Japan is not only renowned for its vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage but also for its stunning landscapes with vast regions full of mountains, crystal-clear rivers, lakes and streams, oceans full of wildlife and the idyllic countryside full of farms. One of the most picturesque aspects of the countryside is its breathtaking rice fields. Just like our Village House properties, with over 1,000 locations in 47 prefectures, scenic rice fields can be found all across Japan. In this article, we will explore the country’s top five most beautiful ones to visit. 

Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces 

Located in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, the Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces is a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)-designated cultural heritage site. Perched on the slopes of a hill overlooking the Sea of Japan, these terraced rice fields create a mesmerizing tapestry of glistening water and vibrant greenery.  

The zig-zagging hillside rice paddies attract photographers from all over the world who want to capture the emerald green rice fields contrasting with the beautiful blue sea. When they are ready to Harvest in August and September, the rice fields turn a golden color, different but just as beautiful as when they are green. In winter the whole coast often gets covered in snow – there is something extra special about the view changing with the natural seasons.  

“Senmaida” roughly translates to “one thousand rice paddies,” and here, visitors can see approximately 1,000 terraced fields cascading down the hillside. Perhaps the best time to visit is during sunset when the fields are bathed in golden hues, creating a breathtaking spectacle.  

Otaue Rice Planting Festival 

The Otaue Rice Planting Festival, held annually in various regions across Japan, is a cultural celebration that showcases the traditional rice planting process. One of the most famous festivals takes place in Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka.  

The Otaue Rice Planting Festival in Osaka is now one of the most famous festivals in the Kansai region of Japan and has become well-renowned for recreating ancient rice planting techniques. An example of this is the wooden plows that are pulled by decorated oxen.  

The festival is said to have taken place every year since 211, now the festival in Osaka is held every June 14 at the famous Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. During this event, locals gather to plant rice seedlings in the flooded paddies dressed in colorful traditional attire. The women dance in the rice fields accompanied by music, and old-fashioned ways of farming are being performed, such as plowing by cows embellished with red decorations. 

Hoshitoge Rice Terraces 

Nestled in the picturesque city of Tokamach in Niigata Prefecture, the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces offer a postcard-worthy panorama of rural beauty.  

These rice fields are most popular among photography fanatics in June and November, as this is when the tiered fields are filled with water and reflect the colors of the sky. They are most mesmerizing at sunrise and sunset when they reflect amber, orange and sometimes pink and lilac colors.  

Set against the rural mountain landscape, this is a view that would be hard to imagine in any other part of the world. 

Maruyama Senmaida 

Set within the mountains west of Kumano-shi (Kumano city) in Mie Prefecture, the Maruyama Senmaida Rice Terraces are a historic and preserved farming area with 1,340 rice fields, making it one of the largest rice terraces in the country. 

The rice fields come in all shapes and sizes and are cut into the hillside, making a beautiful pattern viewed from close up and far away. The walls of the terraces are constructed from stones and mud and the terraces are angled to catch as much of the sun as possible, this makes them extremely beautiful to see in both sunrise and sunset when they begin to reflect the colors of dawn and dusk.  

Oyama Senmaida 

Oyama Senmaida, situated in southern Chiba on the Boso Peninsula, is recognized as one of Japan’s best rice terraces and is famous for its hypnotizing views. The spot is especially popular for hosting the Tanada Light Festival between October and January every year. During the festival, locals light up the rice fields with thousands of LED candles which make a mesmerizing image of dazzling lights down the hillside at night.  

Visit Japan’s beautiful rice fields 

Japan is a country full of history and culture, and the unique rice fields are a great example of this. Beautiful in every season, rice fields are a great example of people and nature working together to create something mesmerizing. Each destination on our list will provide a unique experience that showcases Japan’s rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes.  

Whether you choose to marvel at the terraced fields, participate in traditional rituals, or simply soak in the tranquility, these top five rice field destinations in Japan will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories. 

If you’re looking for a place to rent long-term, make sure to check out the Village House website for listings across all of Japan.