The story takes place at Iriomote Island Hotel. We at Iriomote Island Hotel aim to be “Japan’s first ecotourism resort.” Not only do we operate our hotel with minimal environmental impact, but we also give back the benefits of tourism to the local community. To achieve this, we work together with local residents to create engaging experiences that our guests can enjoy. That is our vision of sustainable ecotourism. One of Iriomote Island Hotel’s annual events that brings color to spring is the “Spring Peach Pine Festival.” The star of the show is the “tree-ripened” peach pine—a fruit that can only be savored on this island, its place of origin. Grown in Iriomote Island’s fields, where they accumulate sweetness until the very last moment, these peaches release an astonishingly rich, peach-like fragrance the instant they’re cut. While they have long been regarded as a local specialty on the island, in recent years their reputation has spread beyond the island, and they are increasingly recognized as a rare and high-quality variety of pineapple. Behind this spectacular initiative lies a gritty yet passionate story—one built through candid exchanges and, at times, heated debates between farmers and hotel staff.
Trust Carved into Sharp Leaves The pine grove is truly a battlefield. Amid leaves as sharp and hard as swords that pierce mercilessly, we made our way through the undergrowth, clad in long sleeves and long pants. In May, Iriomote Island was enveloped in stifling humidity and heat. Ito, as the experienced one, led the group, while Nishino hoisted heavy containers with unaccustomed movements. Day after day, they stood side by side with the farmers, gazing intently at the soil. Ito recalls that one day, after tirelessly cutting pineapples for processing, the chilled pineapple and beer the farmers served them were “absolutely delicious.” A new bond of trust was certainly beginning to take root there. Seeing the staff show up at the fields every day, covered in scrapes and bruises, the farmers welcomed them as members of the island community.
© Source travel watch