by a beautiful horse, gliding across a blanket of fresh snow. Reviewers consistently mention how magical and relaxing this part of the tour feels, especially for families or couples seeking a peaceful winter escape.

The ride is described as safe, relaxing, and suitable for all ages, making it a popular choice for families with children. The snowy landscape is often praised for its stunning vistas, with some reviewers noting that the crisp winter air and the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses create a memorable scene straight out of a holiday card. Guides are generally friendly and English-speaking, ensuring that visitors understand the significance of the scenery and the experience.

One traveler mentioned, “The sleigh ride was so peaceful, and the views of the snow-covered trees and distant mountains were breathtaking.” Such moments of quiet beauty are what make this activity stand out, offering a chance to disconnect from busy travel schedules and soak in nature’s winter beauty.

Making Traditional Hokkaido Cuisine

After an outdoor dose of fresh air, the tour transitions into a cozy, hands-on cooking class. Here, you get to prepare regional dishes such as handmade dumplings and arajiru soup, using ingredients like locally grown potatoes and pumpkins. This window into local food traditions adds an educational and delicious layer to the experience.

Multiple reviews mention how much fun it is to interact directly with regional ingredients. Many highlight that the dishes are made with simple, hearty ingredients, reflective of Hokkaido’s culinary ethos. The use of potatoes and pumpkins, both abundant in the area, emphasizes the importance of local agriculture, making the meal feel authentic and comforting.

One guest wrote, “Making the dumplings by hand was a delightful process, and the soup was perfect for warming up after the snow.” Sharing a meal of what you’ve cooked amplifies the experience, creating a sense of accomplishment and connection to the local culture.

Practical Details: What to Expect and Considerations

The entire experience lasts around three hours, making it a convenient addition to a day in Abashiri. The tour is operated by North Star Travel Co.LTD., with English-speaking guides ensuring clear communication throughout.

Be sure to dress warmly, as you’ll spend time outdoors in the winter weather. The experience is designed to be family-friendly, with suitable age restrictions (children under 12 may not be accommodated). It’s also important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for people with certain health conditions or allergies, especially those with animal allergies, or who weigh over 200 lbs.

Booking is flexible since you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund. This ease of booking makes it accessible for travelers with flexible plans.

Why This Experience Offers Good Value

For its price, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Hokkaido’s winter scenes and culinary traditions. The outdoor sleigh ride, coupled with a hands-on cooking class, offers a mix of scenic beauty and cultural insight that’s hard to find in typical tourist experiences. It’s particularly appealing for families looking for interactive, memorable activities that aren’t overly commercialized.

The small, private group setting ensures a more intimate experience, allowing guides to give personal attention and share stories about local customs. Plus, the opportunity to learn to make regional dishes adds a genuine, lasting value—something you can recreate at home, bringing a piece of Hokkaido back with you.

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In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

The Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

The tour begins at Connectrip in Abashiri National Park, where a friendly guide greets you and helps you settle into your cozy seat on the sleigh. The ride usually lasts around 30-45 minutes, with gentle pacing designed to maximize comfort and scenic enjoyment. As you’re pulled across snow-laden fields and alongside forests, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos or simply take in the tranquil winter landscape.

Several reviewers mention how the quiet beauty of the snow-covered trees and mountains makes it a perfect moment for mindfulness or photography. The horses are described as well-cared-for and calm, adding to the relaxing vibe. Guides are knowledgeable and often share insights about the area’s wildlife and geography, enriching the experience.

The Cooking Class

Post-sleigh ride, participants move into a warm indoor space where the cooking unfolds. Here, you’ll learn from local instructors how to make signature dishes like handmade dumplings and arajiru soup, a regional specialty made from fish-based broth and vegetables.

The process is interactive and suitable for all skill levels—no previous cooking experience required. Reviewers say that the instructors are friendly and encouraging, making it easy to follow along. Using ingredients like potatoes and pumpkins grown locally, the dishes reflect the farm-to-table spirit of Hokkaido cuisine.

Once your dishes are ready, everyone sits down together to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Many mention how satisfying it is to eat a hearty, homemade meal after a day outdoors, especially in the warmth of a traditional Japanese setting.

Additional Insights From Experience Reviews

A key theme among reviewers is the authenticity of the experience. One noted that the dishes tasted simple but deeply flavorful, emphasizing regional ingredients. The sleigh ride was described as “peaceful” and “magical”, with many appreciating the outdoor activity as a way to truly connect with Hokkaido’s winter landscape.

Some reviewers pointed out minor considerations, like the need to dress very warmly due to the outdoor exposure and the limited duration meaning it’s best combined with other activities if you’re seeking a full day of adventure. Others mentioned that the tour is best suited for families with children over 12, as younger kids might find the outdoor elements less engaging.

The tour balances scenic beauty and cultural learning with a cozy, shared meal, creating a well-rounded, memorable experience.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a gentle outdoor activity complemented by a cultural taste of regional cuisine. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or small groups looking for an authentic, intimate glimpse of Hokkaido in winter. The combination of a peaceful sleigh ride and a hands-on cooking class offers a rare chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and learn a traditional dish or two.

If you value scenic views and local flavors over high-adrenaline activities, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Its duration and small group setting make it accessible and enjoyable without feeling rushed.

For those who love authentic cultural experiences, and want to bring home more than just photos—such as new recipes and warm memories—this tour offers a meaningful way to connect with Hokkaido’s winter spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, but children should be over 12 years old, as the outdoor snow activity and group setup are geared toward older kids and adults.

What should I wear for the sleigh ride? Dress warmly in layers, including insulated outerwear, hats, gloves, and waterproof footwear to stay comfortable during the outdoor portion.

How long does the entire experience last? About three hours in total, including the sleigh ride and the cooking class, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reservations can be made now and paid later, providing flexibility.

What ingredients are used in the cooking class? Locally grown potatoes and pumpkins are common ingredients, reflecting the regional produce of Abashiri.

Is the experience accessible for people with health issues or allergies? The tour is not suitable for those with certain health problems, heart conditions, or animal allergies, and it is limited to those under 200 lbs (91 kg).

This tour in Abashiri promises a peaceful, authentic glimpse of Hokkaido’s winter wonderland, blending scenic outdoor fun with a taste of local culinary traditions. It’s a wonderful choice for travelers seeking a genuine and cozy experience amid Japan’s snowiest landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: