On 4th May, Associate Professor HIGGINBOTHAM George and 10 EUH students volunteered to help the farmers in Ini with the rice planting. Mr. Matsumoto and Mr. Hamaoka, two more Hiroshima volunteers who regularly visit Ini, helped with the driving. We had an early start so arrived before 9 a.m. in the beautiful Ini valley, which is about an hour drive from Eikei University of Hiroshima.

Under the supervision of farmer Kono, we planted the field in the traditional way. Dipping our bare feet into the cool mud of the rice paddies (swarming with tadpoles and other living creatures) and planting the rice by hand at 20cm intervals.

After the rice planting, we enjoyed a picnic with farmer Kono. As well as rice balls and soba we could also try tempura made from various local plants picked that morning. It was good weather, so it was comfortable to eat outside and chat. While we were eating, farmer Kono thanked us for our hard work and invited us to come back and help with the harvest in September.

We then went to say hello to Mr.Oe, the priest at the local temple who we had met on previous visits. Some of the students enjoyed ringing the big bell and seeing the temple, which in contrast to the village of Ini is quite big. From the temple there is a marvellous view of the valley.

In the afternoon, we went for a short hike in the forests near to Ini. We walked along a small path in the Ryuzu gorge for a couple of kilometres and (as well as a snake) saw some impressive waterfalls. It was refreshing to walk amongst the trees and breathe in the clean air, quite different to our regular city life. We finally returned to Eikei University of Hiroshima around 6 p.m.

Please click here to see our past activities in the rice terraces of Ini.  

（AY2023）

Buckwheat Harvesting in November

Rice Harvesting in October

Rice planting in May

過去の井仁の棚田の活動はこちらからご覧ください。

（2023年度）

11月　蕎麦刈り体験

10月　稲刈り体験

５月　田植え体験