In Kyoto, farming after dark offers visitors a taste of sustainability

In Kyoto, a social entrepreneur named Miu Terashima is offering a unique farming experience at night in the Nishiyama region. This "Night Farm" initiative combines environmental awareness, local agriculture, and food education. The 1,500 square meter field is planted with traditional Kyoto vegetables such as Kamo eggplant and Manganji peppers. Visitors can harvest these vegetables and use them to make fresh pizzas on-site.

Terashima founded the general incorporated association BNR in 2025, after graduating from Ritsumeikan University. She had been involved in farming at the site since her student days and launched Night Farm in the summer of 2024. The program runs five days a week, accommodating up to 10 groups per day. The night experience helps visitors avoid the summer heat and allows vegetables to be harvested at cooler times of the day when they have less moisture.

Terashima's interest in agriculture and food began during high school when she watched Greta Thunberg's speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit. She studied international relations at university and spent a year working on a farm in Fukushima Prefecture to learn about agriculture firsthand. She now runs a children's cafeteria on the farm and organizes plogging events (running and picking up litter simultaneously).

During the Night Farm experience, participants can bake pizzas with freshly harvested vegetables, enjoy charcoal-grilled vegetables, and take home a basket of produce. Visitors like Hideaki Hori and Masahisa Ishibashi appreciated the hands-on experience and the appreciation for the effort that goes into growing the vegetables. Terashima hopes the program will expand to other regions, allowing each area to showcase its specialties and resources in a sustainable cycle.