Two days of nature, horses, and unforgettable memories.

Nestled in Eastern Hokkaido near the Kushiro Wetlands, Heart Ranch offers a truly unique private, all-inclusive wedding photo experience in Japan.
Set across 50 hectares of open pasture and forest, our plan combines a professional photoshoot with a one-night stay in our on-site accommodation, including dinner and breakfast.

Spend meaningful time with our gentle, well-trained horses and enjoy the rare opportunity—especially in Japan—to create wedding memories surrounded by the beauty of Hokkaido’s wild landscape.

Our Story – Heart Ranch

Bringing People and Horses Closer Together

In Japan, opportunities to spend meaningful, unhurried time with horses are still rare. At Heart Ranch, we set out to change that—to share the joy and emotion of connecting with these gentle animals, and to make such experiences a more familiar part of life for many people.

Located in Eastern Hokkaido near the Kushiro Wetlands, our ranch spans 50 hectares—about the size of ten Tokyo Domes—of open pasture and forest. Here, the vastness of nature creates space for both people and horses to relax and feel at home.

With this vision in mind, a father and daughter founded Heart Ranch as an agricultural corporation in 2022. Today, we raise mainly American Quarter Horses and care for them with a “well-being” philosophy that values trust, respect, and the happiness of both humans and horses.

This same spirit flows into everything we offer—from daily ranch life to hosting couples for photo weddings that allow them not only to capture beautiful images, but to truly experience the calm and wonder of life alongside horses.

Why Choose Heart Ranch for Your Wedding Photos

Private, Scenic Location

Enjoy 50 hectares (about 123 acres) of open pasture and forest, reserved exclusively for your shoot.

Stay & Shoot in One Place

Arrive the day before, check into our on-site rooms, and relax. We can start shooting on the arrival day if weather permits, with the second day as a backup.

Gentle, Well-Trained Horses

Our horses are specially trained for wedding shoots. Whether you are an experienced rider or a complete beginner, our staff will guide you safely.

Authentic Ranch Experience

Spend time connecting with the horses through a Horse Communication Session—a unique touch only possible at a working ranch in Japan.

Plan Overview

▶︎Price: Weekdays from USD 5,000 (incl. tax)
▶︎Includes: 5-hour professional photo session plus 1-night accommodation at Heart Ranch (for up to 4 guests) with dinner & breakfast for 2 guests.
▶︎Best Seasons: June, September–November

What’s Included

  • 200+ high-resolution edited images (color, contrast, brightness adjustment)
  • Wedding dress rental (1 dress, sizes 9–11) with pre-shoot fitting session
  • Bouquet
  • Bride’s hair & makeup (2 styles, professional artist on-site)
  • Horse Communication Session (with riding lesson for beginners)
  • Private use of our hilltop pasture during the shoot
  • Full support from ranch staff (handling, guiding, and safety)
  • 1-night accommodation for up to 4 guests (2 guests’ dinner & breakfast included)
  • Transport during shoot

Locations

Heart Ranch pastures and hilltop
One nearby scenic location

Before You Book – Important Information

1. Pricing & Payment
  • Prices shown are for weekdays and include tax.
    Weekends and national holidays: +USD 1,000 (incl. tax).
  • To confirm your booking, please pay a deposit USD 1,000 at the time of reservation. The deposit is considered a preparation fee and is non-refundable, even in the event of cancellation.
  • The remaining balance is due at least 14 days before the shoot, payable by bank transfer or credit card.
2. Attire & What to Bring
  • We kindly ask that the groom’s outfit be brought by the couple.
3.Shooting & Safety
  • First-time riders are welcome; however, we regret that we cannot accommodate guests who are pregnant.
4. Cancellations & Date Changes
  • Up to 45 days before the shooting date (about 1.5 months in advance), both cancellations and date changes are free of charge.
    For date changes, if the new date is available (no other bookings), we will make the change free of charge. The rescheduled date must be within 6 months.
  • Please see the details below.
Notification TimingCancellation FeeDate Change Fee
Up to 45 days beforeDeposit only (non-refundable)Free (1 time only)
※ From the 2nd change onwards: 30% of total fee
44–15 days before30% of total fee15% of total fee
14–7 days before50% of total fee30% of total fee
6 days before – by 12:00 noon the day before80% of total fee50% of total fee
After 12:00 noon the day before – on the day100% of total fee100% of total fee (treated as a cancellation)

* The deposit is considered a preparation fee and is non-refundable, even in the event of cancellation.
* All date change fees are charged in addition to the deposit, which will be applied to the new booking.

Contact

For availability, booking, or questions, please contact us at contact@heartranch.jp

We look forward to welcoming you to Heart Ranch and creating unforgettable memories together in the heart of Hokkaido’s beautiful countryside.

Thank you very much for your continued support of Heart Ranch. We would like to inform you that the opening commemorative campaign pricing for our accommodation plans has now ended, and regular pricing will apply going forward.

Implementation Date:

Starting with reservations made from August 1, 2025, regular rates will apply. Reservations confirmed before this date will retain the previous promotional pricing.

For more details, please visit our Cafe / Stay page.

Contact

contact form: https://heartranch.jp/contact

Email: contact@heartranch.jp

Phone: +81-154-87-2121
We may not be able to answer the phone while assisting guests or doing ranch work. We kindly ask that you leave a voice message in such cases.


Our entire team—humans and horses—will continue striving to provide a memorable stay experience that meets and exceeds your expectations.
We appreciate your continued support of Heart Ranch.

This program is primarily for students of the Veterinary Medicine and Applied Animal Science departments at Azabu University.
However, students from other universities interested in practical training at the ranch are also welcome to inquire.

🏫 Training Periods for 2025

We have organized three training sessions this year, each accommodating approximately 2 to 4 participants.
Arrivals are from Kushiro Airport on the first day, with departures from Kushiro Airport on the final day.

Group 1: September 5 – September 11
Group 2: September 12 – September 18
Group 3: September 19 – September 25

🚌 Transportation

There are six direct round-trip flights per day between Haneda and Kushiro, with an approximate flight time of 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Upon arrival at Kushiro Airport on Day 1, trainees should transfer by shuttle bus to Kushiro Station, then proceed to Tōro Station by train (about 30 minutes).

🏡 Accommodation

Trainees will stay in the company lodging (second floor), located within a 5-minute walk from Tōro Station. The owner resides on the first floor.
The ranch is a 10–15 minute drive from the lodging. Morning and evening shuttle transfers are provided—no driving on your part is required.

Training Content

Horse Care and Stable Management

Students will engage in hands-on activities such as horse handling (including brushing and leading), preparing feed, cleaning stables, and removing manure from the pastures.

Breeding Practices

Trainees will observe and participate in reproductive tasks such as rectal examinations, artificial insemination, and pregnancy checks. Please note that depending on the mares’ estrus cycles, some of these procedures may not be possible during your stay.

Other General Tasks

Depending on the season and weather, trainees may also observe and assist with castration, horse vaccinations, deworming, and the process of mowing and baling pasture grasses.

What to Bring for the Training

Participants must bring their own coveralls or work clothes. We can lend boots as needed, but please be aware that the available sizes may run a bit large.

Facilities at the Accommodation

Complimentary items include hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and one set of towels (large and small). Please bring your own toiletries such as toothbrush, facial cleanser, and lotion. If you plan to do laundry, you should bring laundry detergent and hangers. The lodging is equipped with a washing machine, refrigerator, IH cooktop, rice cooker, and kettle.

Meals During the Training

Meals are primarily self-catered. For grocery runs to town, participants may travel by train on their own, or join the staff when they drive into town.

Sightseeing Opportunities

While there are no days off during the 5-day practical training (excluding travel days), many students schedule sightseeing before or after the training. The dormitory is located near Toro Station, with the expansive Kushiro Wetlands—Japan’s first Ramsar-designated location—just behind it. You can enjoy serene canoe trips down the Kushiro River or birdwatch endangered species such as Steller’s sea eagles, Eurasian curlews, and the charming Japanese long-tailed tit (Shimaenaga). Also popular among train enthusiasts is riding the nostalgic Senmo Line, offering plentiful tourism opportunities in eastern Hokkaido.


Since launching in June 2025, the Heart Ranch Riding Club has welcomed riders of all levels to enjoy horseback riding amid the wide‑open nature of Eastern Hokkaido. Whether you are completely new to horses or an experienced equestrian looking for fresh scenery, our club offers a friendly environment where you can ride year‑round and connect with gentle, well‑trained horses.

What Makes Our Club Special

Ride in Any Weather

Lessons are held in our covered arena, with optional trail rides that showcase the seasonal beauty of the marshlands once you master the basics.

Comfortable Clubhouse

Family and friends can relax with coffee or tea while watching lessons through large arena windows.

Transparent Pricing

Simple membership plans with minimal extra fees, making it easy to start.

Membership Plans
Riding Club — Limited‑Time Founding Member Pricing

Join now and lock in our inaugural rates—available only to the first cohort of members.

Adult Plan
Joining Fee: ¥55,000 (exclusive 50 % discount; regular price ¥110,000)
Monthly Fee: ¥15,000 + tax
Included Lessons: Two 30‑minute riding lessons per month
*Extra lessons: ¥5,000 per 30‑minute session

Junior Plan
Joining Fee: ¥33,000 (introductory rate; regular price ¥88,000)
Monthly Fee: ¥12,000 + tax
Included Lessons: Two 30‑minute riding lessons per month

* All prices cover horse rental and instructor fees—no hidden charges.

Access & Transportation

JR Toro Station shuttle available for junior members on regular lesson days (approximately 30‑minute train ride from Kushiro station).

About 30 minutes by car from the Kushiro city area.

How to Join or Visit

If you would like to book a trial lesson, tour the facilities, or have any questions about membership, please contact us:

Email: contact@heartranch.jp
Phone: 0154‑87‑2121 (If we are with guests or working on the ranch, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call.)

We look forward to sharing the joy of riding—and the unmatched scenery of Heart Ranch—with you.

Our first born foal, Happy sleeping on pasture

Let’s celebrate Easter with fun filled activitied, English conversation, and form friendships through international exchanges!

Everyone is welcome, tell your family, friends, teachers, students, ALTs. the more the merrier.

Please RSVP via below link or QR to secure the parking slots.

https://qr.paps.jp/Lq7a7

[Details]
Date:Sunday, April 20th, 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Location: Heart Ranch
Parking: 50 cars available

[Activities]
Adventure treasure hunt and egg race
Horse interaction and feeding experience
English Conversation

[Entrance fees]
1,000 yen per person (same price for adults and kids. 50% of fee goes to HEC as donation)

[Rainy day plan]
In case of rain, we will host other activities.

[Contact]
Please contact us at email or phone as below.
email: contact@heartranch.jp
phone: 0154-87-2121

Saturday, December 7th, 10:30~14:30

Hokkaido English Challenge (HEC) and Heart Ranch collaboration event

Come get in the Christmas spirit, relax with horses, and experience fun, international games and food at Heart Ranch collaborating with the Hokkaido English Challenge (HEC)!

Half of the proceeds for this event’s entry fee will help with that goal! Hope to see you there!

Advance Reservation Recommended

Due to limited parking space, priority will be given to those who make a reservation via the link in the link below.

Reservation URL:https://x.gd/5XSoA

To celebrate the café opening, we will hold a horse show.
We are inviting Mr. Mochida, who is the leading person in the industry, and his team from Obihiro to host the show.

Details

Date: Sunday, October 20th.
Time: Morning session 11:00~12:00, Afternoon session 13:00~14:00
Tickets: 1,100 yen
*Residents in Shibecha and crowdfunding supporters will receive free entry.

Horse shows are rare in Japan, so we hope you take this opportunity to see one!
For any questions, feel free to reach out to us at contact@heartranch.jp.

About the September Event

How about a spending some time, including a photo session with our newborn foals? Foals have a simple routine: they play, drink milk, and sleep. This makes it surprisingly easy to get great photos if you time it right! Staff will be present during the photo session, so even if you haven’t interacted much with horses before, you can participate with confidence. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Details

Dates: September 21st (Saturday) at 1 PM (two sessions)
Schedule: Lunch at 12PM, Photo session at 1PM
Reservations: Required in advance. We offer two types of tickets:
1) Photo session with foals at the white horse paddock and meadow + Lunch Set: ¥5,000 (excluding tax)
2) Lunch Set only (lunch box + drink): ¥2,500 (excluding tax)
For both options, we can also arrange a visit to the studio trailer set up in the highland meadow for those interested.

Cafe will be open in October

Construction began in April, and the exterior walls are now fully completed. We are currently working on the interior painting and the installation of fixtures.

The concept is a space that harmonizes with the natural surroundings of the ranch, with attention to both the view from the café and the color scheme of the paint. We also plan to include an open terrace where you can relax while enjoying the ranch scenery.

We will continue to work on the finishing touches and interior details, and we’ll keep you updated on our progress. We look forward to the opening of the café this October!

Jasmine and Queen each gave birth to two foals on July 6th and 8th, respectively—a girl and a boy! Jasmine’s foal born on July 6th is named ‘Eve Heart’ (nickname: Eve), and Queen’s foal born on July 8th is named ‘Simba Heart’ (nickname: Simba).

Eve’s name

We were considering naming her after the Milky Way, since she was born around Star Festival so called Tanabata, “Japanese festival celebrating the meeting of two stars, Vega and Altair, who are separated by the Milky Way”. Since she was born a day earlier, we decided to name her Eve.

Simba’s name

Simba was born weaker compared to Eve, and we were a bit worried about his health. To propitiate him to grow strong, we named him after Simba from The Lion King!

The meaning of ‘Heart’

To show that they are part of the Heart Ranch family, we added ‘Heart’ to their names. Additionally, both foals have the same father! We had their father, a purebred Quarter Horse, from a ranch in Obihiro that we have a close relationship with.