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We will be holding a special program exclusively for annual pass holders: "Satoyama Classroom Rice Cultivation Club - Let's Try Rice Growing!"
Kyoto Aquarium (Location: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City; General Manager: Kazuyoshi Sakano) is pleased to announce that it will be holding a special program for annual pass holders, "Satoyama Classroom: Rice Cultivation Club - Let's Try Rice Growing!", for a total of six days between May 9th (Sat) and December 12th (Sat), 2026.
This program is an experiential program that has been running since the museum opened in 2012. It takes place in the "The Countryside of Kyoto" area, which recreates the original landscape of a rural mountain village, and involves rice cultivation from spring to autumn. Participants will experience rice planting, harvesting, threshing, milling, and making sacred ropes using traditional methods, together with the animal care staff.
Until last year, the program was based on individual sessions, allowing participants to observe parts of the rice growth process. This year, with the aim of allowing children to learn more about the process of life's growth through multiple experiences, we have revamped the program to allow participation in the entire process, from rice planting in the first session to threshing and milling in the fifth session. In addition, this year we will be distributing an "observation notebook" that allows participants to record their observations and communicate more effectively with the animal care staff.
The second and third sessions will be " animals observation sessions" where we will observe animals that come to the flooded rice paddies. The program will involve walking through the rice paddies with the animal care staff and learning about the characteristics and ecology of the animals we find. In addition, in December, after the fifth session, we will hold a special event: making Shimenawa (sacred straw ropes).
This program is being implemented as part of the "AQTION! (Action)*" initiative, which has been running since 2021, and aims to pass the baton to the future of the planet together with children and local communities who will shape the future.
Kyoto Aquarium will continue to provide experiences that allow children to connect with nature and cultivate an appreciation for it.
1. Overview of the "Satoyama Classroom Rice Cultivation Club - Let's Try Rice Growing!"
Price: 1,000 yen *A Kyoto Aquarium annual pass is required separately.
Sales period: April 7th (Tue) - [ Tickets are sold out]
Location: "The Countryside of Kyoto" area Capacity: 15 people Target: Elementary school students *Parental supervision is required. (Parents also need an annual pass.)
Bonus items: Observation notebook and harvested rice (approximately 1 cup)
* The content may be changed depending on the rice growth status.
The first "Satoyama Classroom: Rice Cultivation Club - Rice Planting Edition"
After a quiz and explanation about rice, participants enter a flooded rice paddy and plant rice seedlings by hand. animal care staff and farmers will instruct them on how to plant the seedlings.
Date and Time: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM
2nd and 3rd "Satoyama Classroom: Rice Cultivation Club - animals Observation Session"
We will search for animals that have gathered around the rice paddies after planting, together with the animal care staff, and observe them up close. We will also provide explanations about the animals we find.
Date and Time: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM; Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM. *Dates may change due to weather conditions.
The 4th "Satoyama Classroom: Rice Cultivation Club - Rice Harvesting Edition"
The rice stalks are cut from the base using a sickle. Afterwards, the harvested rice is dried by bundling it together using a method called "hazagake."
Date and Time: Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM *The date may change depending on the growth of the rice plants.
The 5th "Satoyama Classroom: Rice Cultivation Club - Threshing and Milling Edition"
We separate the rice husks and brown rice using traditional tools such as a threshing machine and a winnowing machine. By using these old-fashioned tools for threshing and milling, you can experience the physically demanding work involved. The milled rice will be given to you as a gift.
Date and Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM *The date may change depending on the growth of the rice plants.
■ Distributing "observation notebooks" that allow users to record the changes that occur during the rice harvesting process.
This program allows you to experience the entire process from rice planting to milling. We have prepared an "observation notebook" where you can carefully observe and record how the rice changes and grows.
You can attach photos to your observation notebook and take notes while communicating with the animal care staff, so create your own special "observation notebook."
2. Other activities conducted in the "Satoyama Classroom Rice Cultivation Club"
■Bonus Episode - Making Shimenawa (sacred rope)
We will use harvested rice straw to make shimenawa (sacred ropes) together with the animal care staff. Please decorate your home with these shimenawa, which are believed to bring good fortune for family safety and protection from evil, during the New Year.
Those wishing to participate in the Shimenawa (sacred rope) making workshop must register separately.
Date and Time: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM Admission: Free *A Kyoto Aquarium annual pass is required separately.
Location: "The Countryside of Kyoto" area Capacity: 20 people Target: Elementary school students (1st grade and above) How to apply: Visit the "Events and Experiences" page on our official website
( https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/event/index.html )
* The application period will be announced on the official website as soon as it is decided.
*If there are many applicants, a lottery will be held. Winners will be notified by email.
* Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian. (Guardians also need an annual pass.)
