丸山千枚田 Travel Guide

Maruyama Senmaida, located in Kumano, Mie Prefecture, is one of Japan's most iconic and largest rice terrace fields. The site features over 1,340 individually cultivated paddies that cascade down a steep slope. The history of Senmaida dates back to at least 1601, with records indicating approximately 2,240 rice terraces. Over time, the number of paddies dwindled to 530 due to factors such as aging farmers and a shift in agricultural policies.In 1994, local residents established the Maruyama Senmaida Preservation Society, which helped restore the fields to their current splendor. The terraces are carefully maintained using traditional methods, and each paddy averages around 33 square meters. The beauty of Maruyama Senmaida changes with the seasons. In spring, the flooded paddies reflect the sky like mirrors, creating a stunning visual effect. In the summer, the vibrant green rice plants cover the hillside. In the fall, the terraces turn golden as the rice ripens.Visitors can explore the area via walking paths that wind through the terraces. Several observation points provide panoramic views of the landscape. The best times to visit are during the rice planting season (May-June) and the harvest season (September-October). The "Mushi Okuri" (虫送り) Firefly Festival in June/July is another popular event, where the terraces are illuminated with torches.