(Source: HRT New Otani Co., Ltd.)
As part of its SDGs initiatives themed around food education, NASPA New Otani will host its 24th rice harvesting experience on Monday, September 16, 2024, a national holiday. This rice harvesting experience, held in Minamiuonuma, one of Japan’s premier rice-producing regions, offers agricultural experiences from rice planting to harvesting using “Minamiuonuma Koshihikari” rice from the Shiozawa area. It has established itself as a family-friendly agricultural event, where participants can witness the growth of Japan’s top-brand rice from seedlings to full-grown stalks, thanks to the unique climate of the mountainous terrain and the temperature differences between day and night.
Two types of plans are available for this rice harvesting experience: an overnight plan and a day trip plan. Participants will receive freshly harvested Koshihikari rice as a special gift. Additionally, after the rice harvesting experience, participants can enjoy a traditional rural meal featuring freshly cooked Koshihikari rice at the hotel. The overnight plan, including dinner and breakfast, is priced at 25,800 yen for adults and 18,060 yen for children aged 4 to elementary school students, with accommodation on September 15. The day trip plan costs 10,000 yen per adult or child aged 4 and above, and children aged 3 and below can participate for free (not eligible for the special gift).
The rice harvesting experience schedule is as follows: participants will gather in the hotel lobby at 9:15 AM on September 16, and depart at 9:30 AM. The rice harvesting and drying experience will take place from 10:15 AM, followed by a return to the hotel at 12:00 PM. Lunch, featuring freshly cooked Koshihikari rice, will be served from 12:15 PM, and the event concludes with check-out at 2:00 PM.
(Source: HRT New Otani Co., Ltd.)
At the core of this rice harvesting experience is the commitment to food education. Food education is defined as “the basic foundation of life, underpinning intellectual, moral, and physical development.” The goal is to provide opportunities for children to acquire correct knowledge about food and develop desirable eating habits through collaboration with local producers. Through these efforts, NASPA New Otani aims to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and pass on a legacy of mindfulness to future generations. Since last year, new employees have also participated as part of their training program, further solidifying the event’s role in fostering future generations.
NASPA New Otani, a full-fledged resort hotel of the Hotel New Otani Group, is located in Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture. Since its opening in 1992, the hotel has consistently upheld the concept of “being kind to people and nature.” Boasting rich nature, delicious water, and superb hot springs, the hotel continues to balance comfort with environmental considerations. Moving forward, NASPA New Otani remains committed to expressing gratitude to Yuzawa Town while embracing new challenges.