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

Step into the world of Japanese rice in the peaceful countryside of Tsu, the capital of Mie Prefecture. This private two-day experience invites you to explore organic rice farming, engage with local farmers, and stay overnight on a working farm, all while savoring the region's flavors. Your journey begins at Tsuji Farm, where Takeshi, a professional rice farmer and graduate student at Mie University, welcomes you. After a warm greeting, you take a short walk to a nearby temple garden and enjoy a cup of Kameyama green tea. The scent of tatami and the gentle rustle of leaves create a quiet moment to pause and take in the rural surroundings. After check-in and unpacking, you stroll through emerald rice fields, meet the farmers who work them, and explore the village. Meditation at a local temple offers a moment of calm amid the countryside's seasonal beauty. Later, you participate in a hands-on rice workshop, learning how to polish and cook rice while observing the care that goes into every grain. As the day winds down, a private dinner awaits in a restored farmhouse, highlighting local specialties, or a packed dinner can be enjoyed in your room. The next morning begins with a breakfast bento box before field activities. Lunch features freshly made onigiri rice balls filled with Matsusaka beef and red sea bream from Ise, paired with miso soup. A private photoshoot captures the day against the backdrop of fields and traditional village streets. Takeshi blends tradition with technology. Drawing on his experience in aircraft engineering, he now uses IT and drones to bring innovation to rice farming while honoring time-honored practices. This experience offers a rare chance to connect with the land, taste its bounty, and discover the rhythm of life on a Japanese rice farm.