ファームズ千代田 ふれあい牧場 — Local services in Biei

I had pre booked several paid activities for my family for 10 am - Jersey cow milking experience (JPY 1,200), pony riding (JPY 600) and feeding calf (JPY 600) and was looking forward to it!

Unfortunately, the experience was not good and very rushed. Not sure if the farm is short staffed however there was only one man taking us while trying to attend to all other customers. Although his English was good, I felt he was trying to hurry so that he could serve other costumers waiting to sign up for activities. The Jersey cow milking experience says 10-15 mins on the website and should include tasting of fresh milk, however, the whole activity was quickly done after 10 squirts per person and the man said the milk was not drinkable. He also pushed the udder so the participant merely touches a little for the milk to be released. The pony riding also felt very rushed with the same man hurriedly pulling the pony around a small lap (done in 2 mins). Lastly for the milking experience, each person had 1/3 of a baby milk bottle to feed either 2 of the same sheep or 2 calves behind fences. We spent over JPY 6000 in total for the above, for the price it was not worth the...

A very clean and peaceful ranch that is open to all for free.

Visitors can buy carrots to feed and touch a variety of farm animals, including a pair of horses, bunches of goats, sheeps and rabbits. The ranch also offers paid activities for kids to interact with the animals.

There are also a very nice yoshoku(Japanese western food) restaurant and an ice-cream shop near the entrance of the ranch, which would be an ideal place for lunch.

All in all, the ranch is a warm and interesting spot for family travel, especially for urban dwellers. Given the location is a bit remote for tourists, driving is recommended where plenty of free parking spaces...

The lady at the ice cream and milk shop was incredibly kind. When we arrived, she was in the middle of closing up—counting cash with the window halfway shut. I asked if it was still possible to get an ice cream which is absolutely delicious and without hesitation, she said yes. Shortly after, three more families showed up and she served them too, even though it was clearly past closing time. 🥹 We missed the farm experience, but her warmth and generosity truly made the visit...