丸山千枚田, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Maruyama Senmaida, one of Japan's largest and most scenic rice terrace fields in Kumano, Mie.

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丸山千枚田

Maruyama Senmaida is a stunning display of over 1,300 terraced rice paddies in Kumano, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Carved into a steep hillside, this landscape showcases traditional farming and offers breathtaking views, especially during the planting and harvest seasons.

A brief summary to 丸山千枚田

318 Kiwacho Maruyama, Kumano, Kiwacho Maruyama, Mie, 519-5405, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring 丸山千枚田.

Visit during May or September to witness the flooded terraces or golden harvest.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the paths between the rice paddies.
Check the local event calendar for festivals like the Mushi Okuri Firefly Festival.
Bring your camera to capture the stunning panoramic views from the observation decks.

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Getting There

Car

From JR Kumano-shi Station, take Route 42 towards Arima-cho, then Route 311 towards Kiwacho. Follow the signs to Maruyama Senmaida. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes. Free parking is available near the observation points.
Public Transport

From JR Kumano-shi Station, take the Kumano Kodo Toryu-so Line bus towards Toryu-so. Get off at the 'Senmaida-Toge Entrance' bus stop. From there, it's about a 40-minute walk to Maruyama Senmaida. Bus schedules are limited, so check in advance. Bus fare is around ¥500 [approximated based on typical local bus fares].

Discover more about 丸山千枚田

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.