Fluffy, fluffy alpacas! Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm in Nagano Prefecture

  • Nagano
  • Experience Gifu
Alpaca Derby" where alpacas gallop through the pasture

Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm" at the foot of Mt.

The leisure season has arrived! This summer, why don't you come and meet friendly alpacas in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture? Let us introduce you to Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm, located in Fujimi Plateau at the foot of Yatsugatake Mountains. You can feed the alpacas, watch an alpaca derby, which is a rarity in Japan, and spend a fulfilling time with guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small animals.
Alpacas strolling in the pasture

I definitely want to see them! Alpaca Derby

A must-see when you visit Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm is the very popular "Alpaca Derby" event! Alpacas, also called messengers of the gods, are usually carefree and easygoing, but when they get serious, they can run at speeds of up to 40 km per hour. Please be sure to cheer on the alpacas as they run at full speed. Sometimes they go off the road, and sometimes they stop running and start eating grass. Let's laugh and enjoy such a slow-paced derby.

You can purchase a "paca ticket" for 500 yen in advance and predict which alpaca will come in first place in the race. If your prediction comes true, you will receive 1,000 yen worth of purchases, which is twice the amount of the ticket. If you miss, you will still receive a 500-yen shopping coupon, so why not give it a try?

Alpaca Derby Time

Weekdays: around 3:15 p.m. (2:15 p.m. in December and January)
Weekends and holidays: around 11:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. (11:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. in December and January)
* The schedule may be changed or cancelled without notice due to various reasons, including alpaca health or poor weather.
Alpacas running at full speed!

Interact with alpacas at the Waku Waku Plaza and Fureai Plaza

Alpacas are basically timid and very cautious animals. However, the alpacas at Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm are very friendly because they have been in contact with people since they were small. In most zoos, visitors often interact with alpacas through fences. There are more than 20 alpacas in the park, so be sure to find your favorite alpaca "guess paca". They have a variety of personalities, such as mouth shape, ear shape, fur, and personality, so it is fun to see them. Don't forget to wash your hands before and after touching them♪
Wakuwaku Plaza
If you go further into the Waku Waku Plaza, you will find a hut where guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small animals live. Of course, you can touch the guinea pigs and rabbits.
Guinea pigs

Take a walk with alpacas and feed them!

Walking with alpacas

There is also an event where you can take a leisurely walk around the grounds with an alpaca on a leash for 10-15 minutes. This event is as popular as the alpaca derby, so those who wish to take a walk with the alpacas should register as soon as they arrive at the park! The walking event is closed during Golden Week and the Bon Festival.
Walking with alpacas

Feeding Experience

A fun and casual experience is feeding the alpacas, where you can buy treats for the alpacas for 200 yen and have your favorite alpaca eat the treats from your bare hands. When you walk around with the treats, the hungry alpacas will come up to you. Put the treat on your hand and gently bring it to their mouth, and they will crunch down on it. They look so cute eating the treats.
Alpaca eating a snack from bare hands

Alpaca Curry" too cute to eat!

If you get hungry after enjoying the interaction, be sure to try the "alpaca curry" (700 yen including tax), which is full of cuteness! It is available at the "Alpaca Kitchen" on the left side of the entrance to the Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm. Alpaca Curry was closed for a while, but finally returned this year. The rice is shaped like an alpaca and dressed up with fukujinzuke pickles for a very cute look. Each plate is handmade and topped with face parts made of glue, so please enjoy the tasteful expression... You can choose from sweet, medium, and spicy.
(Left) Alpaca curry and rice (Right) "Alpaca House
After eating your meal, head to the souvenir store "Alpaca House" to get a souvenir to remember the alpaca farm by. You will find stationery, key chains, and other miscellaneous goods, as well as original products that you cannot find anywhere else, 100% pure alpaca hair dolls (big size too!), cushions, sweaters, and more. and cushions, sweaters, and other household goods are also available. Those who purchase "paca tickets" at the alpaca derby can use them for purchases here at the "Alpaca House"!

Opening hours of Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm

Period: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 to the end of January, 2025 *Closed from February 1 to March 19.
Hours: 10:00 - 16:00 (10:00 - 15:00 in December and January)
Closed: Tuesdays (Tuesday and Wednesday in December and January)
Fee: Adults (middle school students and older): 900 yen; 4 years old - 6th grade: 500 yen; 3 years old and younger: Free

Let's be healed by alpacas in the great nature of Nagano Prefecture!

Come to the Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm to interact with fluffy alpacas, guinea pigs, and rabbits to heal both body and soul. The alpacas are raised with love and care by the ranch staff. Enjoy close contact with them, which you cannot experience at other zoos.
Alpaca with flower decoration
Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm Official website

Let's go to "Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm" on a weekday!

Free yourself from the stress of being cuddled by an alpaca at the Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm!

The Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm allows you to enter a fence and touch alpacas at very close range. Alpacas are accustomed to being close to visitors, so they will play games such as "Look over there, look over there," give you a "kiss on the cheek," or even give you a hug. If you are a little tired from your daily life, let yourself go and let the fluffy alpacas heal you and blow away your stress!

JR East also proposing other new ways to enjoy your trip! Please check the official website for details.
[Official Website] Travel to Weekdays
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