[Kameyama] A relaxing rural landscape that spreads across the sloping land! Enjoy the Sakamoto Rice Terraces, one of Japan's 100 best rice terraces!
掲載日：2024.06.12
What are "Terraced Rice Fields"?
I'm sure you've seen rice fields in your daily life, but do you know what terraced rice fields are?
"Are there shelves in the rice fields?"
"There's a rice field inside the shelf?!"
Rice terraces are rice paddies built in a stepped pattern on a sloping area such as a mountain slope.
The rice paddies vary in size, and when one counted them there were 1,000 of them, which is why they are sometimes called "Senmaida" (a thousand rice paddies).
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The role of rice terraces
The rice terraces that give us such beautiful scenery have many different roles to play.
- Used as agricultural land
We produce terraced rice, vegetables, and fruit.
・Prevention of flood disasters
The rice terraces store some of the rain that falls on the forests, acting as a flood control dam. They prevent flooding by preventing rainwater from flowing too quickly.
・Prevention of landslides
Rice cultivation prevents soil cracks and degradation, and prevents landslides and mudslides.
Rice terraces not only provide beautiful and soothing scenery, but also provide food as farmland, and they also play a role in preventing disasters, which contributes to the safety of our lives. We are grateful for the amazing wisdom of our ancestors!
What are Sakamoto Rice Terraces?
Sakamoto Rice Terraces is located at the foot of Noto Mountain in Kameyama KameyamaCity Mie Prefecture. In July 1999, it was selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Rice Terraces.
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Characteristics of Sakamoto Rice Terraces
Sakamoto Rice Terraces are characterized by their "ladder rice terraces," which are rare nationwide.
"Hashigoda" refers to terraced rice fields made by stacking natural stones of various sizes.
The view from the top of the observation deck is great for viewing the scenery of the Sakamoto rice terraces, but we also recommend viewing it from below along with the ladder rice fields!
At its peak, about 440 rice terraces were cultivated, but the number of cultivated rice terraces has decreased dramatically due to depopulation, aging, and a decline in the number of farmers. Local people are engaged in various activities to preserve the Sakamoto rice terraces and protect their beautiful scenery.
On the day of our visit, weeding work was being carried out around the stone walls and in the rice fields in order to protect the landscape of the rice terraces!
Access information to Sakamoto Rice Terraces
Access by public transportation
It is about 30 minutes by taxi from JR Kameyama Station.
Access by car
It is a 30-minute drive from Suzuka IC or Kameyama IC on the Tomei-Han Expressway.
There are no supermarkets or convenience stores nearby, so it is a good idea to purchase drinks and other items near the station or each interchange.
location information
parking
Please use the Yamanoeki Parking Lot (next to the Experience Square) for parking. Approximately 30 cars can be parked. There are free toilets and a rest area on the parking lot premises.
This parking lot can also be used for hiking in the surrounding area, such as Notosan. Please note that the parking lot tends to fill up during the autumn leaves season and from March to April, when the Mitsumata trees are in full bloom.
*There is a parking lot at the Sakamoto Rural Park Observatory, but the road to the parking lot is narrow in some places, so we recommend using the Yamanoeki Parking Lot.
- When you come to Sakamoto Rice Terraces,
- ◉If you are coming to Sakamoto Rice Terraces by car, please be sure to use the parking lot.
- Parking your car anywhere other than the parking lot will obstruct the passage of other vehicles. The roads surrounding the Sakamoto Rice Terraces are also used by people living in the Sakamoto area. Please be sure to park in the designated parking areas.
- ◉ The parking lot is also used by climbers. When parking, please consider parking space so that more people can use it.
- In addition, when using the free toilets and rest areas, please be mindful of etiquette so that other users can use them comfortably as well.
Route from the parking lot to the Sakamoto Rural Park Observatory
There is an observation deck at Sakamoto Rural Park, where you can get a panoramic view of the Sakamoto rice terraces. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Yama-no-Eki parking lot.
We will introduce you to a route that will allow you to enjoy the scenery along the way to the observation deck!
①Go up the road leaving from the Yamanoeki parking lot.
②You will reach a fork in the road. At the fork, there is a sign for the Tokai Nature Trail. Follow the road in the direction of the arrow for "Sekisuikei Campground - Angakugoe."
3) After passing by the residential area, there is a spot where you can view the rice terraces.
④To get to the observation deck, continue along the road until you reach a fork in the road where there is a sign for the Tokai Nature Trail. Continue in the direction of the sign (to the right).
⑤As you go up the hill, you will come to a fork in the road, so turn right. Continue along the road for a while and you will see the observation deck. Continue going further and after passing through a tunnel of trees, there will be stairs on your left, so go up them.
⑥ We have arrived at the Sakamoto Rural Park Observatory! In the square, there is Hachioji Shrine and Park. On the left is an observation deck overlooking the rice terraces. You can get a good view from below the observation deck!
How was it?
We told you about Sakamoto Rice Terraces, where you can enjoy the rural mountain scenery!
This time, we visited the area in late May, and enjoyed the view of the rice fields that had just been planted. The fresh breeze blew through the rice terraces, and the view of the rice fields swaying in the breeze was very pleasant! In autumn, the rice will turn golden yellow, and you can enjoy a different view!
At Sakamoto Rice Terraces, the "Terrace Lights in Sakamoto" event is being held, where the rice terraces are lit up, and preparations are underway to hold the event again this November! For more details about the event, please check the Sakamoto Rice Terraces Preservation Society's website!
Click here for the Sakamoto Rice Terrace Preservation Society website! (External link)
Recommended spots around Sakamoto Rice Terraces
