Niigata’s Sky Rice Hangs from Ski Resort’s Chairlifts
Bundles of freshly harvested Koshihikari rice hang from chairlifts, drying in the sun at Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort in Minami-Uonuma, Niigata Prefecture.
In Niigata Prefecture, a unique agricultural practice has caught the attention of locals and visitors alike. Bundles of freshly harvested Koshihikari rice dangle from chairlifts at the Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, undergoing a natural drying process in the sun and wind. This method, initiated in 2004, aims to utilize ski resort equipment during the off-season.
Workers transport approximately 260 chairs across three lifts, contingent upon weather conditions. The technique ensures the rice receives ample sunlight and wind exposure, enhancing its flavor profile when cooked. The resulting product is marketed as "sky rice," or Tenkumai, a name derived from the aerial appearance of the crop.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
