Guida
Bandai Kogen Minamigaoka Farm is a scenic tourist ranch located at the foot of Mt. Bandai in Inawashiro, Fukushima Prefecture. The ranch upholds the founding spirit: "We cannot charge an admission fee to those who visit our home," which is why both admission and parking are free of charge. The vast grounds offer a changing landscape of natural beauty throughout the seasons. The farm operates on a philosophy of integrated production, processing, and sales, ensuring that visitors can enjoy exceptionally high-quality dairy products and homemade cuisine.
Founded in 1948, this ranch has a long-standing history in dairy farming. While the farm's current form was established in 1962, it has built a deep connection with the local community over decades. It balances two distinct roles: a high-tech dairy producer and a leisure destination that brings smiles to visitors. Notably, its "Guernsey Golden Milk" has earned a prestigious top gold award at the National Milk Grand Prix, establishing the farm as a renowned brand for quality.
The ranch features various areas for animal interaction and leisure activities. You can observe sheep, donkeys, and Guernsey cattle, or participate in activities like butter golf, archery, and horseback riding. A landmark restaurant with a distinctive large blue triangular roof serves signature dishes such as authentic Russian cuisine, homemade hamburgers, and Genghis Khan (grilled mutton). Depending on the season, you might even see baby lambs, kids (young goats), or enjoy seasonal treats like limited-edition soft-serve ice cream.
The experiences available change with the seasons. For instance, spring and early summer are wonderful times to see baby lambs and kids. There are also seasonal specialties like strawberry soft-serve ice cream. Because outdoor exhibits and activities can change based on weather and season, it is wise to check local information before visiting. Please note that the restaurant may occasionally be closed for private group bookings.
Nature-based activities are abundant here. Beyond interacting with animals, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, archery, and ground golf. The unique "Butter Golf" experience allows guests to touch upon the culture of agriculture and dairy farming in a fun way. These activities make it an ideal destination for families and groups looking to enrich their time in the great outdoors.
Situated in the Bandai Kogen highlands, the ranch serves as an excellent base for exploring the Mt. Bandai area. The surrounding region is dotted with beautiful natural landscapes, hot spring resorts (onsen), and various other sightseeing spots, making it easy to plan a comprehensive travel itinerary.
As the grounds are quite extensive, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please note that bringing outside food or drinks into the restaurant is prohibited, and pets are not allowed in the dining areas. There are three parking lots available (No. 1 to No. 3), which can accommodate large buses. Note that cattle grazing is not currently conducted on the premises.