The smallest of the 1,004 paddies is less than 0.2 square meters.
It is the first site in Japan to be designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the FAO.
The paddies are illuminated by approximately 25,000 LED lights during the 'Aze no Kirameki' winter festival.
The site relies on a traditional water management system that channels spring water from higher elevations.
Rice planting is largely conducted by hand to prevent damage to the stone-reinforced ridges of the terraces.
Shiroyone Senmaida is a collection of 1,004 small, narrow rice paddies cascading down a steep slope directly into the Sea of Japan. Located on the Noto Peninsula, these terraces are recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) site. The paddies are hand-farmed rather than machine-cultivated due to their irregular, diminutive shapes. In winter, the site hosts an evening illumination event featuring thousands of solar-powered LED lights. The irrigation system relies on rainfall and natural runoff from the surrounding hillside. The site was restored and is maintained through the collaborative efforts of local farmers and volunteer owners.
The observation deck located at the roadside rest area offers the best vantage point for capturing the entire slope.
Wear shoes with good grip as the paths are steep and can be slippery after rain.
Park in the designated upper parking area to view the full scale of the landscape from above.
Check the official website for the seasonal illumination schedule if visiting between autumn and winter.
Do not attempt to walk through the muddy paddies; view them only from the designated observation paths.
The illumination event typically runs from mid-autumn through mid-winter; the site is otherwise accessible year-round.
Stay on marked footpaths to avoid damaging the delicate ridges of the rice paddies.
