[Hokkaido] 7 Best Tourist Spots in Horonobe Town! Reindeer, Blue Poppies & Hidden Train Stations

Discover the must-visit attractions in Horonobe Town, Hokkaido! Located in the northernmost region of Hokkaido, within the Soya Subprefecture, Horonobe Town (幌延町) sits along the 45th parallel north—the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole. This nature-rich town offers breathtaking landscapes and unique attractions.

Unlike most agricultural areas in Japan, Horonobe lies even farther north than the northern limit for rice cultivation. Instead of rice paddies, its primary industry is dairy farming. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rishiri (Rishiri Fuji) beyond the vast Sarobetsu Plain.

In this article, we’ll introduce the best sightseeing spots in Horonobe, including the famous reindeer farm, stunning flower fields, and mysterious hidden train stations that make this northern town a hidden gem in Hokkaido.

What Kind of Town is Horonobe? Must-Visit Tourist Attractions

Located in the northernmost part of Hokkaido, Horonobe Town is a hidden gem known for its untouched natural beauty. One of its most famous attractions is the Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden, where visitors can admire a vast expanse of wildflowers blooming from spring to summer.

Horonobe is also home to the Reindeer Farm, where you can interact with real reindeer, and the stunning Blue Poppy Fields, showcasing the rare Himalayan blue poppy in full bloom. Additionally, railway enthusiasts dream of visiting Nukanan Station, a secluded and picturesque train station.

Every year, Nukanan Station hosts a Christmas Party, drawing railway fans and tourists alike, while the Reindeer Farm also celebrates the holiday season with special events. This makes Horonobe a great year-round travel destination, not just in summer but also in winter. However, be prepared for snowy roads and harsh cold weather if you plan to visit during the winter months.

Horonobe’s Must-Visit Tourist Spot #1: Horonobe Reindeer Ranch

If you ask the residents of Horonobe to name the town’s top tourist attraction, many would likely mention the Horonobe Reindeer Ranch. This unique site is home to reindeer originally brought from Finland and their descendants, making it a rare and fascinating destination in Japan.

The ranch traces its origins back to 1989 (Heisei Year 1), when a former office worker from Gifu Prefecture left his corporate job to start a reindeer farm. Initially, the farm was solely for raising reindeer as livestock, with no intention of making it a tourist attraction. However, as interest in seeing reindeer grew and the farm became too small for the increasing number of animals, it was relocated about 4 kilometers away. On Christmas Day in 1999 (Heisei Year 11), it reopened as the Horonobe Reindeer Tourist Ranch, offering visitors a closer look at these majestic creatures.

Within the ranch grounds, you’ll also find North Garden, where stunning blue poppies bloom in season, adding another layer of beauty to this unique attraction.

◆ Feed the Reindeer for a Fun Experience!

At the Horonobe Reindeer Ranch, you can feed the reindeer for just 200 yen! Simply bring the food near the fence, and you'll be surrounded by adorable reindeer eagerly waiting for a treat. This is a great hands-on experience, perfect for families and animal lovers.

◆ A Perfect Christmas Experience!

Reindeer are famous for pulling Santa Claus’s sleigh, making them a symbol of Christmas! At Horonobe Reindeer Ranch, the holiday season is filled with exciting events. Don’t miss out—check out the official website (external link) for the latest updates on Christmas festivities!

Horonobe’s Must-Visit Tourist Spot #2: "North Garden," Home to the Blooming Blue Poppy

Another highlight of the Horonobe Reindeer Ranch is the stunning Blue Poppy (Meconopsis). Some may be surprised to hear about poppies being cultivated, but rest assured—these blue poppies are completely non-toxic and can be grown safely.

Here, you can witness the breathtaking beauty of Meconopsis betonicifolia, first discovered in Yunnan Province, China, 130 years ago, as well as Meconopsis grandis, a species native to Tibet. These rare and mesmerizing blue flowers bloom from June to mid-July, offering a picturesque sight.

From mid-June to late July, visitors can also admire the vibrant Lupine flowers, which add another layer of color to the landscape.

Horonobe’s Must-Visit Tourist Spot #3: Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden (Sarobetsu Wetland)

If you're visiting Horonobe, there's another breathtaking destination besides the Blue Poppy fields that you shouldn't miss—the Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden within Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. This vast wetland is home to a variety of northern flora, including Hime-shakunage (Labrador Tea), Ezo Gentian, Horomui Gentian, Asian Skunk Cabbage, and Rugosa Rose. In autumn, the landscape transforms as the grasses turn a vivid red, creating a mesmerizing seasonal contrast.

Throughout spring, summer, and autumn, you can witness the beauty of these wildflowers as they flourish in Hokkaido’s short but vibrant growing season.

◆ Start Your Journey at Horonobe Visitor Center

The Horonobe Visitor Center serves as the perfect gateway to exploring Sarobetsu Wetland. A 3-kilometer wooden walkway leads visitors through stunning landscapes, including Lake Naganuma and Lake Pankenuma, where diverse wetland plants thrive. The visitor center operates from May to October, offering insights into the region’s unique ecosystem.

Horonobe’s Must-Visit Tourist Spot #4: Nukanan Station and Other Hidden Stations in Horonobe Town

The JR Soya Main Line stretches 259.4 km, connecting Asahikawa Station to Wakkanai Station, making it the northernmost JR railway line in Japan. In Horonobe Town, the primary station is Horonobe Station, which serves an average of 22 passengers per day. However, other stations such as Toikanbetsu Station, Nukanan Station, Onoppunai Station, Minami-Horonobe Station, and Shimonuma Station are classified as "hikyō-eki" (hidden or remote stations) since they rarely see even a single passenger per day (according to JR Hokkaido).

In the past, additional stations like Kamionoppunai, Yasuushi, Kamihoronobe, and Minami-Shimonuma existed within Horonobe Town, but these have been decommissioned.

Among these, Nukanan Station stands out as one of the most secluded, so much so that the town itself funds its preservation as a rare case of a station being maintained as a tourism resource. Located in the middle of an expansive wilderness with no surrounding facilities, the station is mostly visited by railway enthusiasts.

With only three trains stopping per direction daily, visitors are strongly advised to check the train schedule in advance.

◆ A Day at Nukanan Station

A video documenting an entire day at Nukanan Station reveals that, despite a full day of observation, no passengers boarded or disembarked, highlighting the extreme seclusion of this hidden station.

◆ Nukanan Station Christmas Party

There is one special day when Nukanan Station comes alive—Christmas! On this day, railway enthusiasts and travelers gather to enjoy cake, share travel stories, and celebrate the holiday spirit. If you're planning to join the event in 2023, here are the details:

Horonobe’s Must-Visit Tourist Spot #5: Otonrui Wind Power Station

One of the most striking sights along the scenic Japan Sea Ororon Line, which stretches from Rumoi, is the Otonrui Wind Power Station. Located along Hokkaido Route 106, this massive row of wind turbines creates a breathtaking view. For the best experience, visit on a clear summer day!

Horonobe’s Must-Visit Tourist Spot #6: Horonobe Underground Research Center – Yumechisoukan

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, discussions about Japan’s energy policy have intensified, particularly regarding nuclear power. One of the key challenges of nuclear power generation is the management of high-level radioactive waste. The Horonobe Underground Research Center is a specialized facility conducting research on geological disposal technologies for high-level radioactive waste.

At the Yumechisoukan, an exhibition hall within the center, visitors can explore interactive displays and explanations about this research in an easy-to-understand format.

While opinions on nuclear power vary, learning about energy policies and considering Japan's future energy sources is crucial.

Horonobe’s Must-Visit Tourist Spot #7: Shinsyo Kaneda Calligraphy Museum

The Shinsyo Kaneda Calligraphy Museum houses approximately 1,700 masterpieces created by Shinsyo Kaneda, a renowned calligrapher from Horonobe who played a significant role in Japan’s calligraphy world. Additionally, the museum exhibits around 400 valuable artifacts, including inkstones, brushes, and ceramics.

As a distinguished calligrapher, Kaneda contributed to supervising and writing calligraphy textbooks. Many people in Japan might have unknowingly come across his works in educational materials.

For visitors looking to experience art in Horonobe, this museum is a must-visit destination.

◎ Take a Break in Japan’s Northernmost Region, Soya – Discover Horonobe!

The Soya region is Japan’s northernmost area, yet it sits at latitude 45° north, meaning it is exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. Interestingly, cities like London (51°N) and Paris (48°N) are even farther north than Horonobe, which may come as a surprise!

If you’re traveling from Sapporo or Asahikawa, the last major town before reaching Wakkanai is Nayoro. Since the distance from Nayoro to Wakkanai is nearly 170 km, a long drive awaits. That’s why we recommend stopping in Horonobe, a great place to take a break. You can also visit Toyotomi Town, famous for Toyotomi Onsen, which is known for its unique petroleum-infused hot springs. Make the most of your northern Hokkaido journey by exploring these hidden gems!

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[Hokkaido] 7 Best Tourist Spots in Horonobe Town! Reindeer, Blue Poppies & Hidden Train Stations