In January 2025, we had the unforgettable opportunity to stay at a small organic rice farm in rural Japan, hosted through Airbnb. The farm is run by a 36-year-old couple who left behind the traditional path of city life to pursue something far more meaningful: a life where their family could stay together, close to nature.
After serving in the Japanese Navy, they chose to start fresh—as rice farmers. At the time of our stay, they had been farming for five years and were raising three bright, joyful daughters on the land. Their commitment to both family and sustainable agriculture was deeply inspiring.
We learned that the average age of farmers in their area is 68. Japan, it seems, skipped a generation when it comes to agriculture. But there’s hope: this couple is part of a quiet but powerful movement of younger people returning to the countryside, rediscovering the value of working the land and building something lasting.
Organic rice farming comes with unique challenges, especially weed control. Without pesticides, it’s a constant battle. Their solution is both clever and delicate: a tractor attachment that gently beats the field—hard enough to suppress weeds, but soft enough to spare the young rice plants. It’s a perfect balance of force and finesse, emblematic of the thoughtful care that defines their approach to farming.
Their home is a traditional Japanese farmhouse—beautiful, but without insulation. Night temperatures dropped to freezing, and yet, with the living room and bedrooms warmed only when in use, we had some of the best sleep we’ve ever had. The simplicity and stillness of the countryside wrapped us in a kind of peace you don’t find in the city.
We biked around the town, visiting local temples, cozy coffee shops, restaurants, and little stores. Every moment was a window into rural life in Japan—authentic, quiet, and full of small joys. It was more than a vacation. It was a glimpse into a different way of life—one rooted in purpose, tradition, and the land.
Most of all, it was encouraging. Encouraging to see young families choosing to farm. Encouraging to see quality rice grown with care. Encouraging to feel a part of something real, even if just for a few days.
