【Starting This Weekend!】Connect with the Soil, Connect with the World: Asian Rural Institute's "Chokotto Farm & Forest" to be held again in 2026!
Asian Rural Institute (ARI) is hosting "Chokotto Farm & Forest," a one-day program offering agricultural and forest experiences in Nasushiobara's rich nature. Held every other month in 2026, it welcomes local residents and farming novices to experience the bounty of nature for 2,000 yen, including lunch.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 11, 2026 at 15:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 11, 2026 at 06:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 11, 2026 at 06:33 (1 min after Collected)
Why not experience a "little bit" of nature at Asian Rural Institute (ARI)? ARI is a place where students from all over the world gather to learn amidst the abundant nature of Nasushiobara. "Chokotto Farm & Forest" is a one-day experiential program that opens this environment to the local community, allowing participants to work up a sweat with staff and feel the blessings of the earth.
Even if you have no farming experience, are a neighbor, or just curious about the atmosphere of ARI, everyone is welcome!
The comfort of physical work and a unique experience that can only be found here await you.
## Event Overview
- Next Event Date: Saturday, May 16th
- Location: Asian Rural Institute (Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture)
- Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on the 3rd Saturday of every other month
2026 Schedule:
- May 16 (Sat)
- July 18 (Sat)
- Sept 19 (Sat)
- Nov 28 (Sat)
*Note: On August 22 (Sat) and January 23 (Sat), a special joint project with ARI's Summer/Winter Friends Day will feature tree climbing experiences in the campus forest.
Activities:
- Farm: Harvesting seasonal vegetables, etc.
- Forest: Forest exploration, tree climbing, etc.
*Note: Content may vary depending on weather conditions and agricultural off-season.
What to bring:
- Clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Work gloves
- Boots
- Drinks
- Hat
- Towel
Participation fee per person: 2,000 yen (Includes lunch. 0-3 years old: Free)
*Note: Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by an adult.
*Note: Includes experience, material costs, and lunch.
*Note: Each session is limited to 20 participants (first-come, first-served).
## Day's Schedule
- Gathering & Orientation: Today's work content and introduction to ARI
- Work Start: "Working Together" farm experience with staff
- Lunch Time: Enjoy organic ingredients harvested at the institute (depending on plan)
- Reflection & Dismissal
"Living together, working together" – ARI values this spirit. Why not experience it for yourself?
## Application & Inquiries
If you wish to participate, please apply using the contact information below:
- Phone: 0287-36-3111
- Email: pr@ari.ac.jp
Even if you have no farming experience, are a neighbor, or just curious about the atmosphere of ARI, everyone is welcome!
The comfort of physical work and a unique experience that can only be found here await you.
## Event Overview
- Next Event Date: Saturday, May 16th
- Location: Asian Rural Institute (Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture)
- Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on the 3rd Saturday of every other month
2026 Schedule:
- May 16 (Sat)
- July 18 (Sat)
- Sept 19 (Sat)
- Nov 28 (Sat)
*Note: On August 22 (Sat) and January 23 (Sat), a special joint project with ARI's Summer/Winter Friends Day will feature tree climbing experiences in the campus forest.
Activities:
- Farm: Harvesting seasonal vegetables, etc.
- Forest: Forest exploration, tree climbing, etc.
*Note: Content may vary depending on weather conditions and agricultural off-season.
What to bring:
- Clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Work gloves
- Boots
- Drinks
- Hat
- Towel
Participation fee per person: 2,000 yen (Includes lunch. 0-3 years old: Free)
*Note: Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by an adult.
*Note: Includes experience, material costs, and lunch.
*Note: Each session is limited to 20 participants (first-come, first-served).
## Day's Schedule
- Gathering & Orientation: Today's work content and introduction to ARI
- Work Start: "Working Together" farm experience with staff
- Lunch Time: Enjoy organic ingredients harvested at the institute (depending on plan)
- Reflection & Dismissal
"Living together, working together" – ARI values this spirit. Why not experience it for yourself?
## Application & Inquiries
If you wish to participate, please apply using the contact information below:
- Phone: 0287-36-3111
- Email: pr@ari.ac.jp