{"id":3864,"date":"2026-09-26T11:06:46","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T02:06:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/?p=3864"},"modified":"2026-09-26T11:06:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T02:06:49","slug":"makaino-farm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/en\/shizuoka\/makaino-farm\/","title":{"rendered":"Makaino Farm: A Hands-On Ranch at the Foot of Mount Fuji"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Travel insights from a tour conductor \u2014 today’s destination: Makaino Farm, a hands-on ranch tucked into the Asagiri Highlands of Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Asagiri Highlands stretch across the western foot of Mount Fuji and rank among Japan’s most productive dairy regions. Makaino Farm sits right in the middle of it, and it packs in a lot: sheep, goats, cattle, rabbits, and even llamas roam the grounds, while hands-on workshops let visitors make their own butter, an obstacle course keeps kids busy, and same-day glamping rounds out the options. On a clear day, Mount Fuji looms over almost every corner of the property, and the mountain’s mood shifts with the seasons and the hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Item<\/th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Name<\/td>Makaino Farm (\u307e\u304b\u3044\u306e\u7267\u5834)<\/td><\/tr>
Hours<\/td>9:30 AM \u2013 5:30 PM (closes at 4:30 PM roughly from October 21 through February 20)<\/td><\/tr>
Closed<\/td>Wednesdays and Thursdays from roughly December 1 to March 20 (with some exceptions); generally open the rest of the year<\/td><\/tr>
Address<\/td>1327 Uchino, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture<\/td><\/tr>
Access<\/td>About 25\u201330 minutes by Fujikyu Shizuoka Bus from JR Fujinomiya Station, bound for Fuji-Q Highland; get off at the Makaino Farm stop<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The farm sits right along National Route 139, which makes it an easy stop for a mixed crowd of families, couples, and friends traveling together. Well-behaved dogs are welcome under the farm’s own conditions, so it’s not unusual to see visitors bringing their pets along for the highland air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to know before you go: this is car-and-reservation territory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\u9ad8\u53f0\u304b\u3089\u898b\u4e0b\u308d\u3057\u305f\u307e\u304b\u3044\u306e\u7267\u5834\"
Makaino Farm from Hill<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There’s no train station anywhere near Makaino Farm, so if you’re relying on public transport, the local bus is your only option \u2014 and schedules thin out depending on the time of day, so it’s worth checking timetables before you set out. Drivers usually come via the Fuji Interchange on the Tomei Expressway or the Shin-Fuji Interchange on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, following Route 139 the rest of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular add-ons like the buggy rides, same-day glamping, and e-bike rentals almost always require booking ahead \u2014 you can’t just show up and expect a slot. Even some of the workshop sessions and factory tours run on limited daily capacity, so if there’s something specific you want to do, it’s worth checking availability before you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter brings its own quirks. The highlands sit at elevation, so wind and fog roll in easily, and snow or icy roads aren’t unusual between December and March. Closing time also shifts earlier \u2014 4:30 PM instead of 5:30 PM \u2014 from late October through late February, so budget your visit accordingly. New Year’s Day and peak “Diamond Fuji” viewing weekends can also bring crowds to the parking lot and entrance gate; arriving right at opening and eating lunch early tends to smooth things out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a dairy family’s name to a 55-year legacy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\u307e\u304b\u3044\u306e\u7267\u5834\u306e\u5165\u308a\u53e3\"
Entrance of Makaino Farm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“Makaino” isn’t a made-up brand name \u2014 it’s the surname of the family that runs the place (written \u99ac\u98fc\u91ce in kanji). The farm opened in 1970, growing out of the family’s dairy operation into the hands-on visitor experience it is today, where the emphasis has always been on letting people connect directly with farm animals and the work behind everyday dairy products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2025 marked the farm’s 55th anniversary, and the milestone brought a major renovation. A new zone called GRAN TERRASS GRACE opened with terrace seating that faces Mount Fuji head-on, and the restaurant and gift shop got a full refresh \u2014 the idea being that the visit itself, not just the activities, should feel worth the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wider Asagiri Highlands tell a related story. The volcanic soil here was never much good for rice farming, but the cool climate and wide-open grassland turned out to be ideal for raising dairy cattle, and the region built its identity around that after the war. Makaino Farm grew alongside that shift \u2014 starting as a working dairy operation and gradually becoming a place where visitors could experience that heritage firsthand rather than just buy the end product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animals up close, Mount Fuji in the background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\u307e\u304b\u3044\u306e\u7267\u5834\u306e\u3075\u308c\u3042\u3044\u7267\u5834\"
Makaino Farm Zoo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The heart of a Makaino Farm visit is how close you get to the animals. Milking a cow or bottle-feeding a calf costs nothing extra, and there are goat walks and sheep encounters on offer too \u2014 a level of closeness you just don’t get at a city zoo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there’s the mountain. Look up on a clear day and Fuji is right there, filling the sky above the highland pastures. Summer’s lush green contrasts sharply with the snow-capped winter version, and the two barely look like the same mountain \u2014 which is part of why repeat visitors keep coming back across the seasons. There’s something particular about petting a goat and glancing up to find Fuji staring back at you; it’s not a combination you’ll find at a typical petting zoo or theme park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workshops, photo spots, and outdoor activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\u307e\u304b\u3044\u306e\u7267\u5834\u306e\u6848\u5185\u677f\"
Information of Makaino Farm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the animals, Makaino Farm has plenty of other ways to fill a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hands-on food workshops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The farm’s food workshop building runs short sessions throughout the day. Butter-making is the standout \u2014 about 20 minutes, roughly the price of a light lunch \u2014 and there are sausage-making and cookie-making options too. It’s the kind of activity you can slot in whenever your schedule allows, rather than something you need to plan your whole day around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s also a small vegetable-growing plot called Makiba Farm, where visitors can try their hand at cultivating produce \u2014 a nice complement to the animal encounters and food workshops if you want a fuller picture of farm life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo spots with Fuji as the backdrop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Heidi’s Swing” has become something of a signature shot, and it’s far from the only option \u2014 the new GRAN TERRASS GRACE zone from the 2025 renovation has quickly become a favorite for photos with Fuji filling the frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Buggy rides, same-day glamping, e-bike rentals, and barbecue areas round out the outdoor offerings. As mentioned, most of these need to be booked in advance, so plan ahead if any of them are must-dos for your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Year’s sunrise tradition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every New Year’s Day, crowds gather early at Makaino Farm to watch the sun rise over Mount Fuji \u2014 it’s become something of a local tradition. The crisp winter air makes for a striking sunrise, and it’s one of the more distinctive ways to start the year in this part of Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearby spots, all within a 10-minute drive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Asagiri Highlands pack in several worthwhile stops close to the farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shiraito Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\u5e7b\u60f3\u7684\u306a\u767d\u7cf8\u306e\u6edd\"
Shiraito Falls<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About a 4-minute drive away, this waterfall drops roughly 20 meters over a 150-meter-wide curtain, fed by an unusually pure natural spring. It’s one of the registered components of the “Fujisan” UNESCO World Heritage listing, recognized for its role in the mountain’s history as a site of faith and artistic inspiration. A viewing bridge and walking path bring you right up close to the spray.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tShiraito Falls: The Silk-Thread Waterfall Born from Mount Fuji’s Groundwater<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTravel insights from a tour conductor \u2014 today’s destination: Shiraito Falls (\u767d\u7cf8\u306e\u6edd), on the western foot of Mount Fuji in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture….<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n

Lake Tanuki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Roughly a 10-minute drive from the farm, this highland lake is famous for reflecting Mount Fuji on calm days \u2014 sometimes producing an upside-down “reverse Fuji,” and at the right time of year, the “Diamond Fuji” effect when the sun aligns with the peak. A roughly 4-kilometer path circles the lake, making it good for a walk or a bike ride, and it pairs naturally with an early-morning or sunset visit to the farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fuji Milkland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\u5bcc\u58eb\u30df\u30eb\u30af\u30e9\u30f3\u30c9\u306e\u770b\u677f\"
Fuji Milkland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About a 5-minute drive away, this dairy-focused facility lets you sample fresh milk soft-serve and cheese sourced from the same Asagiri Highlands dairy tradition \u2014 a nice way to see the region’s dairy culture from a different angle than the farm offers.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\u3042\u308f\u305b\u3066\u8aad\u307f\u305f\u3044<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFuji Milk Land: Farm Animals and Dairy Treats on the Asagiri Plateau<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTravel insights from a tour conductor \u2014 today’s destination: Fuji Milk Land, a hands-on dairy farm park spread across the Asagiri Plateau in Fujinomiya City,…<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n

Asagiri Onsen Kaze no Yu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Around a 6-minute drive from Makaino Farm, this day-use hot spring is a convenient way to unwind after a day spent walking around the highlands, and works well as the last stop before heading to your hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay near Makaino Farm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to extend your visit, the Asagiri Highlands area has a few solid options with Mount Fuji views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kyukamura Fuji<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Set right on the shores of Lake Tanuki, this resort hotel offers Fuji views from literally every room. The mildly alkaline natural hot spring is a highlight, and the mountain looks different depending on the season and the light. Dinner is a buffet built around Shizuoka ingredients, and an early-morning walk along the lakeside path is a great way to catch Fuji at its best.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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Kyukamura Fuji<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Check prices and availability:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBooking.com<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t›<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Super Hotel Fujinomiya (Natural Hot Spring “Sakuya no Yu”)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A practical business hotel in central Fujinomiya, with a natural hot spring bath split by gender. It sits close to Shiraito Falls and Fuji Milkland, and breakfast comes as a free buffet \u2014 a good fit for anyone balancing sightseeing with a bit of downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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Super Hotel Fujinomiya<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Check prices and availability:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBooking.com<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t›<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Kameya Ryokan (Mount Fuji View Bath)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just a five-minute walk from Fujinomiya Station, this ryokan’s biggest draw is the top-floor observation bath, which delivers a sweeping view of Mount Fuji on a clear day. The kitchen leans on local Fujinomiya ingredients, and Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine is within easy walking distance, making it convenient for combining sightseeing with a shrine visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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Kameya Ryokan<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Check prices and availability:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBooking.com<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t›<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Why a tour conductor makes this trip easier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Makaino Farm’s appeal is straightforward, but the logistics around it \u2014 the bus schedules, the advance bookings for buggy rides and glamping, the winter road conditions \u2014 add up to more planning than a typical day trip. This is exactly where a dedicated tour conductor earns their keep: managing the itinerary end to end, confirming reservations for time-limited activities before you arrive, and handling the kind of last-minute rebooking that comes up when a bus is delayed or a workshop slot falls through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Language is rarely a barrier at a farm this geared toward families, but a tour conductor’s interpretation support still smooths things over at ticket counters, workshop check-ins, or when coordinating with a hotel front desk. None of this involves acting as an on-site guide or rewriting your itinerary on the fly \u2014 a tour conductor’s job is to keep the plan you’ve already made running smoothly, from transportation to timing to the occasional curveball. For a trip built around a rural, reservation-heavy destination like Makaino Farm, that kind of quiet logistics support is often the difference between a relaxed day and a stressful one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about dedicated tour conductor services at tours.e-stay.jp<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\te-stay Tours<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLuxury Group Tours Japan | Private Tour Conductor | e-stay by Travel Service Kiosk<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJapan-based luxury group tour specialists. Custom itineraries, private tour conductors, direct hotel negotiation, transparent pricing. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & bey…<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n

In summary: a highland day built around animals, food, and Fuji<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\u307e\u304b\u3044\u306e\u7267\u5834\u306e\u770b\u677f\"
Sign of Makaino Farm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Makaino Farm brings together animal encounters, food workshops, and some of the best backyard views of Mount Fuji you’ll find in the Asagiri Highlands. Fifty-five years after opening as a family dairy operation, the 2025 renovation has added fresh reasons to linger, from the new terrace zone to the refreshed restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shiraito Falls and Lake Tanuki are both within a 10-minute drive, so it’s easy to build a fuller day around the farm rather than treating it as a single stop. If you want to stay longer, Kyukamura Fuji’s lakeside setting on Lake Tanuki makes for a natural base \u2014 especially if an early morning walk along the water, with Fuji reflected on the surface, sounds like a good way to start the next day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Travel insights from a tour conductor \u2014 today’s destination: Makaino Farm, a hands-on ranch tucked into […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3865,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","swell_btn_cv_data":"","_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/?p=3855","footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":"0"},"categories":[22],"tags":[68,94,60],"class_list":["post-3864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shizuoka","tag-kids","tag-farm-zoo","tag-nature","en-US"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3864"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3864\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/e-stay.jp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}