The Mimpaku Farm Experience in Kunisaki

A big part of what Japan is today has various ways a connection to its farming history and culture. Its scenic rice paddies and pristine tea farms, local festivals to commemorate the beginning and end of the harvest season, and of course the unique ingredients that have made Japanese cuisine famous around the world, all contribute to making a trip to Japan an experience for the senses. With the recent farm stay trend growing steadily around the country, finding farms welcoming travelers as guests is becoming part of the accommodation offering. Oita Prefecture is no exception to this, and in the town of Asaku, Maruka Farm Stay is one that rises above the rest thanks the quality of the products they make, the flexible hospitality of the Kamihira family, and to the scenic views of the area.

The Mimpaku Farm Experience in Kunisaki

First and foremost Maruka is a farm offering a variety of organic produce which is found in some of the best ryokan in Beppu City among other locations. Five years ago, the Kamihira’s, Fukako and Masayoshi, left the comforts of city life in Tokyo and began their adventure with nature in Kunisaki Peninsula. Along with their farming, they decided to open up their farm to travelers so that they too can connect with nature and get a taste of Japan’s farming lifestyle.

The Mimpaku Farm Experience in Kunisaki

During the stay at Maruka it is up to guests to decide how much of the farming component they want to experience. On one hand, they can get their hands dirty and help out with the daily tasks such as planting or harvesting (depending on the season) a variety of fruits and vegetables and caring for the livestock. On the other hand, guests can opt out for just taking it slow, and simply taking pleasure in the surrounding nature and the cozy home. Either way, travelers will be interacting with the Kamihira’s during meals and at various times throughout the stay.

The Mimpaku Farm Experience in Kunisaki

The Mimpaku Farm Experience in Kunisaki

The Mimpaku Farm Experience in Kunisaki

For those choosing to get involved in the farming activities, there’s no need to worry about being put to work for your entire stay as it might happen in some farm stay locations. We do recommend heading out to the field to try out the different farming activities that go on at the farm. Maruka’s shiitake mushrooms are some of the best out in the market and here it is possible to learn a bit about the process and put the newly learned skills to the test. If contact with the animals is prefered, helping the kids feed the chickens and the playful goats is also one of the possibilities.

The Mimpaku Farm Experience in Kunisaki

Once the night rolls in, the warm family atmosphere comes to life and guests can enjoy Fukakosan’s delicious cooking which makes use of their own produce, to make local dishes like Oita’s popular Toriten or fried chicken. No need to worry about the chickens at the back though as those are the kid’s favourites and are only used for their eggs. Besides the food, and what we like most about Maruka Farm Guesthouse is the chance to interact with the Kamihira’s and learn about their life experiences, especially their take on life in Japanese countryside.

The Mimpaku Farm Experience in Kunisaki

まるか

大分県国東市安岐町明治4583-1

0978-97-2211

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