Farming Experience

Maruyama Senmaida Terraced Rice Fields [Kumano, Mie]

 

Maruyama Senmaida is one of the largest terraced rice fields in Japan, located in Kumano, Mie Prefecture.

There are about 1,340 terraced rice paddies. This is a precious place where traditional Japanese farming methods, arranged along the shape of hills, have been maintained. It is not certain when Maruyama Senmaida was formed, but it is assumed that 2,240 rice paddies were created in 1601 AD (Edo period in Japan).

Around June and July, a traditional religious event called Mushi-Okuri is held. More than 1,300 candles are lit in the terraced rice paddies, creating a fantastic sight.

Photos: PIXTA

Highlights

  • Surrounded by mountains, the traditional terraced rice field landscape
  • Fantastic events such as Mushi-Okuri
  • Opportunities to experience rice cultivation and other cultural activities

VR View

Name Maruyama Senmaida (丸山千枚田) Terraced Rice Fields
Address Maruyama, Kiwa-cho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, 519-5405
 
Access

From JR Kumano-shi Station (熊野市駅) bus stop, take city bus A Kumano Kodo Shoro-ryuso Line (熊野古道瀞流荘線) (direction Shoro-ryuso) and get off at Senmaida/Dori-Toge Entrance(千枚田・通り峠入口) (A14) bus stop (approx. 35 min.).
From there, walk to Maruyama Senmaida (about 30 minutes). Note that there are about 4 buses a day.

Kansai International Airport(関西国際空港) is the most convenient way to access Maruyama Senmaida with direct flights available from domestic and international locations.
From Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai Airport Line to Namba(なんば) Station (about 45 minutes), walk to Osaka Namba Station(大阪難波), transfer to the Kintetsu Limited Express to Matsusaka(松阪) Station (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes). From Matsusaka Station, take the JR Nanki Line (special express) to Kumano-shi Station(熊野市駅) (approx. 1 hour and 50 minutes).
From Kumano-shi Station, take a rental car or cab to Maruyama Senmaida (approx. 30 minutes).

( From Tokyo Area )
From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes).
From Nagoya Station, transfer to the JR Rapid Mie (みえ) Line (bound for Toba(鳥羽)) and get off at Taki(多気) Station (approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes). From Taki Station, transfer to the JR Kisei Line (bound for Shingu) and get off at Kumano-shi Station (approx. 3 hours)
From Kumano-shi Station, rent a car or take a cab to Maruyama Senmaida (approx. 30 minutes)

Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the Kumano area.
Convenient rental car outlets can be found at Kansai International Airport(関西国際空港) (approx. 185 kilometers south east) .
Take a rental car to Maruyama Senmaida via National Route 311 (approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes).

Hours/Closed No closing days
Contact TEL: +81-597-89-2229 (Kumano City Tourism Corporation)
Website Official Website (JAPANESE)
SNS Mie Prefecture Tourism Federation (Instagram)

RELATED POST