Aragijima

Across the Aridagawa River, a fan of terraced paddies spreads out in gentle curves. Aragijima is recognized as Wakayama Prefecture’s only Important Cultural Landscape, and it has also been selected for Japan’s 100 Best Rice Terraces and the Beautiful Villages of Japan Landscape Contest, making it a symbolic landmark of Aridagawa.

The terraces are said to have been developed around the 17th century to make effective use of land created by the erosive action of the Aridagawa River that flows through the area. Its compact, closely grouped terraces are a defining feature, and the gently curved levees that follow the contours of the land are rare even nationwide.

For the best view, take in the scenery from the observation point on the opposite bank of the Aridagawa River. From here, it’s especially worth looking out over the wider rural landscape centered on Aragijima, with the surrounding mountains, river, and village.

This landscape captivates visitors with a different look in every season: spring, when the paddies fill with water and shine like mirrors; summer, when fresh green rice heads sway in the breeze; autumn, when the fields shimmer in gold; and winter, when everything is painted pure white. Whenever you come, the scenery tends to linger in your memory.