GAO Outdoor Center Tomamu
Experience diverse outdoor adventures from horse riding to farm exploration, with a highly-rated cafe, all set against Hokkaido's beautiful landscapes...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for farm exploration
GAO Outdoor Center Tomamu
Best Time
Pleasant weather for farm exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience diverse outdoor adventures from horse riding to farm exploration, with a highly-rated cafe, all set against Hokkaido's beautiful landscapes.
"Horse riding was an absolute highlight of our trip, completely turning things around for us!"
English Support for Treeing?
Treeing activity may lack English instruction. Inquire beforehand if you're not fluent in Japanese.
Fantastic Cafe Break
Don't miss the cafe! Great food and coffee selection for a relaxing break.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 100 reviews
Type
Cycling Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Horse Riding Adventure
Horse Riding Area
Gentle horses, beautiful scenery, and engaging guides make for a memorable family experience.
Farm Cart Exploration
Farm Area
Explore the scenic farm, capture photos of cattle and sheep, and enjoy the open air.
Snow Rafting Thrills
Snow Rafting Area
Experience the excitement of snow rafting for an exhilarating winter adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Language Barrier for Treeing
Family Fun & Farm Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
English Support for Treeing?
Treeing activity may lack English instruction. Inquire beforehand if you're not fluent in Japanese.
Fantastic Cafe Break
Don't miss the cafe! Great food and coffee selection for a relaxing break.
Horse Riding Highlight
Horse riding is highly recommended, especially with guides like Kangsuki.
Family-Friendly Fun
Lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Tips
from all over the internet
English Support for Treeing?
Treeing activity may lack English instruction. Inquire beforehand if you're not fluent in Japanese.
Fantastic Cafe Break
Don't miss the cafe! Great food and coffee selection for a relaxing break.
Horse Riding Highlight
Horse riding is highly recommended, especially with guides like Kangsuki.
Family-Friendly Fun
Lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Eco-Friendly Stay
Consider staying longer for an excellent, environmentally friendly experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise GAO Outdoor Center for its diverse family-friendly activities, particularly the excellent horse riding experience with engaging English-speaking guides. The farm cart exploration and the highly-rated cafe are also significant draws. However, a notable drawback is the lack of English support for the Treeing activity, which can lead to frustration and safety concerns for non-Japanese speakers.
"On May 10, 2025, my wife hired a Yamaha cart for an hour here. We drove around the farm area, taking snap shots of cattle and sheep. We were thrilled with the experience and the rain that began during the latter part of our cruise didn’t dampen our spirit!"
Peter Kam Fai Cheung
"Important Notice for Non-Japanese Speakers Considering Treeing
If you are a foreigner considering the Treeing activity, please think twice. We paid ¥3,500 per person and unfortunately found the experience both frustrating and potentially unsafe due to a complete lack of English support.
The instructor gave all safety instructions and climbing techniques only in Japanese. When we asked questions in English—especially regarding rope usage and safety—the instructor responded in Japanese with visible irritation. We were left to guess how to proceed, which felt risky, particularly when descending the tree without proper guidance.
To make matters worse, children—even those who met the minimum age requirement—were loudly scolded in Japanese for minor movements. This created an uncomfortable and tense atmosphere. No assistance was provided with the equipment before or after the activity; participants were expected to manage everything on their own.
It’s worth noting that today, more than half of the participants were non-Japanese speakers. Given this, it was surprising and disappointing that no English instructions or support were available.
We strongly urge the resort to assign at least one English-speaking instructor per session or to clearly state that the activity is only suitable for Japanese speakers. This would ensure both safety and enjoyment for all participants.
We hope this feedback helps improve the experience for future guests.
———————————————————————-
Wonderful Horse Riding Experience – Highly Recommended!
Horse riding was an absolute highlight of our trip. After a disappointing experience with Treeing that left our child in tears, this activity completely turned things around for us.
Our guide, Kangsuki, led the horse named Garu and made the entire session so enjoyable. He spoke excellent English and brought a unique sense of humor that we were told is typical of Osaka—it kept the whole family laughing and relaxed throughout.
The horses were gentle, the scenery was beautiful, and the staff was kind and professional. We can’t thank them enough for this memorable experience.
Highly recommended to families and anyone looking for a fun and uplifting activity at the resort!"
Ashley Kim
"Pretty good. Lots.to.do for the whole family.
The cafe is absolutely fantastic with its food and coffee selection.
Recommend visiting"
Augustus Gloop
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
GAO Outdoor Center is located within the Tomamu resort area. Access typically involves traveling to Tomamu Station via the JR Hokkaido Line, followed by a shuttle bus or taxi to the resort and then to the outdoor center.
Yes, parking is generally available at the GAO Outdoor Center and the wider Tomamu resort. It's advisable to check the resort's official website for specific parking details and any associated fees.
Public transport options are available to reach Tomamu resort, including trains and buses. From the resort, local shuttles or taxis can take you to the outdoor center.
Depending on the season and your location within the resort, walking, resort shuttles, or taxis are common ways to move between different activity areas.
In winter, ensure your transportation is equipped for snow and ice. Flights to New Chitose Airport (CTS) followed by a train are a popular route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the GAO Outdoor Center itself is generally free, but individual activities like horse riding, treeing, or snow rafting have separate fees. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or inquire on-site.
It is highly recommended to book popular activities, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. Some activities, like horse riding, may require advance reservations.
Operating hours can vary significantly depending on the season and specific activities. Winter activities typically run during daylight hours, while summer activities might have extended hours. Always check the official website for the most current information.
Yes, most activities have age and/or height restrictions for safety reasons. For example, the Treeing activity has a minimum age requirement. Details are usually provided at the activity booking point.
The Treeing activity is priced at approximately ¥3,500 per person, but this can change. Be aware of the potential language barrier mentioned in reviews.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include horse riding, exploring the farm area with cart rentals, and enjoying snow rafting in winter. The cafe is also a popular spot.
Yes, GAO Outdoor Center is very family-friendly, offering activities like horse riding and farm exploration that children can enjoy.
You can expect beautiful natural scenery, including rolling farm landscapes with cattle and sheep, and picturesque winter snowscapes.
Yes, there is a cafe that is highly praised for its food and coffee selection, providing a great place to relax.
Dress according to the season and activity. For outdoor activities, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended. In winter, warm, waterproof gear is essential for snow activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The primary dining option mentioned is the cafe, which is described as fantastic with an excellent selection of food and coffee.
Reviews consistently praise the cafe, highlighting its great food and coffee selection.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in available reviews, but the cafe's selection suggests variety. It's best to inquire directly at the cafe.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally common for outdoor centers to allow guests to bring their own snacks. However, for full meals, utilizing the on-site cafe is recommended.
Pricing details for the cafe are not provided in reviews, but it's described as a highlight, suggesting good value.
📸 📸 Photography
The farm area with cattle and sheep offers great photo opportunities. Scenic landscapes during horse riding and winter snow scenes are also ideal for photography.
While possible, taking photos while actively riding a horse can be challenging. It's often easier to capture moments before or after the ride, or if your guide can assist.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens would be beneficial for capturing wildlife and distant landscapes. For winter, ensure your gear is protected from the cold and moisture.
No specific photography restrictions are mentioned for the general outdoor areas. However, always be mindful of other visitors and private property.
Drone usage policies can vary greatly. It's essential to check with the resort management or GAO Outdoor Center directly regarding any regulations on drone operation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit