Oniki Terraced Rice Fields: A Living Canvas of Rural Japan

In the peaceful countryside of Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture, the Oniki Terraced Rice Fields (Oniki Tanada) paint an unforgettable portrait of traditional Japanese agriculture. These magnificent terraces, carved into the natural amphitheater of Mount Kokuzo's foothills, offer visitors a glimpse into Japan's timeless relationship with the land.

Centuries of Agricultural Artistry

Dating back to the mid-Edo period, these meticulously crafted stone-bordered terraces follow the natural contours of the mountainside in an elegant horseshoe formation. This masterful blend of human ingenuity and natural landscape has sustained local communities while creating one of Nagasaki's most spectacular views.

Nature's Ever-Changing Display

Throughout the year, the terraces transform with the seasons—tender green shoots emerge in spring, mirror-like paddies reflect summer skies, and golden rice stalks dance in autumn breezes. September brings the beloved Oniki Tanada Festival, where over 100 whimsical scarecrows dot the landscape. Festival visitors can participate in terraced field walks and experience the joy of harvesting fresh edamame.

A Community's Commitment

When abandonment once threatened these historic fields, the local community rallied to preserve their heritage. Today, their dedication ensures the terraces remain vital and productive. The Oniki Agricultural Processing Center, offering local rice and handcrafted miso, stands as a testament to successful rural revitalization.

An Agricultural Wonder

With approximately 400 terraced fields—the largest collection in Nagasaki Prefecture—Oniki Tanada represents the perfect harmony between human cultivation and natural beauty. Here, visitors can experience not only breathtaking views but also the warm hospitality of a community dedicated to preserving Japan's agricultural heritage for future generations.