【Okinawa Village Time】Agricultural Culture Experience ① Life of Mr. Onaga

■What is OKinawa Village Time? Okinawa Village Time is an immersive experience that allows you to discover the charm of everyday life rooted in the community by connecting with local partners (residents) who live in the Kushi area of Nago City, near Kanucha. ✨ Each local partner offers a unique plan, allowing you to choose an experience that best matches your interests and lifestyle. 🌿 ■ Experience Category: Agricultural Culture Experience ■Life Of Mr.Onaga ～A heartfelt farming practice to protect what matters to the community～ After retiring from his career, Mr. Onaga returned to his hometown of Kayo Ward in Nago City and began farming—something he had always dreamed of doing. He grows Okinawan crops such as bananas and shima-rakkyo (island shallots), but the crops he nurtures with the greatest care and dedication are rice and makomo (wild rice grass). Both are grown in rice paddies and require considerable time and effort. There is a reason Mr. Onaga continues to grow them. In Kaya Ward, where Mr. Onaga lives, there is a unique traditional culture deeply rooted in agricultural life. One such tradition is the tug-of-war festival, which originated from a lifestyle centered around rice farming. The rice straw grown by Mr. Onaga and a few of his friends is used to make the rope for this annual event. Makomo was once widely grown in the Kushi area and was so familiar that people would say, “When it comes to sports day dishes, it has to be makomo!” However, due to government rice reduction policies, the number of farmers cultivating makomo has declined. Today, it is rarely grown—not only in the Kushi area, but throughout Okinawa. “I want to protect delicious foods, things that bring joy to people, and what the community holds dear.” This belief is what drives Mr. Onaga to continue cultivating crops that are deeply connected to local traditions and culture. ■ Experience with Mr. Onaga The experience begins with a walk through Kayo Village, where you will learn about local life, history, and traditions. You will then visit Mr. Onaga’s fields to try your hand at farm work. Surrounded by rich nature just beyond the village, enjoy meaningful time connecting with Mr. Onaga while discovering the rhythms of everyday life in the community. ■ Plan Details 1.A guided walk through Kayo Village, known for its vibrant traditional events, with an introduction to its history and culture 2.Seasonal farm work and harvesting experience (activities may vary depending on the season) ■ Reservation Flow Request Reservation → Experience Plan Adjustment → Plan Confirmation Please note: As this experience is based on the daily life of local residents, we may suggest an alternative plan if we are unable to meet your request. Thank you for your understanding.

• Days of Week

  Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat

• Duration

  1h 30m

• Adult (ages 13+)

  JPY 3,252

• Child (ages 12 & under)

  JPY 1,052

• What's Included

  • Insurance
  • Necessary items for the experience

• What's Not Included

  • Transportation costs during the experience are not included
  • Drinks

• Requirements

  • Children of elementary school age or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

• What to Bring

  • Clothes that are Easy to Move
  • Hat
  • Drinks

• Additional Info

  • All tours will be canceled in the event of heavy rain/flood warnings, storm warnings, or more severe weather conditions
  • Tours may also be canceled due to bad weather or unavoidable circumstances in the local partner’s daily life
  • To respect and experience the everyday life of the community, participants must strictly follow the tour rules provided at the time of application

• Cancellation Policies

  • Until 17:00, 3 days prior: 0%
  • Until 17:00, 2 days prior: 50%
  • Until 17:00 the day before: 80%
  • Until 17:00 on the day: 100%
  • After 17:00 on the day: 100%