Our Yaotsu Town agri-tourism (農泊) project, which we have been working on through 2023 and 2024, reached a milestone on March 31.
Over these two years, there were many moments where we could feel real progress in our community revitalization work — and the achievement we could share most clearly with everyone was being selected as a model case in the “Discover the Treasure of Rural Villages” program (11th Selection). We were also honored to receive the special “Agri-Tourism Award” among those selections. ✨✨
https://www.discovermuranotakara.com/sentei/
With guidance from the Tokai Regional Agricultural Administration Office and support through the Rural Area Revitalization Grant, we were able to move our community-building work forward and gain so many invaluable experiences along the way. Through our activities, we had the opportunity to have genuine, in-depth conversations with many people in town; we researched, compiled, and reflected deeply on local history; and we took a closer look than ever before at Yaotsu’s specialty products — from local sake to fermented goods — only to discover new depths and rediscover their value.
On Friday, March 28, representatives from the Tokai Regional Agricultural Administration Office, who had supported us throughout, visited Yaotsu for a study tour.
14:30 — Yaotsu Festival Float
9:30 — Iwahira Tea Garden
10:30 — Tomari-ya Akane (guest house)
11:00 — Meeting
11:30 — Lunch break (Yamadaya / Café Aoyagi)
13:30 — Uchibori Brewing Co., Ltd.
15:30 — Kuramoto Yamada / Hanamori Sake Brewery
What kind of place is Yaotsu? What have we been working on over these two years, and what has changed? We had of course been submitting regular reports, but those had always been through photos and written updates — so being able to show them in person and share it all face to face was something truly special. Getting to spend so much time in conversation with everyone from the Tokai Regional Agricultural Administration Office made for a genuinely meaningful and enjoyable day.
We weren’t able to photograph every stop along the way, but many people connected to the town kindly helped us prepare to welcome the Tokai Regional Agricultural Administration Office representatives. We are truly grateful.
We were also able to have conversations about the road ahead and talk through ideas for the future — which served as a timely reminder to refocus and steel ourselves for the activities of FY2025, now just around the corner. While March marks the end of one chapter, there will be no pause — we are already moving on to the next stage.
We will continue to share updates on our website and social media, so we hope you’ll stay with us going forward.
Looking back, I find myself thinking — thanks to this community revitalization work, I have been able to spend such richly meaningful time in Yaotsu, connecting with people, history, and culture. I feel genuinely fortunate.
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