FARM LAND
農地さんぽ
FARM LAND 農地さんぽ
Kyoto is well-known for the many temples and shrines that fill it’s landscape. However, most visitors don’t make it out to the Kyoto countryside, which offers the opportunity to connect on a completely different level with Japan.
For more than 1,000 years Kyoto was the capital of Japan, and as such needed to generate large amounts of food to sustain it’s inhabitants. Located far from the sea, it was quite difficult to transport fish and keep it fresh enough to maintain it’s quality. As such, vegetables became very important to the diet of people in the capital and Kyoto became known for it’s high quality produce.
Kyoyasai, or Kyoto’s heirloom fruit and vegetables have been refined and developed in the ancient capital for centuries. Not only do they have a long history, kyoyasai also can come in unique colors, shapes, and flavors. There are about 31 different types of Kyoyasai and many of them are grown in this area.
It is common to see local farmers selling their goods in makeshift stands in front of businesses or residences. Typically there is nobody to man these stands, customers just grab what they wish to purchase and insert their coins or bills into the money box.
Taking a stroll through the farmlands of Oharano can be enjoyable year round as different types of vegetables grow in different temperatures. This dynamic landscape is something you could surely not see by remaining in the city center.