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Maruyama Senmaida: A Living Tapestry of Rice Terraces

Discover a breathtaking landscape of terraced rice paddies in Kumano, where ancient farming traditions meet stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage.

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Maruyama Senmaida is one of Japan's most stunning examples of terraced rice fields, located in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture. Over 1,300 individually crafted paddies cascade down the mountainside, showcasing a harmonious blend of nature and human ingenuity dating back to the 1600s.

A brief summary to Maruyama Senmaida

  • 318 Kiwacho Maruyama, Kumano, Kiwacho Maruyama, Mie, 519-5405, JP
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most breathtaking views and ideal photography conditions, especially when the terraces are filled with water in spring.
  • Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes as the walking paths can be uneven and steep.
  • Check the local calendar for seasonal festivals, such as the Mushi Okuri ceremony in early June, to experience traditional Japanese culture.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenic surroundings, but be mindful of local rules regarding litter.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions in Kumano, such as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails or the Kiwa-cho Mine Museum, to enrich your travel experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The most convenient way to reach Maruyama Senmaida is by car. From Kumano City, drive south on Route 42 for approximately 20 kilometers (about 30 minutes). Follow the signs towards Kiwacho Maruyama, then turn left onto Kiwacho Maruyama road. Continue on this road until you reach Maruyama Senmaida. Parking is available near the entrance. Parking fees are around ¥300-500 per day.

  • Public Transport

    Alternatively, from Kumanoshi Station, take the Mie Kotsu bus towards Seiryu-so Onsen and get off at the Senmaida/Toritoge-Iriguchi bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 50 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a 30-45 minute uphill walk to the rice terraces. Bus fare is approximately ¥800-¥1000. Be aware that the bus service is infrequent, with limited departures throughout the day.

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Discover more about Maruyama Senmaida

Maruyama Senmaida, translating to “a thousand rice paddies,” is a breathtaking spectacle of over 1,300 terraced rice paddies carved into the steep slopes of the Maruyama mountains in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture. Believed to have originated in the 1600s, these paddies stand as a testament to the enduring traditions of Japanese agriculture and the harmonious relationship between people and nature. Originally, the site boasted over 2,000 paddies, meticulously constructed from stone and mud. Over time, erosion and the challenges of maintenance led to a decline in the number of cultivated fields. However, a dedicated preservation effort by local residents and the government revitalized the area, recognizing its cultural and environmental significance. Today, the paddies are carefully maintained by hand, preserving traditional farming practices. Visiting Maruyama Senmaida offers a unique glimpse into Japan's rural past. The landscape transforms with the seasons, offering distinct and captivating views. In spring, the flooded terraces mirror the sky, creating stunning reflections. Summer brings a vibrant green expanse as the rice plants flourish. Autumn paints the landscape in rich golden hues as the rice ripens, often shrouded in ethereal mountain mist. Visitors can explore the area via walking paths that wind through the paddies, though sturdy footwear is recommended due to the uneven terrain. Several viewing spots offer panoramic vistas of the terraces and surrounding mountains. The smallest rice field is located near the viewing point in the middle of the terraced rice field. The area is also close to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

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