#Japan #Chiba #Steiner School #九十九里 #夏野菜

Experience Nature at Steiner Garden Kujukuri

In a celebration of 100 years since the inception of Steiner education in Germany, children and their families from the Steiner community will come together for a natural experience event called "Field and Meadow Play" on June 27 and 28 at Steiner Garden Kujukuri in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. This event will allow families to harvest summer vegetables, such as cucumbers, green beans, zucchinis, eggplants, and peppers, nurtured under the bright summer solstice light.

As we witness the growing concerns about AI, digital devices, and early education, it’s essential to ensure that young children have ample opportunities to interact with nature. At the heart of this event is the importance of feeling the soil, smelling the wind, encountering insects and plants, and tasting seasonal produce — experiences that are becoming increasingly rare for children today.

Steiner Garden Kujukuri serves as a connection between urban centers like Takanawa and Hiroo in Tokyo, and the lush natural environment of Kujukuri, situated merely ten minutes from the beach. Here, families can immerse themselves in the beauty of expansive rice fields and meadows while enjoying the scents of the ocean breeze and the melodies of frogs and birds. This farm offers a holistic approach to learning about nature, emphasizing a hands-on connection that transcends the boundaries often found in city living.

At the heart of the event, children can indulge not only in harvesting vegetables but also in cooking, tasting, and taking some produce home with them. This experience fosters conversations between parents and children about the fragrance of the soil, the insects they encountered, and their memorable adventures in the fields. It's a way for families to connect their experiences in nature with their daily lives, enriching their understanding of the world around them.

Additionally, families can look forward to seasonal delicacies, including shaved ice topped with natural syrup, delightful water play in the garden pool, and refreshing herbal teas made from garden mint. These engaging activities lend themselves to fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and all its offerings.

Living in urban environments often makes nature feel like a distant privilege for families. However, for young children, tactile experiences with soil, the weight of vegetables, the scents of the wind, the coolness of water, and encounters with insects and plants are vital for nurturing their senses and vitality.

This event not only marks a major milestone in the history of Steiner education but also provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to experience the changing seasons through their bodies rather than just their minds.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: Field and Meadow Play
• - Date: June 27 and 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• - Venue: Steiner Garden Kujukuri, 1372 Ichimatsu Otsu, Nagara Village, Chiba Prefecture
• - Activities: Vegetable harvesting, outdoor cooking, seasonal crafts, field activities, shaved ice, garden pool, herbal tea
• - Expected Harvest: Cucumbers, green beans, zucchinis, eggplants, peppers
• - Participation Fee: 5,500 yen (approximately 6,050 yen tax included) for one family; 3,000 yen (approximately 3,300 yen tax included) for individual adult participation
• - What to Bring: Gardening gloves, lunch, drinks, and containers for soup

This is not just about gathering vegetables; it is about cultivating experiences that connect planting, growing, harvesting, cooking, and sharing at the family table.

About Steiner Garden Kujukuri

Located in Nagara Village, Chiba, Steiner Garden Kujukuri is a natural experience hub where families can connect with the earth. Just a short drive from the beach, the surroundings are resplendent with fertile rice fields and meadows. Families can participate in activities such as farming, vegetable planting, harvesting, outdoor cooking, seasonal festivals, craftsmanship, woodworking, and even camping.

Whether you're looking for an educational experience or just a fun day out with the family, this event promises to be a memorable one. Join us in celebrating nature and the spirit of Steiner education as we embrace the richness of summer together.