The rice fields of Aragijima Island あらぎ島の棚田

The beauty of Aragijiima rewarded

Few places can be proud of so many titles and awards: ranked among the "100 most beautiful rice terraces in Japan", "100 best natural landscapes in Kansai", the "100 most beautiful sunsets in Wakayama prefecture" then awarded with the prize of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in the category "Cultural landscape" in the "competition of the most beautiful Japanese rural landscapes".

The Aragijima rice terraces (or tanada ) are unanimously recognized as a site of exceptional beauty.

But know that this recognition applies to the landscape as a whole and not just to the rice fields. Indeed, the title of "Cultural Landscape" actually honors a vast area of 110.7 hectares including both the rice fields and the surrounding landscape (the mountains, the river, etc.). Under the heading "Cultural Landscape", the Japanese authorities intend to underline the exceptional character of this landscape shaped by the work of man and preserved for more than 350 years. Ultimately, the Aragijima rice terraces and their environment are an invaluable cultural heritage testifying to the rich history of the region

Apart from a restructuring of the lower part of the rice fields in 1964 following floods, the Aragijima rice terraces have an appearance unchanged since 1655! Covering a total area of 2.4 hectares, the 54 rice fields are now cultivated by six farmers; all members of the Aragi Island Landscape Conservation Association established in 1996.

Aragijima rice fields light up

Many photographers and curious flock all year round to the observatory which overlooks the rice fields. The view is breathtaking!

A word of advice for visiting the Aragijima rice terraces: to make the most of this magical atmosphere that attracts many tourists to the observatory, plan to arrive no later than 5:30 pm. During the winter, between the beginning of December and the beginning of February, the rice fields are once again illuminated with the help of 3000 solar LED lights for the Aragijima Illumi Terrace.

How to access Aragijima Rice Terraces?

To go to Aragijima, we recommend that you rent a car to reach the rice terraces.

By car from Osaka, the trip only takes about 2 hrs.

Access: Take the Kinki Expressway to Higashi-Osaka, for example, or one of the entrances from eastern Osaka (about 20 minutes). At the Matsubara Interchange, take the Hanwa Expressway. Leave the highway at exit n°25 Arida IC. Take prefectural road 22 (Kibikanaya road) for 5 kilometers. Cross the Arita River and turn right at the light. Enter National Road 480 and continue for approximately 26 kilometers to the Aragi no Sato bus station. This is located on your left at the edge of the road.

Once you arrive at the bus station, you have two options :

• Choice #1: park your car and take the gently sloping road behind the bus station. Continue on foot for 700 meters to the observatory (about 10 min). If you haven't taken something to eat, the cafeteria at the bus station offers dishes based on konjac, tofu, and local vegetables.
• Choice n°2: from Aragi no Sato, follow this same gently sloping road that passes behind the bus station for 500 meters. Turn left at the parking sign. This small car park has public toilets.

Under no circumstances continue your journey by car to the observatory. Parking is prohibited and dangerous. Choose one of the two parking lots.

With Japan Experience, rent a car with the Drivin' Assitance service