Background

Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces: A Living Tapestry of Nature and Tradition

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces, a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and sustainable agriculture in Ishikawa, Japan.

4.2

The Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces are a stunning example of sustainable agriculture and natural beauty, located in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. These terraced paddies, numbering around 1,000, cascade down a steep slope towards the Sea of Japan, creating a breathtaking landscape that changes with the seasons. Recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, the terraces showcase a centuries-old tradition of hand-cultivated rice farming.

A brief summary to Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset (April to July) to witness the stunning reflections of the sky and sea on the flooded rice paddies.
  • Experience the magical winter illumination from mid-October to mid-March, when the terraces are adorned with thousands of LED lights.
  • Explore the Roadside Station Senmaida Pocket Park for local food and panoramic views of the rice terraces.
  • Check the bus schedule at Wajima Station information center, as buses to Shiroyone are infrequent.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Bus

    From Kanazawa Station, take the Wajima Express Bus to Wajima Station (approx. 2.5 hours). Transfer to the Machino Line bus and get off at Shiroyone Senmaida (approx. 30 minutes). Check the bus schedule at Wajima Station, as services are infrequent. Bus fare from Kanazawa Station to Wajima Station is approximately ¥2,000-¥3,000. The Machino Line bus fare is around ¥500 [approximated based on distance traveled].

  • Car

    Shiroyone Senmaida is approximately a 2-hour drive from Kanazawa. Parking is available at the Roadside Station Senmaida Pocket Park. Parking is free. Be aware of potential traffic congestion during peak seasons.

Unlock the Best of Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces

Shiroyone Senmaida, meaning 'a thousand rice paddies,' is a picturesque terraced rice field in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. This remarkable landscape features around 1,004 small rice paddies that cascade down a steep slope toward the Sea of Japan. The history of Shiroyone Senmaida dates back approximately 400 years. The terraces were developed using water from the Taniyama irrigation canal, built by ITAYA Heishiro, an engineer from Kanazawa. By 1879, the number of rice paddies had grown to around 8,000. The rice terraces are too small and irregularly shaped for machinery, so local farmers and volunteers cultivate them by hand, preserving a traditional way of life. This commitment to traditional methods earned Shiroyone Senmaida recognition as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the United Nations. The terraces contribute to the prevention of landslides by helping forests retain water. The beauty of Shiroyone Senmaida transforms with the seasons. In spring, the flooded paddies reflect the sky and sea, creating an infinity pool effect. Summer brings lush greenery, while autumn paints the terraces in golden hues. From mid-October to mid-March, the terraces are illuminated at night with thousands of color-changing LED lights, creating a magical winter spectacle. Visitors can explore the terraces via elevated wooden boardwalks and winding paths. The adjacent Roadside Station Senmaida Pocket Park offers panoramic views, local delicacies, and agricultural products. Despite damage from a past earthquake, the area remains accessible and continues to draw visitors with its stunning views and cultural significance.

Popular Experiences near Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces

Popular Hotels near Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces

Select Currency