Shiny Mud Ball Workshop to Be Held! Special Class by the 'Mud Ball Teacher' – Touch Soil and Water, Get Absorbed in Fun (Aug 1–2)

Yatsumori Agricultural University (located in Hakuba Village, Suwa District, and Chino City, Nagano Prefecture / President: Soichiro Minami / hereinafter 'the school') will host a 'Dorodango Workshop' on August 1 (Sat) and 2 (Sun), 2026, at its direct sales area. Participants will create their own uniquely shiny mud balls with their families. The instructor will be the 'Dorodango Teacher' (affiliated with Yoshimoto Kogyo), a sandpit researcher and director of the 'Yatsumori Agricultural University Soil Analysis LABO.' In today’s digital age, this workshop offers a special opportunity to fully engage the five senses with 'soil' and 'water,' sharpening concentration. Located about 2.5 hours by car from Tokyo and approximately 8°C cooler than Tokyo (Note 1), this high-altitude, cool climate site is ideal for summer vacation science projects and creating lasting memories.

The Dorodango Teacher’s Message: 'It’s not just about rolling. It’s about observing, feeling, and nurturing the soil.'

Making dorodango is a very simple play activity enjoyed with just soil and water. But when you actually make one, you discover many things.

Too much water causes it to collapse. Too much pressure causes it to crack. Gently roll, smooth the surface, and gradually polish.

By carefully observing the soil’s condition and experimenting with their own hands, children naturally become focused, resourceful, and absorbed. Both the struggles and the shining moments are valuable experiences.

Why not create your one-of-a-kind shiny dorodango together as a family?

The Appeal of Dorodango: Getting Absorbed in Touching 'Soil' and 'Water'

- A simple yet profound play activity, infinitely enjoyable with just soil and water

- Enhances observational skills and concentration by fully engaging tactile senses

- Builds 'non-cognitive abilities' as participants repeatedly fail and creatively adapt

- Allows parents and children to engage equally, losing themselves in time together

- Offers a quiet, rich mindfulness experience that mysteriously calms the mind

- Finished shiny dorodango can be taken home as a 'lifetime treasure'

Instructor: Dorodango Teacher (Sandpit Researcher / Yoshimoto Kogyo / Director, Yatsumori Agricultural University Soil Analysis LABO)

While visiting sandpits around the world, he researches the relationship between sand, soil, and children. He has conducted dorodango-making and sand play workshops at kindergartens, schools, commercial facilities, and local governments nationwide. Additionally, he serves as the director of the 'Yatsumori Agricultural University Soil Analysis LABO,' acting as a leading soil professional at the school.

Workshop Content

Children and adults alike will get absorbed in 'polishing'!

Using soil and water, participants will create dorodango from scratch. Shape the soil, smooth the surface, and gradually polish it into a shiny dorodango. The Dorodango Teacher will assist each participant according to their progress, so even first-timers can join with confidence. Completed dorodango can be taken home.

【Event Flow】

Registration → Explanation of dorodango-making → Shape the soil into a ball → Smooth and polish the surface → Finish the shiny dorodango → Take home your creation (Note: Results and progress may vary by individual)

Overview of the 'Dorodango Workshop' at Yatsumori Agricultural University

Dates: August 1 (Sat) and August 2 (Sun), 2026

Time: ① 10:00–12:00 / ② 13:00–15:00 (Two sessions per day, four total sessions)

Capacity: 10 families (20 people) per session (pre-registration required, first-come, first-served; registration closes when full)

Venue: Direct Sales Area, Yatsumori Agricultural University (Hakuba Village, Suwa District, Nagano Prefecture)

Participation Fee (tax included): ¥3,500

Target Age: Children around 3 years and older. Preschoolers must be accompanied by a guardian. (Note: If two children attend with one guardian only supervising, the fee is for two children. If the guardian also participates, please register for all participants.)

What to Bring / Attire: Please bring a water bottle and wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty (soil and water will be used, and clothing may become soiled).

Details and Reservation Page: https://peatix.com/event/5066818

Enjoy with Harvest Experiences: A Summer Destination Where You Can Spend the Whole Day on the Vast Campus

Within the expansive 267-hectare campus (equivalent to 57 Tokyo Domes), there are various 'food' and 'experience' offerings beyond corn harvesting, perfect for a full-day summer outing. The region is about 8°C cooler than Tokyo (Note 1) and features the distinct highland climate characteristic of significant temperature fluctuations—over 15°C difference between day and night.

(Detailed release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000011.000161075.html)

10-Hectare Flower Garden 'YATZ GARDEN (Yatts Garden)'

An admission-free flower garden. Red and white salvias, yellow and orange marigolds will sequentially reach peak bloom from late July through August. At the center of the garden, you can enjoy the school’s signature milk soft-serve made with 100% freshly squeezed milk. (Note: For the latest information on bloom status or closures due to bad weather, please check the school’s official SNS (Instagram).) (Detailed release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000011.000161075.html)

Fresh Corn Harvest Experience (scheduled to begin on August 1)

A popular program where you harvest your favorite corn from a field of about 100,000 stalks and eat it raw on the spot. Thanks to the extreme diurnal temperature variation (over 15°C), last year’s corn reached a maximum sugar content of 22 degrees—significantly sweeter than melons (typically 12–16 degrees). (Detailed release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000013.000161075.html)

Summer Vegetable Harvest BBQ (pre-registration required)

Harvest fresh, juicy highland vegetables grown by trainees and enjoy them in the midst of nature. (The experiential program 'Vegetable Doctor Tour,' combining vegetable harvesting and learning, will begin accepting reservations soon.)

Direct Sales Gourmet & Souvenirs

The year-round direct sales shop sells unique food and souvenirs available only at the school, such as 'Fresh Milk Cookies' made with 100% freshly squeezed milk and 'Premium Bacon Donburi' using bacon smoked for about 10 times longer than usual.

Access Information

【By Car】Approx. 15 minutes from 'Suwanan IC' on the Chuo Expressway / Approx. 30 minutes from 'Koumi IC' (Park at 'Yatsumori Farm Direct Sales')

【By Train】Approx. 20 minutes by taxi from 'Chino Station' on the JR Chuo Main Line, or approx. 30 minutes by local bus to 'Yatsumori Central Agricultural Practical University Front' (Note: The direct sales area is a few minutes’ walk from the bus stop, but the flower garden is about a 30-minute walk. From July 25 to October 12, on weekends and holidays, a tourist route bus will run between Chino Station and the school’s direct sales area and flower garden. Details will be announced on the school’s website soon.)

・Parking: 100 spaces at the direct sales area, 600 spaces at the flower garden area (free)