The Nanao area of Taiki Town is a peaceful rural community known for raising Matsusaka beef cattle.
Rather than simply enjoying Matsusaka beef as a meal, this immersive farm-to-table experience introduces guests to the land, people and traditions behind the food.
Guests visit or stay at a local farmhouse and take part in a series of activities, including harvesting seasonal vegetables, collecting fresh spring water, chopping firewood and cooking rice in a traditional wood-fired kamado stove. The experience culminates in a sukiyaki meal featuring locally raised Matsusaka beef.
One of the highlights is the opportunity to taste Tokusan Matsusaka Beef (Special Grade Matsusaka Beef), an exceptionally rare category of Matsusaka beef. According to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tokusan Matsusaka Beef accounts for only around 4% of all Matsusaka beef production. Taiki Town is home to a number of farmers dedicated to raising these highly prized cattle.
There are two options
Day Experience
11:00 Meet and begin the experience
→ Harvest seasonal vegetables and other farm activities
11:40 Chop firewood and cook rice in a traditional kamado stove
12:20 Matsusaka beef sukiyaki lunch
14:00 Finish
Overnight Experience
Includes one night’s accommodation, dinner and breakfast, activities, and Tokusan Matsusaka Beef.
Day 1
15:00 Check-in
→ Harvest seasonal vegetables
→ Collect fresh water from the local Kiya spring
→ Prepare rice using a traditional wood-fired kamado stove
18:00 Matsusaka beef sukiyaki dinner
Day 2
08:00 Breakfast
10:00 Check-out
Ise-Kashiwazaki Station or Aso Station (Pick-up/drop-off service is available from certain accommodations upon request).