Ina City, despite technically being one, is more of a small mountain town than a city. It is the center of business and shopping in the northern part of the Ina Valley and sits gorgeously between the Southern Alps and Central Alps of Japan. International tourism really isn’t much of a thing here but if people knew what they were missing I think it would be. The wide valley is a known for sunny weather, fertile soil, silk production, friendly locals and more.

Though international tourism isn’t a thing here yet, domestically people do come. The mountains are one of the biggest lures but a lot of people also come for the valley. Here I am going to introduce two farm shops in Ina that are well worth a visit!

Miharashi Farm

A kind of one stop experience center. They offer fruit picking with different fruits for different seasons. Strawberries, grapes, apples and more. You can try natural dying, use a traditional weaving machine, make your own soba noodles, make tofu and loads of other things too. There is also an onsen there. This farm shop is a great place to try something new or rest up after the mountains and welcome foreign visitors. Lots of locally grown food, drink and insects (read on) are also available here.

Green Farm

Now for something totally different. This food market/second hand store/petting zoo is a real mess. But as they say, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. And this place is a treasure trove to me! Old silk industry machinery is on sale cheap along with all kinds of rare antiques. This is where I would go for weird gifts and interior decorations! The food market is full of local produce, from seasonal fruit and veg, to the more exotic konchu (insects). Actually, insect eating culture is very traditional in Ina. In season you can even buy slices of bee hive with live bees inside. Not your bag? There is also a delicious and cheap vegan curry available. This is a great place to experience the buzz of a real local market place and learn more about Japan that you ever could in a museum.