Sheep and Cloud Hill - Hokkaido

Sheep and Cloud Hill (羊と雲の丘観光㈱) is a sheep farm that also doubles as a dude ranch. It is located at 5351 Nishishibetsucho in Shibetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Sheep and Cloud Hill (羊と雲の丘観光㈱)
Sheep and Cloud Hill

Sheep and Cloud Hill Details

Sheep and Cloud Hill, located in Shibetsu City, is a must-visit destination for any sheep lover or food enthusiast. Home to approximately 50 Suffolk Sheep, this picturesque hill offers visitors the chance to see these majestic animals grazing on the vast pasture.

Sheep and Cloud Hill - Shibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture
Sheep and Cloud Hill - Shibetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture

For those eager to get closer to the sheep, Sheep and Cloud Hill allow free access to their pen. In addition, visitors can purchase a 100 yen food pack from the entrance gate and have the unique opportunity to feed the sheep themselves while enjoying the breathtaking view from the top of the pasture.

Sheperd's House 羊飼いの家
Sheperd's House (羊飼いの家)
 
Sheep and Cloud Hill

There is a post box inside the Sheperd's House
There is a post box inside the Sheperd's House


While the sheep interaction may be the highlight for many, Sheep and Cloud Hill has much more to offer. It is also home to one of the best jingisukan restaurants in Shibetsu City, Restaurant Shepherd's House (羊飼いの家). The restaurant offers a variety of lamb dishes, but their Suffolk jingisukan is the star of the show. Although it may be slightly pricey, the exquisite taste and quality make it worth every yen.

Sheep
 
Sheep and Cloud Hill plushies for sale
Sheep and Cloud Hill plushies for sale

For those looking to take a piece of Sheep and Cloud Hill home, there is a souvenir shop on-site that offers a wide array of sheep-themed products. From adorable plush toys to high-quality wool and sheepskin products, you are sure to find a unique item to commemorate your visit.

Sheep and Dog Show
Dog and Sheep show

In addition to its regular attractions, Sheep and Cloud Hill hosts special events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Sheepdog Show, which takes place during Golden Week in May, Obon in August, and Silver Week in September. During this show, a skilled sheepdog herds the Suffolks in the pasture under the guidance of a shepherd, showcasing the incredible bond between these intelligent animals and their human handlers.

Sheep and Cloud Hill
The bell at the entrance of Sheep and Cloud Hill

The Sheep barn on top of the hill
The sheep barn on top of the hill

Heading to the barn to meet the sheep
Heading to the barn to meet the sheep

Feeding the sheep
Feeding the sheep

Feeding the sheep

Sheep and Cloud Hill

Another not-to-be-missed event at Sheep and Cloud Hill is Tractor Cruising, held during Golden Week, Obon, and Silver Week in September. Visitors can hop on a special platform pulled by a tractor and take a leisurely tour around the farm, enjoying panoramic views of the countryside and the grazing sheep. If you miss these events, then don't worry, you can still freely go to the barn at the edge of the hill to feed the sheep which was what we did during our visit. It was truly an amazing experience. 

Team Nicerio visits Sheep and Cloud Hill

Team Nicerio visits Sheep and Cloud Hill

Team Nicerio visits Sheep and Cloud Hill

Team Nicerio visits Sheep and Cloud Hill

Team Nicerio visits Sheep and Cloud Hill

Team Nicerio visits Sheep and Cloud Hill

Team Nicerio visits Sheep and Cloud Hill

Team Nicerio visits Sheep and Cloud Hill

My family and I visited Sheep and Cloud Hill for the first time last September 25, 2022, the last day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 328th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was the highlight of our visit to Shibetsu City. My family and I enjoyed the sheep-feeding activity and also the view from the hill. 

 

Sheep and Cloud Hill Admission Fee?

It’s FREE to enter and explore Sheep and Cloud Hill. However, it is highly recommended that you bring cash when you visit just in case you want to try the sheep feeding activity, try the Suffolk jingusukan, or buy souvenirs in the shop.

Sheep and Cloud Hill Operating Hours

Sheep and Cloud Hill is open from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Restaurant Shepard’s House is open from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Why visit Sheep and Cloud Hill?

Whether you are a sheep enthusiast, a food lover, or simply in search of a unique experience, Sheep and Cloud Hill has something for everyone. From the chance to interact with the sheep, savor delicious lamb dishes, and purchase sheep-themed souvenirs, to witnessing captivating events such as the Sheepdog Show and Sheep Shearing Show, a visit to this scenic hill is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of sheep and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Getting to Sheep and Cloud Hill

For a seamless journey to Sheep and Cloud Hill, utilizing a private car is the optimal choice, with accessibility via National Route 239 and clear guidance provided by numerous signboards along the way.

Nevertheless, for those opting to commute, consider the following alternative:

Embark from Shibetsu City by taking the Limited Express [Sahotchi Taxi] from Shibetsu Station to Hitsuji to Kumo no Oka via taxi service. This convenient option is economically priced at 500 yen; however, advance reservations are essential due to the limited availability of only three round trips per day.

To secure your reservation and obtain further details, please contact ☎ Shibetsu Hire Co., Ltd. at TEL 0165-23-5000.

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Location: 5351 Nishishibetsuchō, Shibetsu, Hokkaido 095-0056, Japan

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