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We took our daughter to Nasu Kogen Rindoko Family Farm (那須高原りんどう湖ファミリー牧場) — a family-friendly theme park and ranch in the Nasu Highlands of Tochigi Prefecture.
We used the Twilight Enjoy Pass, available from 2 hours before closing, which gets you in at half the regular price. We weren’t sure 2 hours would be enough, but thanks to shorter queues during this time slot, we ended up riding way more than expected.
Here’s our honest review, focusing on the amusement park rides we actually went on.
By car:
The parking lot is huge, holding around 2,000 cars. Parking costs ¥1,000 per car, but it’s free on weekdays.
By train:
The Twilight Enjoy Pass: Half Price, Minimal Queues
We used the Twilight Enjoy Pass, which becomes available 2 hours before closing. It includes admission and unlimited rides at half the regular price.
Here’s how it compares:
Regular Price Twilight Price (50% off) Adults (Junior high and up) ¥4,900 ¥2,450 Elementary school ¥4,100 ¥2,050 Ages 3–6 ¥3,800 ¥1,900
We were worried that 2 hours wouldn’t be enough, but the park was noticeably quieter during this time slot. Wait times were practically zero for every ride, so we actually managed to fit in a surprising amount.
Note: Twilight pricing is not available on special event days such as fireworks festivals.
First Up: Tractor Bus to the Amusement Area
Right after entering, we hopped on a tractor-style ride that takes you to the amusement park area. Our daughter was thrilled before we even got to the rides — just rolling through the ranch on a tractor was exciting enough!
The tractor bus is included in the Enjoy Pass, so no extra charge.
Frog Hopper
The first ride we tried in the amusement area was the Frog Hopper — a small tower ride with frog-shaped seats that bounce up and down.
Our daughter absolutely loved it. “Again! Again!” — she wanted to ride it over and over. Since the park was quiet, there was zero wait time and we could keep re-riding immediately. It’s open to kids aged 3 and up, so even little ones can enjoy it. The thrill level is just right — exciting enough to be fun, but not scary.
Carousel
We also rode the classic carousel. Spinning around with the Nasu highland scenery in the background was really lovely.
No wait here either, though by the time the ride was ending it had almost filled up with other visitors.
Alpark (Net Athletic Above the Alpacas)
One of our favourite experiences was Alpark (あるぱーく) — a net athletic course stretched above the alpaca enclosure. You can jump, bounce, and lie down on the nets, all while looking down at alpacas strolling beneath you. It’s a wonderfully surreal sight.
There’s also an area where you can feed the alpacas. Both kids and adults had an absolute blast here!
One word of caution: The nets are bouncy, so if an adult jumps hard near a child, the rebound can knock the little one off balance. Stay gentle when you’re near the kids.
Ferris Wheel
The ferris wheel offered panoramic views of Lake Rindo and the Nasu mountains. Gorgeous scenery all around!
No waiting here either — we stepped right on. Our daughter was delighted: “So high up!”
Rinrin Farm
Rinrin Farm is a tractor-shaped ride where kids sit in the driver’s seat and turn the steering wheel. It’s a Japan-first attraction with a ranch-themed concept.
Our daughter gripped the wheel with total concentration, fully convinced she was actually driving. Another ride with zero wait time.
Gem Hunting: Horn Torun
Near the ferris wheel, we found Horn Torun (ホルン・トルン) — a gem-hunting activity included in the Enjoy Pass.
You get 5 minutes to dig through sand and find hidden gemstones. It’s described as the largest gem-hunting spot in the North Kanto region. Both kids and adults get surprisingly into it!
When a sparkly gem appeared from the sand, our daughter shouted “Found one!” with pure excitement. You get to take the gems home, which makes it a nice souvenir too.
Duck Boats
We also rode the duck boats (well, our daughter picked the ladybug one!). Various designs are available — ducks, ladybugs, and others — depending on the number of passengers.
You get 20 minutes on the lake within a designated area. However, it was extremely windy on the day we visited, and we were warned that boats can drift out of control if you go too far. We turned back after about 5 minutes. Some boats apparently drifted so far that staff had to go out and rescue them!
Tip: On windy days, stay close to the dock and turn back early.
Mekke! — Don’t Skip the Soft Serve
Right next to the ticket office, there’s a newer facility called Nasu no Megumi Mekke! (那須の恵み Mekke!) — a café and marché that you can visit without entering the park.
The Jersey soft serve here was absolutely delicious. Made with milk from the farm’s own Jersey cows, it’s rich and creamy but with a refreshingly clean finish. The perfect reward after a day of play!
They also serve stone-oven Neapolitan pizza and burgers, so it works for lunch too. The marché sells Jersey milk, yoghurt, and other local products for souvenirs.
Is It Worth It? Our Honest Verdict
If you’re spending a full day in Nasu and want a budget-friendly option, the Twilight Enjoy Pass is unbeatable value — half the price with minimal crowds. Even with just 2 hours, we managed to ride almost everything we wanted.
Top picks for kids: Frog Hopper, Alpark (net athletic + alpacas), and the gem-hunting activity. The amusement park area alone kept us busy, so it’s a great option if you arrive in Nasu in the afternoon or want something quick on your last day.
And definitely stop by Mekke! for a soft serve on the way out!
Practical Info
Name Nasu Kogen Rindoko Family Farm (那須高原りんどう湖ファミリー牧場) Address 414-2 Takakuhei, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi 325-0397 Hours Varies by season (check the official calendar ) Entry only Adults ¥1,600 / Elementary ¥800 / Ages 3–6 ¥800 Enjoy Pass (entry + rides) Adults ¥4,900 / Elementary ¥4,100 / Ages 3–6 ¥3,800 Twilight (2 hrs before close) All tickets half price (except special event days) Parking ~2,000 spaces / ¥1,000 per car (free on weekdays) Access Car: ~10 min from Nasu IC / ~15 min from Nasu Kogen Smart IC (ETC only) Shuttle bus Free from JR Nasushiobara Stn (weekends/holidays only, reserve by 4 PM day before, TEL 0287-76-3111) Website https://www.rindo.co.jp/
FAQ
Is Rindoko Family Farm worth visiting with a toddler?
Yes — many rides are open to ages 3 and up, and the park is flat and stroller-friendly. The Frog Hopper and carousel are great for little ones.
What is the Twilight Enjoy Pass?
It’s a discounted admission + unlimited ride pass available from 2 hours before closing at half the regular price. A great deal if you don’t need a full day.
Can you visit Mekke! without entering the park?
Yes — the Mekke! café and marché is located next to the ticket office and accessible without park admission.
Is there English signage at the park?
Signage is primarily in Japanese. However, the rides are straightforward and staff are helpful, so it’s manageable even without Japanese.
How long should I budget for a visit?
With the Twilight Pass, 2 hours is enough to enjoy the amusement rides. For a full experience including the ranch area, animal encounters, and dining, allow 4–5 hours.
