A two-day, one-night weekend program.
I had the opportunity to experience working on a fruit farm in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture!
When you hear the term "farm experience," many people may think of harvesting, but this program focuses on learning the "process."
Many of the children were participating for the first time, and some seemed nervous at the meeting point, but by the time they got on the Shinkansen, they had all become good friends! They had fun eating snacks and playing UNO on the nearly three-hour journey.
After arriving at Matsumoto Station, transfer to a local train and head to Hitoichiba Station. The weather is good during this period, and you can enjoy the spring farm atmosphere as you head to the site.
For the children who live in the city, the sight of the wide sky, the mountains in the distance, and the farm in full bloom was a rare sight, and their eyes lit up.
After lunch, we went straight to the peach farm to pick flowers!
After listening to Mr. Fukushima from Shinshu Azumino Friend Farm, who cooperated with us, we got to work.
Although the flowers have bloomed beautifully, they must all be picked while the tree is still small to allow the fruit to grow larger and sweeter.
The girls showed such concentration that even Fukushima was surprised, and they finished picking the flowers in no time. Meanwhile, the boys were fascinated by the dried corn they had found on the ground! They discovered that it can be used as fertilizer for peaches, which was a new discovery for them.
Next, we went to an apple farm.
We all walked along a peaceful road with mountain views, passing by fields of flowers in full bloom along the way.
Each child was given a bright red apple, harvested last year, and they bit into it whole, skin and all! Everyone munched on it while admiring the apple blossoms.
At the end, they sketched the scenery and apples, each creating a memorable picture.
At night, roast marshmallows around the bonfire and gaze at the stars.
The participants, who had become good friends with each other, even held a haunted house!? They invited the leaders along! lol
This time we stayed at Azumino Chikyu-yado.
Very warm people with diverse backgrounds and dreams supported our stay.
All the meals were made with locally sourced ingredients, some even grown by the staff at Chikyu Yado. Everything was delicious!
<Dinner menu>
- Homemade rice grown using the Aigamo farming method
- Homemade potatoes
- Local silkworm tempura
- Homemade vegetables with Shiraae sauce
- Miso soup made with homemade miso
- The apples of Mr. Fukushima, who was so kind to me
On the second day, the children went to a nearby park and played to their heart's content in nature, sliding down a long slide and playing tag. The leaders also had a great time, returning to their childhood.
Finally, we had a BBQ at Chikyu-yado!
We received the "Arigaton" pork, which was raised in Azumino, with gratitude.
After purchasing some souvenirs at Matsumoto Station, we finally headed back to Tokyo.
On the way back on the Shinkansen, the children sat facing each other and kept chatting until the very end! You might think they would be tired, but most of them didn't sleep at all and everyone had a great time until the very end.
The two days and one night spent in a homely atmosphere passed by in a flash.
Being in a different environment to the city gave me many new experiences and discoveries.
I hope this will be a memorable experience for all participants! I look forward to seeing you again at Campship!!
