What is Shiroyone Senmaida?
Shiroyone Senmaida (白米千枚田) is a breathtaking series of over 1,000 small rice paddies carved into a steep hillside facing the Sea of Japan in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. The name literally means “a thousand rice fields of Shiroyone,” and these terraces are famous for their intricate layout, scenic beauty, and traditional farming methods that are still practiced today.
Designated as a National Scenic Beauty Spot and part of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), the rice terraces are irrigated entirely by rainfall and manually cultivated—making them a living symbol of Japan’s satoyama culture. The dramatic sea view combined with the geometric pattern of the fields creates one of the most photogenic landscapes in Japan.
Best Time to Visit
The beauty of Shiroyone Senmaida changes with the seasons:
- Spring (April–May): The paddies are filled with water, creating mirror-like reflections of the sky—ideal for photography.
- Summer (June–August): Young green rice plants bring a vibrant energy to the hillside.
- Autumn (September–October): The golden rice just before harvest offers a warm, rustic view.
- Winter (December–February): Snow often blankets the fields, transforming them into a quiet, surreal landscape.
Special Event: From mid-October to mid-March, the “Aze no Kirameki” illumination lights up the rice fields with thousands of LED lights. This event adds a magical atmosphere to the terraced hillside at night.
How to Get There
From Wajima
- By car: Approx. 15–20 minutes along the coastal road.
- By bus: Take the Hokutetsu Bus bound for Sosogi or Machino and get off at Shiroyone Senmaida stop.
From Kanazawa
Take the JR Nanao Line to Anamizu, then transfer to a local bus or rental car to reach Wajima.
Parking is available near the observation area.
Guest Experience & Recommended Tours
“I arrived just before sunset and watched the golden sky reflect in the flooded paddies—it was one of the most peaceful moments of my trip to Japan.”
Recommended Tours
Q&A – Travel Tips for Shiroyone Senmaida
When is the best time to visit rice terraces in Japan?
Spring and autumn are ideal, especially during the water-filling or golden harvest season.
What makes Shiroyone Senmaida special compared to other terraces?
Its proximity to the ocean, its compact and geometric structure, and its illumination event make it unique.
Is Shiroyone Senmaida hard to access?
Not particularly, especially if you’re already staying in Wajima. Public transport from Kanazawa requires transfers.
Can I visit without a tour?
Yes—Shiroyone Senmaida is open to the public, and admission is free.
Visitor Info
Location
Shiroyone-machi, Wajima-shi, Ishikawa 928-0256, Japan
Admission
Free
Opening Hours
Open all day (illumination event starts at sunset during the season)
Facilities
Parking, restroom, souvenir shop, local café
Official Website
Parking, restroom, souvenir shop, local café
Last updated: December 2025