Enjoy the great nature of Kume Island with a horse! What is the attraction of the horseback riding experience on Kume Island?

Horseback riding is popular on Kume Island

On the remote island of Kumejima, which is only a 30-minute flight from Naha City in Okinawa Prefecture, one horse was once kept by a family and lived with the people.

Horses were imported to China through trade, and were also widely used for transportation and farming.

Horseback riding is a popular experience that allows people of today to experience the once traditional culture of Kumejima as if it were an activity.

Why don't you enjoy a precious horseback riding experience that you can only experience here, while interacting with lovely horses in the nature of Kume Island?

In this issue, we will tell you about the attraction of popular horseback riding experiences on Kume Island, so please enjoy the article to the end!

 

Attraction of Horseback Riding Experience

In prewar Kumejima, most families kept one horse per family, and people and horses lived together.

Today, there is little of this culture left, but there are efforts to pass it on as a form of experience for tourism.

By enjoying horseback riding in the sea and mountains of Kumejima, you will be able to experience the history of horses and the horses that our ancestors shared their lives with since ancient times.

The horses that can be ridden on Kume Island are native Yonaguni horses, which are so gentle and even-tempered that they can be ridden while carrying a baby in their arms.

It is also a fun activity for family trips with children, so why not try it when you come to Kumejima?

 

Healing through contact with horses.

The Yonaguni horses, which are available for horseback riding experiences, are raised in a rich pasture environment in a leisurely manner, and many of them are very friendly, coupled with their original mild-mannered nature.

You can also experience playing in the ocean with the horses, and after playing in the water, they are said to be very cute as they romp around on the beach, trying to dry their wet bodies.

Even first-time riders and children can ride easily, and it will be easy for them to connect with the horses.

Even if you are not sure about riding a horse for the first time, just petting or walking with a horse will soothe you, and anyone is sure to have a special moment with a horse.

 

Exhilaration of running around the earth

The horseback riding experience allows visitors to ride a horse and run around the wide land of Kume Island, providing an exhilarating feeling that can only be experienced on a horse.

Also, if you actually get on a horse and ride it, you will probably be surprised at first at how fast it can go, at speeds of 50 km/h or more.

However, once you get used to the speed, you will feel good about running with the wind in your face, and you will definitely become addicted to it.

Furthermore, as you become more comfortable with riding and your timing and gait match with the horse, you can experience a tremendous sense of accomplishment when you complete a tempo ride.

Sweating on horseback provides good exercise and a strong element of activity, and is recommended for those who want to move around and play to their heart's content.

 

Enjoy the nature of Kume Island with horses

On Kume Island, which is full of nature, visitors can enjoy horseplay and horseback riding experiences that are unique to Kume Island.

For those who want to experience a sense of adventure, choosing a course that allows you to ride on a steep trail and push forward with your horse is also a perfect choice!

Since Kume Island is an island where you can enjoy both mountain and ocean nature, there are a variety of horseback riding courses, and being able to choose your favorite field for your experience will be another attraction.

In addition, during the January-February season, visitors can see the earliest blooming cherry trees in Japan, the Kanhizakura (cold scarlet cherry blossoms) and the endemic Kumenosakura (cherry blossoms), and can ride along the forest path lined with cherry trees.

The course, which leads from the forest road to the beach, offers a very luxurious experience of admiring the cherry blossoms while riding a horse.

For those who wish to enjoy the nature of Kumejima, which shows different faces in different seasons in this way, we recommend choosing a horseback riding course that matches the month and season.

 

Try horseback riding at Kumejima Horse Farm!

Kumejima Horse Ranch is the only horse ranch on Kumejima Island, where you can enjoy a horseback riding experience with plans and experience courses to suit your preferences.

Kumejima Horse Farm was originally opened with only two native-bred horses remaining on Kumejima, and offers horseback riding experiences for tourists and locals, mainly Yonaguni horses.

In particular, the ranch insists on offering horseback riding experiences with gentle, native horses, and hopes to convey the nature and history of Kumejima to as many people as possible through contact with the horses.

For more information on Kumejima Horse Farm, please refer to the following.

Kumejima Horse Farm Website

http://kumejimauma.jimdo.com/

Business hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Closed: No regular holidays

Tour fee: approx. 30 min. 4,500 yen and up

Others, such as hippocampus play 10,000 yen (tax included).

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour per course

 

Horseback Riding in the Sea

The most popular horseplay experience is the horseplay experience in the ocean.

In this experience, you can enter the sea while riding a bareback horse without harness!

There are many ways to enjoy riding horses in the ocean, being pulled through the water while holding onto their tails, and playing in the ocean while touching them.

Even if you are a little nervous about getting into the water, an instructor will accompany you and give you a lecture, so you can participate with peace of mind.

Once you get used to it, you will even be able to steer the horse while pulling on the reins by yourself.

In addition, those who cannot swim need not worry, as they play in the ocean at a depth just deep enough for their feet to touch.

We invite you to play dynamically with horses in the beautiful sea of Kumejima!

 

Horseplay in the mountains

Horseplay courses are also popular, where visitors can take walks in the forests and mountains of Kumejima's pristine greenery.

Horseback riding in the ocean is of course appealing, but if you want to spend a luxurious time enjoying the natural air and greenery, horseback riding in the mountains is the way to go!

Riding on the natural mountain paths and roads leading to the ocean, you will experience the splendor that only an island can offer.

There is also a course that allows visitors to explore the island's lifestyle and history along with its natural surroundings and historic sites while horseback riding.

You can also go to the old village hidden in the forest and have the rare experience of seeing how the islanders used to live while riding a horse.

If you wish to experience this in the summer, it is recommended to participate in the morning when it is cooler and more comfortable.

 

Sunset Beach Riding

Have you ever heard of a horseback riding experience called Sunset Beach Riding?

Sunset Beach Riding offers a special horseback riding experience that takes you around Kume Island's most beautiful sunset spots and beaches during sunset hours.

With a limited plan for one group, you can also have your photo taken, so it must be a valuable horseback riding experience.

Other popular courses include horseback riding on the beach overlooking the sunset and spectacular ocean views, or a walk on the hilltop while feeling the pleasant breeze at sunset.

It can also be combined with the ocean play experience, making it ideal for those who wish to enjoy the activity for longer.

Be sure to enjoy the special sunset scenery that can only be seen while riding a horse!

 

A rental car is recommended for sightseeing in the islands!
Book your rental car on Kumejima Island early!

A rental car is recommended for getting around on Kume Island!

It is recommended because we can move around during the trip and also at our own timing, such as early morning (sunrise), sunset, or a short trip outside to see the stars!

▼Learn more about car rentals ▼

 

summary

In this issue, we have introduced the charms of horseback riding on Kume Island and the characteristics of spots where you can enjoy the experience.

If you want to tour the islands, you can do so by car or on foot, but riding a horse is a very rare and interesting experience.

In addition, horseback riding itself is an activity that is not often experienced, so it is even more special to experience it in the extraordinary setting of Kumejima.

Furthermore, horseback riding is attractive not only as an activity but also as a sport, and once you experience it, you will surely be captivated by its exhilarating feeling.

The time spent touching and riding the precious native horses of Kume Island and being surrounded by nature will surely remain in the memories of your trip of a lifetime.