Lotte Arai Resort Hotel: Announcement of 'Hoshizora Rice' Rice Planting Experience Tour

Lotte Arai Resort (operated by LOTTE Hotel Arai Co., Ltd., located in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, Representative: Tomoya Fukui), a wellness mountain resort boasting one of Japan's leading natural environments and vast grounds, will hold a rice planting experience tour to savor the breath of spring with all five senses at the 'Lotte Arai Farm' within its premises on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

This event proposes a new travel style that goes beyond mere accommodation, allowing guests to experience local food and culture. It is organized by the 'R&L Partnership Promotion Office,' a collaboration between the local Ryōzenji temple and Lotte Arai Resort. The aim is for local residents and the resort facility to work together to increase the exchange population and promote the charm of the region both domestically and internationally.

On the day of the event, participants can personally experience planting 'Hoshizora Rice,' nurtured by the clear air at an altitude of approximately 300 meters and snowmelt water. After the rice planting experience, freshly cooked Hoshizora Rice onigiri, seasonal bamboo shoot soup, and tea will be provided. Guests can savor the blessings of Myoko's nature with all five senses and enjoy interaction with local people. Spend a memorable spring moment with your family and friends, experiencing the grand nature and warmth of the people of Myoko.

*Main visual (image)

About 'Hoshizora Rice'

'Hoshizora Rice' is a special rice cultivated in the Ryōzenji area of Niigata, formerly known as the 'phantom rice' Yashiro Rice, and finished by the traditional 'hasagake*' method, where harvested rice stalks are hung on Lotte Arai Resort's lifts for natural drying. The rice paddies are nurtured by snowmelt water from the ski slopes and carefully cultivated at Lotte Arai Farm in the clear air at an altitude of approximately 300 meters. It is rice carefully grown with the blessings of nature and human hands from planting to harvest.

*What is hasagake: A traditional method of drying harvested rice stalks by hanging them on racks (hasa) using natural wind and sunlight, which has the effect of deepening the flavor of the rice.

*Hoshizora Rice *Hoshizora Rice

'Hoshizora Rice' Rice Planting Experience Tour Overview

Enjoy a special onigiri lunch with food producer 'Nigiribito' Yoshie Kamiya

In beautiful green May, the highly popular 'Hoshizora Rice' rice planting experience tour will be held again this year at Lotte Arai Resort Farm No. 1 in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture. This year, food producer 'Nigiribito' Yoshie Kamiya will be welcomed as a special guest, and freshly made 'Hoshizora Rice onigiri' by Ms. Kamiya will be served during lunch. Along with the感動 of rice planting, you can enjoy a luxurious moment savoring the blessings of the local area with all five senses.

■Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026

■Time: 09:00〜12:30

■Location: Lotte Arai Resort Farm No. 1 (Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture)

*Meeting place: Hotel Village Station 1F Information Desk

■Fee: Adults (elementary school age and above) 500 yen (tax included) / Infants free

■Experience: Hoshizora Rice planting experience, Hoshizora Rice onigiri, bamboo shoot soup, tea provided

Participation in rice planting only is free

Guests staying at Lotte Arai Resort receive a rice souvenir

■Special Guest: Food Producer 'Nigiribito' Yoshie Kamiya

■What to bring: Boots, gloves, hat, comfortable clothes that can get dirty, towel or hand towel, umbrella and rain gear in case of rain, etc.

■Schedule

8:45

Meet at Hotel Village Station 1F Information Desk

9:15-9:45

Explanation of rice planting precautions and work

9:45-11:00

Rice planting experience

11:00-12:30

Lunch (Hoshizora Rice onigiri, bamboo shoot soup, tea)

12:30

Closing

*The event will generally be held even in case of rain, but may be canceled in consideration of safety during typhoons or severe weather (e.g., heavy storms).

■Application method: Apply via the URL below by 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 30 (JST)

https://www.asoview.com/channel/activities/ja/arai-resort/offices/3861/courses/21021/calendars

Food Producer 'Nigiribito' Yoshie Kamiya

Active from 'Seikatsu Kobo Togarashi' (Oita Usa), a building solely for kitchens. Inheriting the philosophy of her mother, traditional cuisine researcher Sayuko Kanemaru, she engages in activities to convey food culture. As 'Nigiribito,' she advocates for rice tourism and makes onigiri, expanding her circle through team building and food education events centered around onigiri for a wide range of people, from children to students, athletes, chefs, and business owners, both domestically and internationally. She is also famous for her seasoning sommelier professional activities and for promoting 'Madam Yuzu' yuzukosho. In 2025, she received the Gold Prize in the Food Category of the 'Kyushu Tourism Town Development AWARD'.

Representative Director of Seikatsu Kobo Togarashi Co., Ltd.

https://kamiyayoshie.net