Every time I check the rice section at the supermarket lately, I do a double take: “Wait, did it get more expensive again?” Stockpiled rice has started circulating, but if you’re still feeling uneasy about soaring rice prices, this fun event from Nishinomiya might be just the thing.
About two hours by car from Nishinomiya, in fallow rice fields in Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture, where the elevation difference changes the feel of the seasons, a “hands-on experience where you try growing rice yourself” has begun!
What is the Nagatanbo Rice Field Club?
Led by Mr. Nagata, a training gym owner living in Kurakuen, Nishinomiya, a diverse group of participants including ballroom dance instructors and company employees travels about 90 km each way on weekends.
Last year, they harvested over 300 kg of brown rice, and this year they’ve expanded the paddies to about 2 tan. They’re proving a real-life model case that “even from the city, rice growing is possible if you keep at it seriously.”With 2 tan, they might top 430 kg
🌱This Year’s Drop-In Experience Menu
- Participation fee: 4,000 yen per person or per family, including souvenirs and Ayabe specialty products
*The rice harvesting experience has a separate special fee, so please inquire! - Meeting place: Meet and dismiss on site, Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture
- What to bring: Rain boots or sandals you don’t mind getting dirty, long sleeves and long pants, hat, towel, work gloves, at least 1L of drinks & sun protection!
It sounds like a lively, satisfying experience for everyone. And salt rice balls and BBQ after all that hard work must taste absolutely amazing.
📅Upcoming Schedule
- June 1 to mid-September: Weeding, held 8 times last year
- Sunday, September 14: Rice harvesting, Day 1
- Monday, September 15, holiday: Rice harvesting, Day 2
- Sunday, October 5: Threshing and rice hulling
- Sunday, October 12: Cleanup
🔔 This Year’s Availability as of 6/2
- Rice harvesting, 9/14 and 9/15: 20 groups remaining!
Benefits of the Experience
- 💡A real food education experience where grains of rice become “grains of life.” The idea of “don’t leave food behind” really sinks in!
- 💪Rice planting squats and weeding training… “It’s basically a gym substitute!” says Mr. Nagata
- 🥇A one-of-a-kind experience where you can enjoy the moment of harvesting rice you grew yourself!
📩 How to Apply, Super Easy
Just send “I saw this on Nishi2. I’d like to join.” through either of the options below.
- 📱 Instagram DM: @nagatanbo.ayabe
- ✉️ Email: nagatanbos@gmail.com
For those thinking, “I can’t join, but this project is really great,” you can support their muddy rice-growing efforts through crowdfunding.The rewards look nice too
In Closing
Nagatanbo’s motto, “We make the food we eat with our own hands,” really hit home. Not just rice planting and harvesting, but also cleaning waterways and weeding while working up a sweat together with local residents is something you don’t usually get to experience, so it’s especially something you’d want kids to try. Applications will close once capacity is reached, so apply early.
