5 Most Beautiful Rice Field Terraces in Japan

The Best Terraced Rice Fields in Japan

One of the most significant and special view you can find in Japan is rice field as rice has been the staple food in Japan for over 2,000 years and we produce nearly 8,000,000 t of it every year which means consuming 55 kg per person. Wow!

So the greatest benefit for being a rice-love country is that we are also gifted with beautiful rice field terraces “Tanada” at several locations in countrysides from north to south. Let’s check them out!


Rice Field Terrace “TANADA” Location Map


-Shiroyone Senmaida, Ishikawa

Shiroyone Senmaida (白米千枚田) is where you can enjoy the collaborated view of Japanese Sea and the rice field in Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture. The place is situated near the popular tourist city, Kanazawa. For the light-up illumination, visit between mid-October to mid-March.

Location: Shirayone-cho, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture

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-Hoshitouge Tanada, Niigata

Niigata prefecture produces most of rice in Japan and numbers of rice fields can be found there, but this Hoshitouge Tanada (星峠の棚田) could be the most spectacular one with its famous glassy surface of water. Recommended to visit early morning in September when the fog appear and the view gets more mystical.

Location: Touge, Toka-machi, Niigata Prefecture

-Oyama Senmaida, Chiba

Oyama Senmaida in Chiba Prefecture is a spectacular rice field terrace that could be easily accessed from Tokyo and the only one that filled up with rainwater in Japan. The light-up event is held at the site during autumn.

Location:540 Hiratsuka, Kamogawa City, Chiba prefecture

-Maruyama Senmaida, Mie

Maruyama Senmaida (丸山千枚田) is considered as the best landscape of rice field terrace in Japan with 1340 pieces in 160m high slope. The view of 7 hectares is just breathtaking. In June, if you are luck you may capture fireflies flying around the rice field.

Location: Maruyama, Kiwa-cho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture

-Hamanoura Tanada, Saga

The Terraced Rice Fields of Hamanoura (浜野浦の棚田) offers an amazing the view of the ocean and the rice field. The best time to see it is definitely sunset time in mid-April to mid May when water is filled up. The ocean and the field being dyed to orange create fantastic view.

Location: Hamanoura, Genkai-Cho, Higashimatsuura-Gun, Saga Prefecture


Japan has a plenty of beautiful spots which are worth exploring. Check more of them and add to your bucket list before visiting Japan!!

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"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈