In mid-September, after about two hours traveling west by train and bus, rice fields spread out before your eyes, with fully ripened rice ears waiting to be harvested. This is the Takatsuki district, Tokyo’s largest rice-growing area.

The area is nestled between the Kasumi hills at about 200 meters elevation and the Akigawa River flowing from the Okutama region. Although temperatures exceed 30 degrees, the constant gentle breeze feels refreshing.

“The sky is vast and the water is clean. We have ospreys and fireflies here, and at night it’s completely dark with many visible stars. It’s a nice place, isn’t it? I want more people to know that Tokyo has places like this too.”

This is spoken by someone who has been farming rice here for generations. Five local farm families sell their rice under the name “Takatsuki Clear Stream Rice.”

They started farming 50 years ago. Their father was…

Takatsuki district

Takatsuki is a city in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, historically known as a vital post station on the Tokaido road during the Edo period. Today, it is a modern residential and commercial center that preserves historical sites like the Takatsuki Castle ruins and the Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, reflecting its rich past.

Kasumi hills

I am unable to provide a summary for “Kasumi hills” as I do not have any specific information about this location in my knowledge base. It is possible this refers to a local or lesser-known geographical feature. For accurate information, I would recommend consulting a regional geographical reference or travel guide.

Akigawa River

The Akigawa River is a scenic river flowing through western Tokyo, known for its clear waters and popular recreational activities like fishing and hiking. Historically, it has been a vital water source for local agriculture and communities, with its surrounding valley offering a natural escape from the urban landscape.

Okutama region

The Okutama region is a mountainous area in western Tokyo known for its pristine natural landscapes, including forests, rivers, and Lake Okutama. Historically, it was a vital source of timber and water for Edo (modern-day Tokyo), with its cypress wood used in traditional construction and its rivers dammed to create reservoirs for the growing city.