The terraced design utilizes a sophisticated irrigation channel system that allows water to cascade from the highest paddy to the lowest without soil erosion.
The stone walls surrounding the paddies are built without mortar, relying on precise geometric stacking of local volcanic rock.
The area is prone to temperature fluctuations between day and night, which locals credit for the high quality of the rice grown here.
The terraces were preserved through a collaborative effort between the local Yotsuya community and volunteers from across Japan.
The rice variety predominantly cultivated here is 'Mineasahi', known for its sticky texture and sweetness.
Yotsuya Senmaida consists of approximately 420 terraced rice paddies carved into the southwestern slope of Mt. Kurakake in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture. The terraces follow a steep incline with a vertical drop of approximately 200 meters. These paddies were constructed using traditional stone-wall techniques that date back to the Edo period. The water source for the irrigation system is derived from natural springs located further up the mountain slope. The site covers an area of roughly 2.2 hectares. It is officially recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Rice Terraces by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The landscape is maintained by local agricultural cooperatives who continue to practice sustainable hillside farming. The terraces change significantly in appearance throughout the agricultural cycle, from flooded fields in spring to golden stalks in autumn.
The designated observation point along the Prefectural Road 439 provides a panoramic view of the entire hillside structure.
Wear shoes with high traction, as the paths between the paddies are narrow, dirt-based, and can be slippery.
Bring bug spray during the humid summer months to protect against forest insects.
Visit during the 'mizuhari' (water-filling) period in spring for the best reflections of the sky in the paddies.
Do not attempt to navigate the narrow mountain roads to the site in a wide vehicle or large RV, as the access routes are extremely tight.
None; the area is an open public landscape, though access may be restricted during severe weather or heavy snow.
Do not enter private paddies or touch the stone walls; stay strictly on designated walking paths to avoid damaging crops.
