All About Rice: Private One-Night Farm Stay in Tsu, Mie

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Japanese rice! Your journey will take you to the beautiful countryside of Tsu, the capital city of Mie Prefecture. Here, you'll learn about organic rice farming, experience cultural activities and stay overnight in a local farm. Enjoy dinner, breakfast and lunch showcasing the area's specialties, including locally harvested rice, red sea bream from Ise and Matsusaka beef. You'll also engage with local farmers and learn how tradition and modernity come together in the uniquely tech-savvy Tsuji Farm.

Experience flow:

(Day 1)

- Arrive at the farm and enjoy a refreshing cup of Kameyama green tea at a lovely temple garden

- Check-in and unpack, stroll the rice fields and interact with farmers, explore the village and meditate at a local temple

- Participate in a workshop about Japanese rice polishing and cooking

- As the day winds down, you'll be treated to a private dinner at a restored townhouse, or if you prefer, you can receive a packed dinner in your room

(Day 2)

- Breakfast: boxed bento box

- Morning activities

- Lunch: onigiri rice balls with Matsusaka beef, red sea bream from Ise and miso soup

-Private photoshoot and wrap up

Your host and guide for this experience will be Takeshi, a professional rice farmer and owner of Tsuji Farm, who is also a graduate student at Mie University. In his previous position as manager at an aircraft engine parts plant, Takeshi became intrigued by farm tech. He now works with his associates to develop operational technology using IT and drones for rice cultivation. At Tsuji Farm, he aims to interweave human knowledge and technology into rural practices. This two-day, one-night experience is an exciting chance to embrace authentic Japanese culture and explore the countryside through the eyes of the local rice farmers in a truly one-of-a-kind farm.