Food and Dining

South of Mount Aso is a town in Kumamoto called Yamato. Although it’s relatively unknown as a tourist destination, it’s the perfect spot for organic farming due to the minerals from volcanic ash in the soil and water and the cool climate. The organic farming trend in Yamato began more than 40 years ago, and the town now utilizes some of the most advanced techniques in the country. A visit to Yamato will allow you to try farm-fresh vegetables grown without artificial pesticides. Yaski Farm A great example of how young people are becoming more involved in organic farming in Yamato is Yaski Farm. The farm is run by Yasuki Torigoe (who is also a musician). He recovered and transformed abandoned land into an organic farm using soil analysis software. During your visit, you may see wild boar and deer — they are free to roam across the ground, and their droppings form the ideal fertilizer for crops such as carrots. Yamato Desica A farm and restaurant combined, Yamato Desica is a collaboration between young farmers and chefs. Having a meal inside a greenhouse on bales of straw is quite the experience! Plus, since the staff is involved closely in…