Maruyama Senmaida, Rice terrace complex in Kumano, Japan
The Maruyama Senmaida consists of approximately 1,340 rice paddies arranged in terraces along the steep slope of Mount Shirakura. The fields create an orderly pattern that covers the mountainside from bottom to top.
Records from 1601 document approximately 2,240 rice fields at this location, showing the long agricultural tradition of the Kumano region. The number of terraces has decreased over centuries, yet cultivation of the land continues.
The Mushi-Okuri festival in June features traditional prayers for crops with lights placed in each paddy during evening celebrations. The ritual shows how residents maintain their connection to farming and the seasons through shared community gatherings.
Reach the terraces by bus from Kumano-shi Station to the Senmaida-Toritooge-iriguchi stop, then walk uphill for about 30 minutes. The climb is steep, so bring sturdy shoes and water.
Each rice paddy is cultivated by hand without machinery because the steep terrain makes it impossible to use equipment. This traditional method has been passed down through generations and keeps the place a living example of old-fashioned rice farming.
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