Peaceful scenery of 1004 rice paddies against the Sea of Japan
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A thousand of terraced rice fields in Ishikawa Prefecture, named Shiroyone Senmaida is one of the most breathtaking rice fields in Japan. The sun setting over the sea reflects in the rice paddies.
Rice has long been the staple food of Japan. There are a large number of rice paddy fields in the whole of the country, especially in the countryside.
Vast rice fields are one of the most popular tourist sites in Japan for the peaceful landscape. They are also a perfect spot to take breathtaking photos with rich nature.
A thousand terraced rice fields in Wajima City (輪島市), Ishikawa Prefecture, named Shiroyone Senmaida (白米千枚田), are one of the largest rice fields in Japan. The rice fields are designated as “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” by the country and placed on the list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
The country view of the terraced rice fields consists of many layers with 1004 small rice paddies. All the rice paddies are taken elaborate care of by hand without machinery since they are different sizes and shapes.
Additionally, Shiroyone Senmaida terraced rice fields are located along the east coast of Noto Peninsula, so they form the magnificent scenery with the Sea of Japan in the background. In the evening, the sun setting over the sea reflects in the rice paddies.
Besides viewing the beautiful scenery on the hill, you can walk down beside the rice fields. Sometimes, you may see formers work there planting and fertilizing. Even the daily rustic scenery can be worth seeing and taking a photo for those who live in urban area.
You can enjoy Shiroyone Senmaida in every season
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Shiroyone Senmaida shows various faces according to the season. In the late spring, they let water flow to a rice field for planting. The reflection of the sunset can be seen the most brightly. The green rice plant grow and turn into gold drawing harvest time in the hottest season. The rice fields are lit up with illumination in autumn, and white snow covers there. Every scene is unique and impressive.
Take the best photo at Shiroyone Senmaida
So, where should you take nice photos of the terraced rice fields? One of the best spots is from the street on the hill. To take the best photo with the sunset, check the exact sunset time in advance. A cafe with outdoor terrace seats is located at the parking lot where you can take a sip of coffee, eat ice cream or wait until the sunset time.
Views in the daytime are not bad though. You can also find your favorite spot at low places beside the paddies.
How to get to Shiroyone Senmaida
If you want to travel Shiroyone Senmaida and other attractions in Noto Peninsula and Kanazawa, car is highly recommended. Bus and taxi are available although it’s a little far from major stations.
▽Bus info▽
[Kanazawa St.→Shiroyone Senmaida] East Exit of Kanawasa St. Platform 1→ Hokutetsu Bus: Wajima Express (About 2 hours) → Wajima Roadside Station “Furatto-homu” (ふらっと訪夢)[Exchange]: Platform 3→ Hokutetsu Bus: Machino Line (About 20 min.)→Shiroyone
More attractions around Shiroyone Senmaida
There are numerous tourist attractions around the Wajima area in addition to the rice fields. Within 10–15 mins distance by car, a hot spring facility named Nebuta Onsen (ねぶた温泉) is located. Wajima also has a port town which offers fresh seafood like Sushi and seafood bowls. For the freshest seafood caught from the Sea of Japan, visit Wajima Morning Market (輪島朝市).
For more info about tourist attractions near Shiroyone Senmaida, check these articles below!!
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I'm writing by my motto: helping travelers spend their limited time experiencing something priceless in Japan. My articles won't let you down! Living in Tokyo and traveling many popular and hidden sites all over Japan, I deliver well-selected and latest tourist information to you from the perspective of “100% Japanese local”. My specific interests are island hopping, eating countless bowls of ramen, watching anime and reading manga. Enjoy Japan Web Magazine for recommended food spots, hidden gems Japanese Otaku (geek) culture, and everything about Japan :)
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