I’m a working mom in my 30s, and I started renting a garden plot in March 2025.
- Where did I find the Community Garden?
- How I Rented a Community Garden Plot – Step by Step
- Details About the Garden Rental: Fees & Rules
- The People at the Community Garden
I’ll walk you through the whole process step by step,
and share the benefits I personally felt — all from the perspective of a woman in her 30s!
Where did I find the Community Garden?
I spent about a year searching for a rental garden, and in my town, I found that there were basically four main ways to look:
1.City or Town Website (Municipal Plots)
2.Local Agriland or Farming Centers
3.Internet Search(share-batake etc.)
4.Flyers or Notices in the Neighborhood
I tried both searching online and contacting the city office directly, but I couldn’t find anything available.
In the end, I was able to rent a plot thanks to a tip from someone I know, who told me there was an opening in a nearby garden.
At this particular garden, the only way to rent a plot is either through an introduction from someone already renting or by seeing a flyer posted directly at the garden itself.
1. Citizen Gardens Listed on the City Website
The city only opens applications once a year, and the fees are quite high.
Also, the locations tend to be far from my home, even within the city limits, so I decided not to apply.
How I Rented a Community Garden Plot – Step by Step
1.I expressed my interest by saying, “I want to rent a plot.”
2.Then, I attended the garden’s annual meeting once a year to introduce myself and pay the fee.
3.After that, I was able to start gardening.
For gardens managed by the city or reputable companies found online, there are usually proper contracts and paperwork involved.
In my case, since it was through a flyer posted locally, the process was much simpler.
About the garden’s annual meeting
There will be a general meeting in March for the community garden I rent a plot in.
At this meeting, we will do the following:
- Meet and greet with other garden members
- Confirm who is renting which plot (a printed map is usually provided)
- Pay the rental fees
- Hear a report on how the membership fees are used and a financial summary
- Introduction of the officers and discussion about future plans
- Review the rules
- Casual conversation and socializing
Meet and Greet with other garden members
I met with 15 other members at the garden, which covers an area of about 1,500 square meters.
I was the only new member, so I introduced myself by saying my name and a short greeting.
About 90% of the members were around retirement age.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Community Garden Plot?
Annual Fee per Plot: ¥1,000 or ¥2,000
I was surprised at how affordable it is,
especially considering it’s the annual fee!
The difference between the ¥1,000 and ¥2,000 fees depends on the condition of the plots.
Some plots have poor drainage, so those are rented out for ¥1,000.
In comparison, the community gardens run by my city charge ¥21,000 per year,
so I felt this was a really good deal.
Since I’m a beginner, they recommended a plot with good drainage,
and I was able to rent one of the ¥2,000 plots!
How Is the Fee Used?
Regarding the ¥2,000 membership fee mentioned earlier, the funds are used for the following purposes:
- Tea expenses for grass-cutting days (twice a year)
- Maintenance and fuel costs for the grass-cutting machine (twice a year)
- Weed prevention mulch for unused plots
- Gifts to the landowner (summer and winter gifts)
- Postage for sending out the general meeting invitations
They also provide an annual financial report to ensure transparent management of the funds.
Rules for Using the Rental Garden Plots
Since I paid the fee, I can plant whatever I want, right?
You can’t manage a garden with that kind of attitude in Japan.
Everyone in the community garden enjoys gardening in their own way, with different ideas and methods.
It’s important to follow the rules of each plot properly so that everyone can have a fun and rewarding gardening experience!
Here are the rules of the garden where I rent my plot:
- Participate in the grass-cutting sessions held twice a year. (If you can’t make the scheduled date, please do it before or after.)
- Trees are not allowed to be planted.
- If there are any problems with the shared water taps or other facilities, report them to the officers immediately.
What to talk at the Annual Meeting?
I spent time talking with people who are older than my own parents before heading home.
Everyone was so kind and friendly.
There are many experienced gardeners around who have been working in the garden for years,
so I was able to learn a lot by chatting with them.
Even though it was my first day, some of them kindly offered me seedlings and seeds for summer vegetables.
On my way out, two elderly gentlemen gave me some fresh onions and broccoli as a gift.
They said they grow a lot but can’t eat it all themselves .
They also told me not to worry if I make mistakes because everyone around will help and share.
I felt this was one of the great benefits of gardening here.
It’s not often you get to connect with people from different generations and even receive fresh produce from them!
Especially now, with rising prices and food costs going up, and kids who eat a lot,
I really appreciate this generosity.
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