3.5 hour private experience
Location: Nanjo City, Okinawa
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the Master
What you’ll do
Enter the forests of the Yonaguni Horse Sanctuary and find a partner horse for the day. Next, under the guidance of the sanctuary staff, care for the horse. Then, head out to the beach and ride and play with your partner horse in the ocean. Finally, return to the forested Sanctuary and care for your four-legged partner.
Availability
Everyday
Session 1 (09:00 - 12:30)
Session 2 (14:00 - 17:30)*
Not available between November to April.
*Session 2 may only take place if the tide on the day is low.
Who can attend
Children must be 6+
Yonaguni horses are a breed of small horse, similar in size to ponies.
Thus, only participants weighing 75kg (165lb) or less may ride the horses.
What to wear/bring
Please bring a change of clothes to wear in the water.
IMPORTANT:
Long sleeves (ideally a rash vest/guard), long leggings/tights suitable for swimming, and marine shoes are required.
Without these, you may not be allowed to enter the water, due to strict beach regulations.
Marine shoes can be provided at no additional cost, up to a shoe size of 28cm (US 10 / UK 9 / EU 43.5).
What else you should know
The experience may be cancelled on short notice, depending on the weather, sea conditions, and physical conditions of the horses.
Usually, the final decision on whether to proceed will be made at 16:00 on the day before the experience.
Should the experience be cancelled from the host’s side, you will be fully refunded.
Access
50 minutes by car from Naha Airport
From the Forests to the Sands
On the farthest island of Okinawa, Yonaguni, one of Japan's native horse breeds has lived alongside humans as mankind's constant companion. The first sighting of horses on the main island of Okinawa was recorded in the 15th century, marking the origin of Yonaguni horses to be shortly after this. Smaller than the average thoroughbred racehorse, the Yonaguni horse was known for its strong hooves and legs, and was thus utilized for farming, transport, and daily life, well adapted to the island’s rugged terrain and subtropical climate, as well as a source of trade with mainland Asia. Today, the Yonaguni horse is protected as a cultural and natural heritage of Okinawa, valued for its gentle temperament and close connection to the Yonaguni and Okinawa's history and way of life. At a Yonaguni Horse Sanctuary on the main island of Okinawa, enter the forested grounds and find a horse companion for the day. Under the guidance of the sanctuary staff, learn about the history and legacy of your four-legged companion, as well as how to care for them. Then, change the scene to the oceanside and spend time with your horse companion in the water, or, once requirements are met, catch a ride on it through the shallows. Experience and connect with this gentle living proof of Okinawa's local history.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 3 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
