Japan is a rather hilly, mountainous country, and much of the agricultural techniques used in farms and rice fields were invented to suit the country’s geographical features. The “tanada”, or terraced rice fields, is one of them, and here in Obasute you can find some of the prettiest “tanada” in Japan. Hop on a train to Obasute in Nagano prefecture for some amazing views of Japan’s countryside.
What are “tanada”?
“Tanada (棚田)” is the Japanese term for terraced rice fields. These rice fields resemble large steps, and are made so for more efficiency in farming. About 10% of the rice fields in Japan are made in “tanada” style. They are sometimes referred to as “senmaida (千枚田)” too.
Some other famous “tanada” include Hoshitoge in Niigata prefecture and Maruyama Senmaida in Mie prefecture.
About Obasute’s “Tanada”
Obasuste’s “tanada” rice fields
Obasute is an area lying on the slope of Mount Kamuriki in the city of Chikuma. There are over 2,000 rice fields in Obasute, and it is chosen as one of Japan’s 100 famous “tanada”. In 1999, Obasute’s “tanada” was the first of its kind to be designated as a national site of scenic beauty.
Start your tour at Obasute Station!
Obasute Station
Before heading to the “tanada”, you can have a quick tour of Obasute Station. It is a station on the JR Shinonoi Line.
Obasute Station’s platform
The view from the platform is quite beautiful. From the platform, you get expansive view of the Nagano Basin. The view from the platform and from inside the train is known as on of "Japan’s Three Best Train Window Views”.
Switchback Railroad Structure
The train making a U-turn
The rails going to and past Obasute Station are made in a unique, zigzag pattern. This railroad structure is called switchback, and can be seen on hills with steep slopes.
Obasute Station leads to a dead end
As you can see in the photo, the train tracks stop at the station and make a U-turn to head towards the Nagano direction. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a switchback railroad!
“Tanada” Views!
Obasute’s “tanada”
The “tanada” are a 10-minute walk from Obasute Station. The view of the rice paddy fields is breathtaking, with the Nagano Basin in the background as well.
You can walk on the little paths between the rice paddy fields. Depending on where you stand, you can experience a different perspective of the “tanada” views.
Post-sunset “Tanada”
“Tanada” during sunset
At sunset and after sunset are some of the best times to see the “tanada”. The water in the rice paddy fields reflects the orangey-magenta skies for a dreamy sight. After sunset, the city of Zenkoji begins to light up for a beautiful night view.
Night view from Obasute
At night, the moon illuminates the “tanada” and adds a romantic glow to it. You can also see Zenkoji city’s night view from Obasute. There are no street lights on the rice fields, so be sure to bring your own flash lights.
When to Visit Obasute
Although Obasute’s “tanada” are beautiful year-round, the best time to go is during “Tagoto-no-tsuki (田毎の月)”, where the moon fully reflects in the rice paddy fields. This phenomenon can be seen from the end of May to June, when the rice paddy fields are filled with water.
Events
Shinshu Sarashina/Obasute Kangetsu Festival – 信州さらしな・おばすて観月祭 (Sept.)
This annual festival is held from the end of September to the beginning of October, and celebrates mid-Autumn on the lunar calendar. During these few weeks, the paths between the “tanada” are lit up. There are also other special events such as a “tanada” walking tour and a stargazing event.
Access
Nearest station: Obasute Station 姨捨駅 (JR Shinonoi Line)
From Nagano Station 長野駅
【Nagano Sta.】JR Shinonoi Line / for Matsumoto
→【Obasute Sta.】about a 10-minute walk
From Matsumoto Station 松本駅
【Matsumoto Sta.】JR Shinonoi Line / for Nagano
→【Obasute Sta.】about a 10-minute walk
From Shinjuku Station 新宿駅
【Shinjuku Station】JR Azusa Limited Express / for Matsumoto
→【Matsumoto Sta.】JR Shinonoi Line / for Nagano
→【Obasute Sta.】about a 10-minute walk
Obasute Throughout the Year
Although late May to early June is recommended for visiting Obasute, you can expect a beautiful view all year round. During autumn, the rice fields are golden brown and ready for harvest, and during the winter you can enjoy the snow-covered “tanada”.
Information
Obasute Yawata, Chikuma-shi, Nagano
026-273-1111
All day
Open year-round
Free
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