There are many ranches, western apparel shops, honky tonks and other places all across the Mid West of the United Sates where one can learn to be and dress like a cowboy. In the US you can buy all the western ware you can carry, ride horses, watch rodeo and more...  Your dreams are the limit.

  And yet, Japanese tour pamphlets only feature locations such as New York, Los Angeles and other metropolitan areas, and are very poor on featuring locations of western culture.  As such, we have taken it upon our selves to feature travel information here for those folks who wish to immerse themselves in the cowboy and western lifestyle!  If you have any such information from your own travels and are willing to share, it would be greatly appreciated.

Competition is very heavy in the US, and as such, establishments are founded and closed quite rapidly.  It is advised that interested parties call or otherwise contact the establishment of interest before visiting it.  The information featured here is merely as an example, and REAL WESTERN guarantees nothing concerning it.  Please be aware that we will assume no responsibility for any inconveniences you may encounter from visiting any of the establishments featured on this site. 

WHERE?

OUR ADVISE IS VISIT THE COUNTRY (RURAL) AREASYou can a true sense of the nation when you visit it's country sides.  If you are aiming to become a cowboy, it is a must to visit the rural US.

When talking about cowboys, one must look heavily at the areas along the Rocky Mountains like Wyoming and Montana, also known as "Cowboy Country."  Also strongly advised is the Dallas / Fort Worth area of Texas, which is the central location for western fashion, horses and other western culture.  Northern California is also home to a good number of ranches as well.

Please utilize the below information for reference.

Let's Rodeo!

Check out this page for information on the best show on dirt!

US Travel Report '99 -WYOMING-

A report of travels through the cities of Cody and Jackson as well as Yellowstone National Park in the state of Wyoming.  Also included are ranches in and around that area.

The Dude Rancher's Association

The official homepage of the United States' DRA.  You can search for ranches in the western part of the US here.

CITY GUIDE

We will introduce advisable cities to visit here.  If you have any locations, shops or experiences you would like to share, please feel free to let us know.

Featured cities: Calgary, Stockyards, Nashville, Cheyenne, Jackson Hole, Cody, Tucson, Tombstone, Dodge City, New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chihuahua.

The Stockyards, Ft Worth, TexasBest for the novice (?) Westerner!

  The Stockyards itself is not too large and you can walk the entire area it a relatively short time.  You can buy all the hat and boots you ever wanted, see some rodeo action, hear some good Country Music and dance a bit too.  There is so much to do, you only problem is deciding where to go.  A definite must for the novice westerner.  There are western ware shops and concert halls concentrated within walking distance, and you can go to the Cowtown Coliseum and see a rodeo once a week during the summertime as well.

  The "World's Biggest Honky Tonk" Billy Bob's Texas is also located here, and you can enjoy a big name concert every once and a while as well.  Billy Bob's is host to it's own indoor arena, and conducts a bullriding once a week.

  Stockyards is located just outside of Ft. Worth, and is just a short drive from the Dallas/Ft. Worth port.  It is advised you lodge right there at the Stockyards Hotel.  It's in the center of town and the western interior is very nice.  You will need to make reservations due to the limited number of rooms.

The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Nashville, TennesseeA Trip Every True Country Music Fan Should Make At Least Once.

  The Mecca of Country Music, it contains many recording studios.  It is also home to numerous country concert halls, and is a definite must visit for any Country Music lover.  If you like to dance, you shouldn't miss the Wild Horse Saloon either.  There are also many western apparel shops along Broadway in the downtown area, but prices are a bit on the expensive side.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

  Every last week in July, Cheyenne plays host to one of the largest rodeo festivals in the United States, Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD).

  CFD is a festival reminiscent of the days of Western Expansion, with a world class rodeo at it's center.  The rodeo is complemented by parades of cowboys, Native Americans, and folks dressed in regalia of Cheyenne's founding days, as well as displays of daily life items of the day and other great festivities.  At night, many big name Country Music acts of today conduct concerts there as well.  It's just one big party of rodeo in the day and concerts at night!

  This is one of the oldest rodeos in America, and is known as "The Daddy of Them All" accordingly.  It is a PRCA sanctioned show, and you get to see some of the best rodeo cowboys compete at this show.

  Be sure to check their website for upcoming dates of the event.  Tickets for shows like the CFD and NFR are extreamly hard to come by sometimes, so you may need to make reservations as far as a year out.

  Also of note is that, the National Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, only about a two hour drive from Cheyenne as well.  If you're a rodeo fan, you don't want to miss this! 

Submitted by Randy Reese

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

  This town is located near the Southern entrance to Grand Titton National Park, which is a neighbor of the famous Yellowstone National Park.  You can found a number of live-act bars here, and during the summer they play host to a small rodeo twice a week (WED and SAT).  The area is a popular skiing retreat during the winter as well.  You can find any number of establishments to ride horses in the nearby areas too.

  The downtown area is great to visit for anyone, regardless if you are into the western lifestyle or not.  It's a great place to take the family also.

  If you are intent on lodging near Yellowstone National Park, this is the place you should do it.  (If you are intent on staying within the park during the summer months, you will need to make reservations at least four months ahead.  But if you don't mind staying outside of the park, it's easy to find a room at the last minute.)  Just as a note, West Yellowstone, a town located just out of the Western entrance to the park doesn't have many interesting shops, and is not advisable to visit.

  Other than a number of western apparel shops in downtown Jackson, there is also the Corral West Ranchwear.  Just go west on the town's main road a bit, and it's on the south of a town you come to.  The Corral West here is a significant size, and you should be able to find anything you could want here.

Cody, Wyoming

  Two hours east of Yellowstone, you come to the town which takes it's name from the famous Buffalo Bill Cody.  It's small, but has a great museum,  rodeo grounds and a number of western apparel shops.

  You can find the apparel shops along the main drive which runs through town east to west.  The main drive curves south at the Holliday Inn on the eastern edge of town, and if you follow that down towards the airport for about 20 minute, it will take you to another Corral West Ranchwear.

  The Buffalo Bill Historical Center on the western edge of town is well worth the visit, and you should set an entire day aside to walk through if you plan to visit it.  It is very large, and is composed of the Buffalo Bill Museum, which has on display many items from the days of western expansion as well as the life and times of Buffalo Bill, the Plains Indian Museum, which is filled with artifacts related to the Native Americans of the era, and the Fire Arms Museum which has many beautiful displays of an astonishing 3,000 classic fire arms.  There is also the Gallery which has on display many western portraits, paintings and sculptures.

  Cody plays host to the Cody Nite Rodeo for four days every July around Independence Day.  The town hosts to smaller rodeos every night from June to around October at the rodeo grounds also.  The rodeo grounds are further west than the Buffalo Bill Historical Center (towards Yellowstone National Park) but is a bit too far to walk, so you should either drive or take the bus from your hotel.

  If you happen to be in Cody during the summer, don't miss the gun fights they stage in the late afternoon.

Tucson, Arizona A Must for Fans of the Old Westerns!

  If you want an experience that will lead you to believe you are in one of the old westerns, then "Old Tucson Studios" may be the place for you.  It's a theme-park  designed like the movie set for an old western, and the entire area is constructed like the late 1800's.  If you are an old western fan, it's a must see location.  It's located about 30 minutes outside of present day Tucson.

  Don't forget to stop by the large western apparel shop on the main drive in Tucson.

Submitted by Randy Reese

Tombstone, Arizona Another Must See for Old Western Fans!

  If your in Southern Arizona, you would be foolish not to visit Tombstone, "The Town Too Rough To Die."  This is the original town, almost as it was in the 1870's, not a recreation.  You can see where Virgil Erp, brother of Wyatt Erp, was shot, the actual OK Corral and where the gun-fight occurred, and actors will reenact the fight and other famous bouts of the West, two or three times a day at the town theater, just as they occurred.  As you walk through town, you can see or encounter late 1800's like gunmen walking around with actual six-guns on their hips.  At the coroner photography store, you can have your photo taken in 1870's gun-fighter regalia too.  There are of course many western apparel shops, but there are also gun shops which sell replica rifles and pistols of the era.  Don't let "replica" fool you, for these are no toys, they are actual functioning fire arms.  You can also purchase Sheriff and Ranger badges, books on Western history and cowboys of the old west and other matters.  If your a fan of old western movies, don't miss this town!

Submitted by Randy Reese

Dodge City, Kansas Here's Another for Old Western Fans and History Lovers Alike!

  If you want to see more of the old west, Dodge City, Kansas is also very good.  Once a stopping point for the famous cattle drives, this town still has on display the tools of the cowboys, and some of the actual saloons where they once drank.  If you really want to know what being a cowboy was all about, than you should try to visit historical sites such as these also.

Submitted by Randy Reese

Smithfield, North Carolina

GREENWAY RANCH New!
7875 Brogden Road Smithfield NC 27577 U.S.A
Phone: 919-915-1088

Training Ranch for reining. They can speak Japanese.

 

Las Vegas

  For cowboys, Vegas means the big finals, the National Finals Rodeo which is held here every December.  During the 10 day duration of the event, thousands of western shops gather to display and sale their merchandise at the convention.  Just seeing this is enough to overwhelm you.  On top of rodeo and shops, big name country artists conduct concerts at many of the hotels there also.

Shepler's
3025 EAST TROPICANA
Las Vegas, NV 89121
Tel: (702) 898-3000

  Between the Strip and the airport, along with the Wallmart Mall is Shepler's Western Ware.  Shepler's is a very famous mail-order company, and has many large outlets across the US.  This Shepler's is especially big.  Of course, the selection of merchandise is outstanding.  You can get everything you could want to dress in modern cowboy fashion.  However, it is a ways from the center of town, and you will need to go by car or taxi.  If you take a cab, it may be hard to catch one coming back, so use caution when planning your visit.

San Francisco

Golden Gate Western Wear (Moved , See http://www.goldengatewesternwear.com/ )
2629 Taylor St.
San Francisco, CA94133
Tel: (415) 441-1187

  Golden Gate Western Wear may be the only western ware store in the San Francisco city area.  The merchandise is mostly replicas of the old west era, which makes it unique even by American standards.  It is great for those fans of old westerns, but may pose a problem for those of you who like the modern western style.

  Shirts and boots are all of that era.  They carry numerous hats, and even have Calvary uniforms, guns and gun-belts.  The owner has a wealth of knowledge concerning old westerns, and will answer any questions you may have.  They also do custom made hats, and also have a hand in making hats for today's western themed movies.  Go two blocks from the Fisherman's Warf's famous Crab with the ocean to your back to get there.

Los Angeles

Billy Martin's
8605 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Tel: 310-289-5000

High qaulity western shop. They also have a shop in New York. (Real Western)

Broken Horn Inc.
1022 Leorita St., Baldwin Park, CA91806
Phone: 818-337-4088
OPEN: TUE - SAT 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., SUN 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
CLOSED: MON

  This store is located on the outskirts of L.A., and is not really a place for modern western ware, but more a supermarket of farm equipment for local ranches.  And yet, they do carry a decent selection of hats, boots, jeans (in assorted colors), shirts belts and even a few buckles.  Obviously they also have a good selection of saddles, bits, spurs and equestrian medical supplies, and not just western style equestrian equipment but also British.

  Take Fwy 10 East, and get off at the Fraizer St. Exit just past Fwy 605, take a left on Dalewood, and it is on your right.

KING'S WESTERN WEAR Inc.
11450 Ventura Blvd Studio City

  I went by a western ware store in L.A. on my way back, but talk about expensive!!  We're talking 10 times the average cost for boots alone!!  (Info submitted by: S.N. of Ota district, Tokyo.  Feb 1, 1999)

Hawaii

Out Of The West
ALOHA TOWER MARKETPLACE
1 Aloha Tower Dr. #271 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
TEL: 808-521-5552
Open: Mon-Sat 9:00am - 9:00pm, Sun 9:00am - 6:00pm

Best western shop in Hawaii.

Paniolo Trading
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96814
Tel: 808�|973-1333
Open: Mon-Sat 9:30am - 9:00pm, Sun 10:00am - 7:00pm

Western shop.

Western Classics
3rd Floor, Royal Hawaian Shopping Center, HI

Western shop.

Nashville Waikiki (English)
2330 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815-2951
Open: 4:00pm - 4:00am

Country bar.

Aloha Cowboy (English)
3643 Baldwin Ave. Makawao Town, Maui Hawai'i 96768
(808) 573-8190

Western shop.

Parker Ranch (English)
67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy.
Suite E126
Kamuela, HI 96743
Parker Ranch Store (808) 885-5669
Riding reservation (808) 885-7655 On-line

Largest ranch in USA as private property. You can ride a horse there. They have a western shop as Parker Ranch Store.

Paniolo Aadventures (English)

Ranch in Big Island.

Chihuahua, Mexico

  I went on a business trip to Chihuahua in western Mexico recently.  They are famous for their western boots, and have about 20 odd boot stores in the center of town!!  Prices start at below 300 peso (10 peso = US$1) and even brand name Armadillo boots can be purchased for around 1300 peso.  I was told the place that made custom boots for the Mexican President was also in Chihuahua, but it is not in the center of town.  They will make custom Armadillo boots for you for about 1500 peso.  Also, there were many places that carried a variety of western shirts (mainly Mexican style, but some Wrangler also) for around 150 peso, and it was like heaven to me.  The one downside is that, Mexico of course is a Spanish speaking nation, and shopping was a bit difficult. (Info submitted by: S.N. of Ota district, Tokyo.  Feb 1, 1999)

Calgary, Alberta, CANADA

  If you like rodeo, one place you must try to visit at least once is Calgary, the Cowboy City.  The Calgary Stampede, a large scale rodeo and festival held every July, energized the entire city.  During the duration of the festivities, the town is overwhelmed with cowboys.  We have been given a report concerning Calgary and their festival from Mr. Myoko, who resides in the Canadian city, and we are pleased to feature it below.
  Please take some time to visit Mr. Myoko's homepage, Myoko's Photo Stock Gallery and view his spectacular shots of the rodeo.

 If your looking for western ware, LAMMLLE'S is the largest establishment here.  They are a franchise, and have 11 stores in Calgary alone.  They not only carry the usual hats, boots and coats, but also equestrian equipment as well, and I never tire of visiting their stores.  The Crowfoot Mall in the North West district is only about 30 minutes from the Calgary airport, and after shopping at Lammlle's, you can head on into Montana's for a good western meal.  After a belly full, you can even head to Chapters and find numerous books and magazines about cowboys and even photo collections of past Calgary Stampedes.

  The best known boots store would be Alberta Boots.  I advise you check the prices here and compare them with the ones at stores aimed at tourists in Banff, and decide on your own which to buy.  There are many others, so please take a look HERE

  Unfortunately, in order to enjoy a scenic horse ride, you need to go to the outskirts of Calgary.  You could rent a car and go to Black Diamond or Millarville, but it would probably be easier just to go to Banff.  Go West on I-80 (a.k.a. Trans Canada) for about an hour and 20 minutes and you will reach Banff.  It a single stretch of road, so it is a very simple drive.  There is the Warner Guiding & Outfitting Ltd. or Adventures Unlimited there also.

  It would be quite unfortunate to come all the way to Calgary, and not enjoy a taste of Alberta Beef.  Smuggler's Inn along Macleod Trail serves up a one-of-a-kind prime rib.  If in Banff, Bumper's Beef House is also quite good (Although, I am of mixed feelings about them starting to carry menus in Japanese recently).  They are crowded most of the time, so it would be best to go early or make a reservation.  There is also another establishment called Buzzard's Cowboy Cuisine. 

  If you want to learn about the early days in Calgary, Heritage Park Historical Village is also nearby.  Stampede Park is also good for those interested in the history and heritage of the local Native Americans.  Glenbow Museum or the Remington-Alberta Carrage Center which has a good number of antique wagons and carriges on display and is worth the visit, but it's a bit of a distance from Calgary.  It would also be advisable to visit the AMA/CAA (Alberta Motor Association/Canadian Automobile Association) or the Banff Tourism Center and receive pamphlets, other information about activities in the area as well as discount coupons for establishments in the area.  Also useful is the Travel Planning Guide found HERE

Buzzards Cowboy Cuisine
140 - 10 Ave. S.W.
Tel 403 264-6959

Smuggler's Inn
6920 Macleod Tr S
Tel: (403) 253-5355

Bumper's The Beef House
603 Banff Ave.
Tel (403) 762-2622

Heritage park historical village
1900 Heritage Dr. S.W.

(Submitted by Mr. Myoko, currently residing in Calgary. Sep 9, 2001)
Myoko's Photo Stock Gallery

Gold Coast Queensland, Australia

KRS International Pty.Ltd. Homepage (Japanese) (English)
235 Tallebudgera Connection Rd. Tallebudgera
Gold Coast Queensland 4228 Australia

We're breeding Paint, Apaloosa, Quater Horses. We're coaching western style riding, espacially reining and western pleasure. We can give you information of Australia about cowboy stuff.

Thailand New!

Western shop SNOWY (Japanese)
Nakronratchasima Pakchong City Nongsarai Mitapab RD 96, Thailand
Phone: 044-316721

Handmaind leather. Order only.

Overseas Tour Agencies

There are some agencies in the US that will arrange horseback riding and cowboy vacations for Japanese.

The information featured here is merely as an example, and REAL WESTERN guarantees nothing concerning it.  Please be aware that we will assume no responsibility for any inconveniences you may encounter from utilizing any of the agencies featured on this site. 

Photo Courtesy of  Wild West Adventures Inc

Wild West Adventures, Inc.

Tour company which handles horseback riding, fishing and other outdoor sports tours in Montana and Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park.  They will work with you to arrange a tour that best fits your wishes, and include opportunities to view rodeo, participate in cattle drives, ride horses and fish or any other cowboy dream you may have! 

 

As stated above, they will work with you to arrange a tour to fit your wishes other than the tours listed on their web page.  They will also provide you with the latest information about the area before you go via Email also.  A very pleasant plus.

 

So, shoot them an Email and see what they can do for you.  See:  Visit to America '99 (Aug, 1999)

 

I.O.A Tours Inc.

Tour company which handles horseback tours in the American Rockies.

 

Freedom Riding Club

Horseback Tours in Montana and Wyoming.

 

The Horseback Travel Center

Horseback Tours in Australia, Canada, Vienna and other locations.

 

Heli USA

Helicompter Tour company having many kinds of tours around Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Hawaii.

Fairview College (Canada) (English)

Fairview College offers special program for Japanses. Learning English and riding program(Japanese) says you can learn good pronunciation English and horseback riding in western style for 6 weeks in Canada.

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