Photographing the four seasons of Sakaori rice terraces | A guide to the breathtaking and relaxing rice terrace scenery

Sakaori Rice Terraces, located in Nakanokata-cho, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, is a precious rice terrace area where Japan's beautiful rural landscape remains intact, along with the scenery that changes with the seasons. These rice terraces, which spread across the mountains of the Mino region, are traditional farmland built with stonework for over 400 years and have been selected as one of the "100 Best Rice Terraces in Japan."

No matter when you visit, you'll find a soothing view, from the early summer when the rice terraces are covered in water, to the autumn when golden rice ears sway in the breeze, to the snow-covered winter scenery. In recent years, in addition to tourists and photographers from urban areas, an increasing number of people are visiting to interact with the people who are working to revitalize the region, and the area is attracting attention as a place where people and nature coexist.

Traditional rice terraces with striking stonework

The main feature of Sakaori Rice Terraces is the beautiful structure of the terraced rice fields, made with stonework that has continued since the Edo period. Each rice terrace is surrounded by a stone wall, and they are lined up in a curved line on the mountain slope. All of this stonework was built by hand and is still maintained by local residents today.

Visitors will be impressed by this blend of nature and human activity. Particularly at dusk and early morning, when the light shines through, the shadows of the stonework emerge, creating a mystical beauty. For photographers, it is also a treasure trove of photo opportunities.

Terraced rice field owner system and local interaction

Sakaori Rice Terraces has introduced a "Rice Terrace Ownership System" for city residents across the country. By paying an annual membership fee, residents can be involved in the cultivation of some of the rice fields, and can participate in the conservation of the rice terraces through experiences such as rice planting and harvesting.

This system has fostered interaction between local residents and people from outside the region, and is promoting efforts to pass on the rice terrace landscape and agricultural culture to the next generation. Local elementary school students are also actively engaged in conservation activities, such as installing guide signs and improving the rice terrace environment.

Enjoy seasonal scenery from spring to autumn

In spring, the surrounding cherry blossoms and wildflowers add color to the scenery, and around May, the rice terraces are filled with water in preparation for rice planting, creating a magical sight with the sky reflected on the water's surface, which is especially popular among photography enthusiasts.

In autumn, the rice ears turn golden yellow, creating a dazzling landscape where the entire rice terrace is bathed in sunlight. In October, harvest celebration events are sometimes held, offering a rare opportunity to experience local food and culture. In winter, the tranquil rice terraces covered in snow soothe the souls of visitors.

Nearby tourist spots and stop-off information

• Nakasendo Oijuku:This post town retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, with cobblestone streets and old townhouses still standing.
• Nakasendo Hiroshige Museum:Highlights include works by Ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige and exhibits related to the Nakasendo road.
• Yamaoka's wooden waterwheel(Roadside Station Obachanichi):The symbol of the park is a huge waterwheel with a diameter of 24 meters. Agar gourmet food is also popular.

summary

The Sakaori Rice Terraces are a precious example of a landscape where human activity and nature coexist, a rare sight in modern times. The beautiful stonework and the seasonal changes in nature create a landscape that is both soothing and moving to all who visit.

If you are visiting the Ena area, be sure to take the time to visit these rice terraces. Not only will you enjoy the photogenic scenery, but your interactions with the local people and encounters with the unspoiled Japanese landscape will surely make for a memorable journey.