What is an Agricultural Experience Tour?
Agricultural experience tours in Japan have a surprisingly long history, dating back approximately 30 years when they first began as a new farming business model in Yokohama.
Today, agricultural experiences vary widely, from short hands-on activities lasting a few hours to farm stays, internships, and even long-term programs for those considering a career in farming.
Miyako Island is no exception. Here, you can participate in various types of agricultural experiences, from casual farm visits for tourists to training programs for those who wish to become farmers. With its unique climate and fertile land, Miyako Island is an ideal place for farming and offers visitors the chance to connect with nature while learning about agriculture.
Agriculture in Miyako Island
Miyako Island has a flat landscape, with vast agricultural fields covering approximately 30% of all farmland in Okinawa Prefecture. About one in four workers on the island is engaged in farming, making agriculture and tourism the two pillars of Miyako Island’s economy.
Let’s take a closer look at the crops grown on Miyako Island!
Sugarcane
Drive a little outside Miyako Island’s urban area, and you’ll see towering sugarcane fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Sugarcane is used to produce brown sugar and cane sugar, which are popular for cooking and baking, adding a rich depth of flavor.
For a unique farm experience, try chewing on raw sugarcane straight from the field—an unforgettable taste of Miyako Island’s agricultural traditions!
Tobacco Leaves
Surprisingly, the second most harvested crop on Miyako Island after sugarcane is tobacco leaves. Miyako Island is Japan’s largest producer of tobacco, and during a farm tour, you might see massive 60 cm-long leaves growing on tall plants.
Vegetables
Miyako Island is known for cultivating a variety of tropical vegetables, including:
✔ Pumpkin
✔ Goya (Bitter Melon)
✔ Winter Melon
✔ Okra
✔ Papaya (used as a vegetable in Okinawan cuisine)
✔ Sweet Potatoes
Additionally, Miyako Island produces unique local vegetables such as:
✔ Shima Rakkyo (Island Shallots)
✔ Shima Togarashi (Island Chili Peppers)
✔ Nigana (Bitter Greens)
✔ Ukon (Turmeric)
Fresh, locally grown vegetables are also featured in restaurants across the island, making it a must-visit destination for vegetable lovers!
Fruits
Miyako Island is a fruit paradise, producing:
✔ Mangoes (largest producer in Okinawa!)
✔ Pineapples
✔ Dragon Fruit
✔ Island Bananas
✔ Passion Fruit
✔ Shikwasa (Okinawan Citrus)
✔ Guava
Miyako Island’s mango season runs from June to August, making it the best time to enjoy juicy, aromatic mangoes fresh from the farm! Many local cafés serve smoothies, gelato, and desserts made from these tropical fruits, allowing visitors to savor the island’s natural bounty.
What Can You Do on a Miyako Island Agricultural Experience Tour?
Miyako Island’s farm tours offer hands-on experiences, including:
✔ Harvesting Sugarcane & Making Brown Sugar
✔ Picking Fresh Fruits & Making Sweets
✔ Harvesting Vegetables & Cooking Farm-to-Table Meals
These experiences allow participants to connect with nature and appreciate the hard work behind the food we eat. Many visitors say that their perspective on food and sustainability changes after participating in a farm tour.
Additionally, family-friendly tours are available, making them a great educational opportunity for children. Let your little ones dig in the soil, touch real plants, and experience the magic of farming firsthand!
Farming on Miyako Island is not just about growing crops—it’s about immersing yourself in nature and refreshing your mind and body.
