Maruyama Senmaida

Terraced rice fields stretch out at the foot of the Maruyama district in Kiwa Town, at the southern tip of Mie Prefecture. Approx. 1,300 rice terraces line the slopes of the valley, preserving the beauty of Japan’s unique agricultural culture, unchanged for over 400 years.

Each terrace averages about 10 tsubo in size. Wherever you look, they are remarkably small, and because machine work is difficult, most of the terraces are maintained by hand. At one point, their scale shrank due to depopulation and an increase in abandoned farmland, but thanks to the efforts of a preservation group formed by local residents, they have recovered to their current scale.

Spring brings shimmering water, summer swaying green rice plants, autumn golden fields, and winter a blanket of snow. The scenery changes with the seasons, so whenever you visit, you can experience a nostalgic glimpse of Japan’s traditional rural landscape. Depending on the season, events such as rice planting and harvesting experiences, as well as the summer Mushi Okuri event, are also held, so check the official website for the latest information.