Ini no Tanada, Rice terrace in Aki-Ota, Japan
Ini no Tanada consists of 324 small rice fields arranged in a staircase pattern that cover about 8 hectares of land on sloping terrain. The terraces sit roughly 500 meters above sea level and feature an intricate system of water channels and pathways between the paddies.
The terraces began taking shape in the 14th century as farmers developed ways to farm steep hillsides. Stone walls made of granite were added roughly 200 years later, built using methods originally developed for castle construction.
The rice paddies reflect how farming has shaped this region's identity, with families continuing methods that connect them to the land and to each other. Local people view this landscape as part of their community's story rather than just a place to grow food.
The site is best explored on foot, and sturdy shoes help when walking the uneven paths between the terraces. Visiting at different times of year reveals different scenes, so plan your trip based on what you want to see.
During spring and early summer, water fills the paddies and creates mirror-like reflections of the sky across the fields. This effect is especially striking in May and June and offers visual moments that change throughout the year as crops grow and mature.
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