MieTravel

View the spectacular panorama of 1,340 rice terraces forming a geometric pattern from the observation point; aim for slanting evening light

About this spot

Japan's largest-scale rice terraces with approximately 1,340 large and small paddies creating a geometric pattern on the mountainside in Kiwa Town, Kumano City, selected as part of the "100 Best Rice Terraces in Japan." Once declining to only about 530 paddies, restoration efforts by the local preservation society have revived this beautiful landscape. Viewing from the observation point, curved earthen boundaries and paddies of varying conditions spread across your entire field of vision—a sight that draws gasps. Water-filled paddies reflecting the sky in May-June create a water-mirror effect; summer brings a green carpet; autumn displays golden rice ears, with each season showing a completely different face. In the late afternoon, when slanting light bathes the water surface in orange hues, the scene becomes pure magic hour. For photography-loving friends, you'll be unable to stop clicking the shutter at this drive's grand finale.

Tips

About 30 minutes by car from Kumano City via Route 311; the mountain road is winding, so drive carefully. Parking spaces and an observation point are available along the road beside the paddies; if you have the stamina, hiking from the Tori-no-mine trailhead offers an even higher vantage point for viewing the full panorama. The embankments are working farmland, so refrain from stepping on them and photograph only from roads and the observation point. There are few shops or restrooms nearby, so take care of these needs beforehand.