#Japan #Tsukuba City #Sweet Potatoes #Shiitake Mushrooms

Discover the Autumn Harvest Festival in Tsukuba City

The vibrant city of Tsukuba, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is set to host its annual harvest festival on October 11, 2025. This much-anticipated event, organized by the Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi Cooperative, will take place at the JA Tsukuba City agricultural center, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. This event brings together local farmers and community members for a hands-on experience in harvesting sweet potatoes and shiitake mushrooms.

An Event Like No Other

For over 30 years, this festival has become a staple of the autumn season, promoting local produce and sustainable farming practices. It offers participants the unique opportunity to dig up sweet potatoes from rich, fertile soil without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The sweet potatoes are known for their excellent quality, thanks to the care and dedication of the local farmers who cultivate them in a sunlit environment.

In addition, attendees will experience the delightful process of harvesting shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms are grown on logs, and after a year and a half of meticulous care, they develop a meaty texture that has garnered praise from consumers. Participants can really immerse themselves in the agricultural experience by picking these delicious mushrooms and enjoying their flavor.

A Culinary Celebration

The harvested sweet potatoes and shiitake mushrooms will not go to waste. Participants will have the chance to taste a dish called “Kinoko no Gottonabe” (Mixed Mushroom Stew), which highlights local produce. This communal cooking experience allows attendees to dine alongside farmers, strengthening the bond between producers and consumers. In addition, participants will savor the seasonal flavors of newly harvested rice known as “Niji no Kirameki” (Glitter of the Rainbow).

A Legacy of Community

The harvest festival has been a tradition in Tsukuba City since 1995, fostering connections between consumers and local producers. The event aims not only to celebrate the bountiful harvest but also to encourage the consumption of locally sourced products, ensuring that community members are more aware of the importance of supporting regional agriculture.

A Broader Mission

The Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi and JA Tsukuba City inaugurated the “Food and Green Exchange Project Promotion Council” in 2002. This initiative fosters urban-rural exchanges aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency and sustainable agricultural as part of a regional resource circulation model. Through various agricultural experiences, such as “Rice Field School,” “Field School,” and “Mushroom School,” Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi aims to deepen consumers’ understanding of agriculture.

As the Pal System Ibaraki Tochigi Cooperative continues to strengthen ties between producers and consumers, it promotes the enjoyment of food and agriculture, ensuring a thriving community.

Event Details

• - Date: October 11, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM (Rain or Shine)
• - Location: JA Tsukuba City Agricultural Center

(248-2 Kamiyokoba, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture)

• - Expected Participants: 26 groups, 74 individuals
• - Harvest Activities: Shiitake mushrooms and sweet potatoes

Join the celebration in Tsukuba City this October and be part of an experience that's more than just farming; it’s about building community, appreciating nature, and celebrating the bounty of the earth.