Ōyama Senmaida, Terraced rice fields in Kamogawa, Japan.
Ōyama Senmaida is a terrace system with roughly 375 ascending steps carved into the mountainside, forming small rice paddies at different elevations. The paddies cover approximately 3.2 hectares and create a distinctive pattern of stepped cultivation fields across the slope.
The site was revitalized through a preservation project in the early 2000s that recognized these paddies among Japan's top terraced rice field sites. This revival effort helped save traditional farming methods from disappearing.
The rice paddies are maintained by a community that preserves traditional farming methods and welcomes urban visitors to participate in seasonal fieldwork. This collaboration shows how local agriculture connects with people seeking to understand farming life.
The site is reachable by bus from JR Awa-Kamogawa Station, and an information center is available to help orient visitors. Sturdy footwear is recommended since paths are steep and can be slippery when wet.
These paddies lie closer to Tokyo than any other major terrace system in Japan, offering city visitors a rare opportunity to see traditional farming. The location at the foot of Mount Oyama near the Nagasa Plain makes it an overlooked destination for those exploring agricultural heritage.
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