EDITORIALS
Toward Sustainable Tourism through Cycle of Travel and Agriculture Hoshino Resort Tomamu's Farm Hoshino, a Recycling-Oriented Agricultural Project
Hoshino Resort Tomamu, a popular resort where you can feel the nature of Hokkaido, has released a video of "Farm Hoshino," a recycling-oriented agriculture project based on the concept of "travel x agriculture" on November 30, 2023. What exactly is this "recycling-oriented agriculture project" that Hoshino Resort is working on?
What is "Farm Hoshino"?
Farm Hoshino is a recycling-oriented agriculture project on about 100 hectares of land within the grounds of Hoshino Resort Tomamu. The area where Tomamu was located was farmed with about 700 head of cattle before the resort was developed. Then, in 2016, the golf business was discontinued and the approximately 100 hectares of land that had been a golf course was turned into a farm area. The project worked to create rich soil and beautiful landscaping, and currently about 30 dairy cows are being raised there.
Pasture-based dairy farming has been adopted, and the cows can be seen
The farm area has adopted pasture-based dairy farming, where cows roam the pastures and drop droppings in an effort to return the land to a richer state. Pasture-based dairy farming allows the cows to walk a lot, which makes them healthier both physically and mentally, and their hair looks better and the milk they produce is sweeter and tastier. Visitors can also see the cows living freely in the vast land, which heals people's hearts.
Taking a nap while counting real sheep? Experience programs are also offered
Farm Hoshino also offers many hands-on programs. At the "Moo Moo School," visitors can compare milk from different individual cows and learn why they taste different in a quiz format, and they can also experience "cattle rustling," in which cows are moved from one pasture to another. The farm also has a "farm lounge" where visitors can relax while watching the cows roam around in the pasture, a 30-meter-long "giant grass bed," and a "sheep and nap hammock," a spot where visitors can enjoy napping while counting real sheep. It is a luxurious experience where you can enjoy your stay at the resort while learning about the animals.
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