Ichikura farm, Theme park in Saijo, Japan
Ichikura Farm was a recreational facility in Saijo that spread across multiple acres of working farmland, bringing visitors into direct contact with crop cultivation and harvest activities. The site combined active agricultural operations with leisure facilities, allowing guests to participate in seasonal picking and observe the daily rhythms of farm work.
The facility operated from 1986 to 2007 as a notable recreation destination in Ehime Prefecture, shaping tourism development in the local area during that era. It represented an early effort to blend farming operations with entertainment, creating a new type of destination in the region.
The farm showcased traditional Japanese farming methods through hands-on activities that connected visitors directly with local practices and knowledge. These experiences gave people insight into how agriculture worked and why it mattered to the surrounding communities.
The grounds were laid out with entry points and pathways that let visitors move between different growing areas without requiring special footwear or equipment. The best time to visit was during harvest seasons, when most activities took place and crops were ready for picking.
Visitors could attend cooking classes using vegetables and fruits picked that same day, creating a direct farm-to-table experience on site. This combination of growing, harvesting, and immediate cooking was an early way to show how agriculture connected to eating and enjoyment.
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