Discover the True Essence of Rice
Rice is not just food in Japan—it is history, culture, and spirit. Since the Yayoi period, rice cultivation has shaped the nation’s economy, traditions, and daily life.
This journey takes you to Kashiwazaki, Niigata, home to some of Japan’s finest rice varieties like Koshihikari and Yoneyama Princess. Explore scenic countryside nourished by snowmelt waters, experience rural life in thatched-roof villages, and savor meals where rice is the true star.
Through hands-on farming, gourmet dining, and cultural discovery, you’ll go beyond the table to understand the deep significance of rice in Japanese life.
As the sun sets over the water, savor a multi-course dinner crafted from local ingredients. Finally, your own handmade firework will light up the sky—an unforgettable memory written across Japan’s ancient waters.
Rooted in Japan’s Rice Heritage: Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture
Kashiwazaki lies on Niigata’s coast, in a region renowned for producing Japan’s finest rice. Snowmelt from nearby mountains irrigates terraced fields where varieties like Koshihikari and Yoneyama Princess are grown with precision and pride. Traditional farmhouses still dot the countryside, and techniques like kamado cooking and rice straw craft remain part of daily life. Rice here is more than food—it’s language, livelihood, and ritual. Visiting Kashiwazaki offers a chance to understand rice not as a dish, but as a foundation of Japanese culture. Each grain carries a story, and every meal is a legacy.
Key Highlights of the Experience
1. The Legacy of Japanese Rice
Visit the historic Iizuka Residence and discover how rice shaped Japan’s culture, economy, and rituals. Sample Niigata’s premium rice products, from award-winning sake to handmade artisanal rice crackers.
2. Rural Life and Farm-to-Table Traditions
Stay overnight in Takayanagi’s scenic thatched-roof village. Cook freshly harvested rice over a traditional kamado, dine on handmade countryside meals prepared with love, and join seasonal farming activities like straw weaving.
3. Rice-Themed Culinary Journey
Indulge in a full-course meal where every dish celebrates the beauty and versatility of rice, paired with local seafood, seasonal vegetables, and Kashiwazaki’s finest sake selections.
