Sadamisaki Peninsula, Ehime Prefecture
Ehime's Unexplored Region: Sadamisaki Peninsula
Sadamisaki Peninsula in Ehime Prefecture is the longest peninsula in Japan with a length of about 50km. Due to this unique topography, it was once known to be hard to travel through.
Today, it is appreciated for its beautiful nature. The river is full of wild eels that swim upstream. There are also many wild honeybees in the area.
A Honeybee Paradise Filled With Nectar Sources
The peninsula faces the Seto Inland Sea and the Uwa Sea. Across the mountain, flowers begin to bloom in the south, and bloom later in the north. Honeybees can travel north and south of the peninsula to collect nectar from flowers for long periods of time.
Sadamisaki peninsula is also a resting point for migratory birds. These birds eat nuts on the area and excrete natural manure, with this, new plant buds sprout and grow into trees. This cycle has been repeated for centuries, making the ancient old-growth forest to become full of honey source plants. It is truly a paradise for honeybees.
Beekeeper Leader: Mr. Hiroyuki Chosei
We aim to increase healthy honeybees and achieve sustainable production without relying on antibiotics. Beekeeping is a demanding job, and there is a shortage of successors nationwide. However, honeybees are precious, and their world is full of profound charm. I would like to convey the wonders of such beekeeping.
We are a fixed honeybee farm that does not move our place. Our beekeeping is rooted in the land.
Through beekeeping, we would like to maintain the environment of the Sadamisaki land.
There are many nest boxes scattered around the area, so we can check them every day to check the bees’ health. We cut weeds around the hive to make way for the bees, and we also get rid of the hornets that attack the bees.
During the winter off-season of beekeeping, we would make nest boxes and create a comfortable environment so the bees can withstand the cold temperature and can work throughout the year to create good quality honey.