Masakazu Kubota
（Mima）

The Nodanoi district is approximately a 10-minute drive into the mountains from the Mima Interchange.

This small mountain hamlet sits at an elevation of approximately 600 m near the border with the Kagawa Prefecture. Until the 1950s, this area practiced a tradition known as Kariko-ushi in which cattle were lent to farmers across the mountains in Kagawa for agricultural work.

Masakazu Kubota is a ninth-generation farmer whose family has been farming for over 200 years.

Leaf tobacco was once grown in sunny south-facing fields. Currently, multiple vegetables, including tomatoes, snow peas, and sweet potatoes, are cultivated throughout the year.

In spring and autumn, he welcomes students from urban areas and offers hands-on farming experiences such as harvesting vegetables and cooking fresh vegetables.

He explains, “With an aging population, it’s difficult for families alone to handle physically demanding farm work. This area has good access to Mt. Tsurugi and Kagawa Prefecture, so I hope we can create more opportunities for young people to stop by during their travels to enjoy farm experiences or take on short-term farm work.”

In Nodanoi district, a former elementary school was renovated into an accommodation facility called Yamabito no Sato. Its affordable pricing makes it a convenient base for long stays and for sightseeing in the surrounding area.

His farming experience programs are available for booking through Inakuru, a rural lifestyle experience website.