Lotte Arai Resort in Myoko, Niigata Prefecture is holding a rice-planting experience tour on May 31, 2026 (Sunday) at the Lotte Arai Farm on its sprawling property. The event is organized by the "R&L Community Promotion Office," a collaborative initiative between local temple Ryozenji and Lotte Arai Resort, aimed at increasing community exchange and sharing the region's appeal with visitors from Japan and abroad.
About "Hoshizora-mai" (Starry Sky Rice)
"Hoshizora-mai" is a special rice cultivated at Lotte Arai Farm at approximately 300 meters above sea level, nourished by snowmelt water and clean mountain air. It is made from "Yashiro-mai," a rare heirloom variety grown in the Ryozenji district of Niigata, and is finished using the traditional "hasa-kake" method — hanging the harvested stalks on racks to dry naturally in the wind and sunlight using the resort's ski lifts. This traditional drying process is said to deepen the flavor of the rice. From planting to harvest, the rice is tended carefully by hand with the blessings of nature.
Event Details: "Hoshizora-mai" Rice-Planting Experience Tour
This year's tour features a special guest: food producer and onigiri artist Yoshie Kamiya, known as "Nigiribito." Freshly made Hoshizora-mai onigiri will be served by Kamiya at lunchtime, offering a memorable combination of hands-in-the-soil experience and local flavors.
- Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Venue: Lotte Arai Resort Farm No. 1 (Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture)
- Meeting Point: 1F Information Desk, Hotel Village Station
- Fee: Adults (elementary school age and above) ¥500 (tax included) / Toddlers free
- Included: Hoshizora-mai rice-planting experience, freshly made Hoshizora-mai onigiri, bamboo-shoot soup, and tea
- Rice-planting only (without meal) is free of charge
- Hotel guests receive a take-home gift of rice
- Special Guest: Food producer / "Nigiribito" Yoshie Kamiya
- What to Bring: Rain boots, work gloves, a hat, clothes that can get dirty, a towel or hand towel, an umbrella and rain gear in case of rain
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:45 AM | Meet at 1F Information Desk, Hotel Village Station |
| 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Briefing and safety instructions for rice planting |
| 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM | Rice-planting experience |
| 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch (Hoshizora-mai onigiri, bamboo-shoot soup, tea) |
| 12:30 PM | Closing |
*The event will be held even in light rain; however, it may be cancelled in the event of a typhoon or severe weather such as heavy storms for safety reasons.
Applications (by 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 30):
https://www.asoview.com/channel/activities/ja/arai-resort/offices/3861/courses/21021/calendars
About Special Guest Yoshie Kamiya (Nigiribito)
Based at "Seikatsu Kobo Togarashi" (Usa, Oita Prefecture) — a building dedicated entirely to the kitchen — Yoshie Kamiya carries on the legacy of her mother, traditional cuisine researcher Sayuko Kanamaru. As "Nigiribito," she advocates for rice tourism and rolls onigiri for audiences ranging from children and students to athletes, chefs, and business leaders, offering team-building programs and food education events both in Japan and abroad. She is also a certified seasoning sommelier and is well known for her seasoning workshops and her work promoting yuzu pepper as "Madame Yuzu." In 2025, she won the Gold Award in the Food category at the Kyushu Tourism Town Development AWARD.
Special Hotel Stay Plan for Tour Participants
A special accommodation package is available for those who wish to stay at the resort the night before or on the day of the rice-planting tour. Guests can enjoy resort facilities including the Starry Sky Onsen, indoor pool, and restaurants after check-in.
- Stay Dates: May 30 (Sat) – May 31 (Sun), or May 31 (Sun) – June 1 (Mon); 1 night, 2 days with 3 meals
- Room Types: Superior / Deluxe
- Booking Period: May 12 (Tue) – May 31 (Sun), 2026
- Reservations:
https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/offers/packages/260512/26-taue-taiken
Related Food Education Event at Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho (Tokyo)
Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho in Tokyo is hosting a related food education event on June 7, 2026 (Sunday) tied to the rice-planting tour. Titled "Starting Food Education at Home with Onigiri — Yoshie Kamiya Talks Food Education and Onigiri for Children," the event invites families to learn about food education from Yoshie Kamiya, make onigiri together, and enjoy a special hotel lunch plate.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, June 7, 2026 |
| Time | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Doors open at 11:45 AM) |
| Venue | Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho, 4F "Charlotte" |
| Fee | ¥8,000 per group (tax & service included, with meal) *1 adult + 1 child (elementary school age or under); Additional adult ¥5,000 / Additional child (elementary school age or under) ¥3,000 (tax included) per person |
| Capacity | 20 participants |
| Contents | Parent-and-child onigiri making, talk session by Yoshie Kamiya, special "Food Education Colorful Plate," mini parfait making, souvenir (Lotte sweets) |
| How to Apply | https://forms.gle/ZqSJqpXwCgjXuCvX9 |
| Application Period | Wednesday, May 13 – Sunday, May 24, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
*Recommended for elementary school age and above. Children may not attend unaccompanied. Junior high school students and above are charged at the adult rate. This is a hands-on event; observation only is not accepted. Please note that allergens may be present in the ingredients, and allergy-friendly menus are not available.
