During our farm stay in Minami-Oguni we faced a challenge: we were almost unable to do any farming. Farming was intended to be a central activity on our full day at Saconue no kaeru. After all, what is a farm stay without farming? However, a light rain all morning prevented us from doing any “field” work. Instead we spent the morning touring the hamlet.

We got our chance to farm in the afternoon. A short break in the weather allowed us to quickly assemble and transplant a few dozen edamame, the tasty soybeans that serve as an appetizer at Japanese restaurants around the world. It was not much of a challenge. We simply had to remove the plants from plastic containers and deposit them into the soil. However, it was a first for many students, and they appreciated the chance to get their hands (or at least their gloves) dirty.

Our edamame the day after planting

Grow little guys!

After the brief planting session Mr. Kawazu answered questions about organic farming and hosting guests at his farm stay. It sprinkled on us, but it didn’t dampen our spirits and our feeling of connection to the land beneath our feet and all around us.

The next morning we woke to a glorious day. We had time to walk around and see rice being planted, but our schedule prevented us from participating in any more agriculture.

Rice ready to be planted.

Planting with a tractor

Newly-planted field

Students walking on the "satoyama path"

Aside from relishing the trees and fields, we also wrestled with some big questions while at Saconue no kaeru: Is a farmstay ecotourism? Is it nature tourism? Is it sustainable? What does the future hold for this hamlet? How can these businesses grow just enough to boost family incomes, without congesting roads and overwhelming local residents?

A farm stay offers many exciting possibilities for owners; however, they must carefully manage their futures if they hope to be sustainable.

For Singaporeans, the farm stay brought many new experiences. Just being surrounded by trees and newly-planted crops and eating the freshest food possible seemed to have a calming effect on everyone. Like the rest of the guests who stay, we were able to “reset” ourselves before continuing with the last leg of the field study.

Saying farewell to our farmstay

Date of visit: May 20-22, 2012

Date of photos: May 22, 2012