The photos don't do this place justice. This coastal rice terrace is beautiful with the ocean right below and well worth a stop and short walk down to the ocean. It only takes about 20 minutes down and back.

Overview

Shiroyone Senmaida is a collection of over 1,000 terraced rice paddies that stretch down a steep hillside along the Sea of Japan in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Each paddy is small and follows the natural shape of the slope, creating a layered landscape used for traditional rice farming.

Historical Significance

The terraces have been cultivated for centuries and are still worked by hand. The land is too steep for machinery, so rice is planted and harvested using traditional methods. The layout and labor involved reflect the region’s long connection to hillside agriculture and seasonal living.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring – paddies reflect the sky after being filled with water
• Summer – green rice shoots cover the slope
• Autumn – golden fields just before harvest
• Winter – from October to March, thousands of LED lights illuminate the terraces during the night as part of a seasonal event called Aze no Kirameki

Visitor Info

A roadside station nearby offers parking, local produce, and meals. The site is accessible by car. Public transport options exist but are limited, so planning ahead is recommended.