Locals’ Recommendations | Visit Chiba | Latest update:2021/12/22
Philippines
When thinking about rice, it is pretty easy to go away from the busy city life and imagine a green, lush countryside with dedicated and amiable farmers taking care of its fields. This is the essence of the Oyama Senmaida rice paddies. Curving around the mountainside, Oyama’s 375 golden rice paddies represent the very image of classical Japan. In fact, they were chosen as one of the top 100 rice terraces in Japan.
Rice has been at the core of Japan’s society for thousands of years, often being seen as the food of the nobility and warriors. Rice has also been deeply regarded as a spiritual food within Japan, considered as the food of the soul. Naturally, due to its importance, many events are celebrated to remember and commemorate Japan’s history with this staple food.
The Oyama rice paddies are special in a number of ways. They’re grown with rainwater instead of using irrigation methods. Also, due to their geographical location, the most beautiful view is during sunrise in mid-April. By August, the rice paddies take on their well-known golden color which turns the paddies into a sea of gold!
From late-October through early-January, there is a special event where the paddies are lit with decorative lights at night. If you love agriculture and self-sufficient environmental activities, you can work within the paddies! Through the Oyama Senmaida Preservation Society you can become part of their Owner System and maintain a small golden rice paddy yourself.
Enjoy the most traditional of Japan’s agricultural ways! You can do it as a hobby or escape from city life and feed others with the most delicious rice available in the country!
540 Hiratsuka, Kamogawa City
(25 minutes by car from JR Sotobo Line, Awa-Kamogawa Station)
+81-4-7099-9050
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