Hamanoura Rice Terraces

photo by TsuruSho7 · CC BY 4.0

photo by A_umezaki · CC BY 4.0

From mid-April the water in 283 paddies reflects the sunset over the sea in a golden mosaic.

From the viewing terrace along National Route 204 you can see 283 paddies of different shapes and sizes stepping down to the coast of the Genkai Sea, farmed on this slope since at least the Sengoku period. From mid-April, when the water is let in for transplanting, the setting sun is reflected in the pools, colouring them orange along with the sea: that is why since 2007 the place has been certified as a ‘Lovers' Sanctuary’, with a bell for two to ring.

Rice terraces of 11.5 hectares and 283 plots overlooking the Genkai Sea, farmed since the Sengoku–Edo period. Among the ‘100 Rice Terraces of Japan’ (日本棚田百選, 1999); also recognised as a ‘Rural landscape among the most beautiful in Japan’ (2000) and ‘Heritage of Saga Prefecture’ (2011).

ℹ️ Freely visible from the viewing terrace, which has a car park, along National Route 204; a flight of steps goes down among the paddies for a closer look. Best time: from mid-April (flooding) to early May (end of transplanting), especially at sunset.

Sources: town.genkai.lg.jp

All series · Open the map