Rice Paddy Art: this Town in Aomori, Japan is getting Creative with its Crops!

What is “Tanbo Art”?

“Tanbo Art” literally translates to “Rice Paddy Art”, and is just that. An entire rice field is used to create a work of art.

Different colored rice plants are strategically planted in the field to create images, such as scenes from Japanese folklore and anime characters.

Rice paddy art is created all over Japan, from up north in Hokkaido all the way down to Kagoshima.

The largest rice paddy artwork was created in Gyoda, Saitama, and measures 150 meters in length.

Tanbo Art in Inakadate

Rice paddy art; 2010

The village of Inakadate is where “tanbo art” originated. The first ever rice paddy art was made in 1993 on a 1.5-hectare rice paddy field.

Since then, the people of Inakadate work together every year to create a new, fun design.

The rice paddy art in Inakadate uses 13 different types of rice, which create 7 different colors to work with.

There are two venues where you can see the artworks, one near the town hall and the other by the town’s roadside station.

Inakadate Town Hall Venue

Inakadate Town Hall

Inakadate’s Town Hall is a beautiful building resembling a Japanese castle. This was the original venue of the rice paddy art in 1993.

Rice paddy art; 2014

You can see the rice paddy art from the decks on the fourth and sixth floor of the town hall.

Inside the town hall, there are displays and exhibitions that show the history of rice paddy art and works throughout the years.

Access to Inakadate Town Hall Venue

Tanbo Art Station, open during rice paddy art seasons

The nearest station to Inakadate Town Hall is Tanbo Art Station (田んぼアート駅), open for a limited time between April and November.

From the station to the venue is about a 30-minute walk. There is a free shuttle connection the station and the town hall between June and October, so you can use that instead of walking.

Inakadate Road Station Venue

Rice paddy art; 2012

The Inakadate Road Station venue is closer to Tanbo Art Station than the first venue. You can see the rice paddy art here from a nearby observatory.

This venue is a bit wider compared to the town hall venue. The rice paddy art in this venue can get so big that it won’t fit into one photo.

At the Inakadate Road Station venue, there is a small amusement park, mini-golf area and a petting zoo, so you can bring your whole family with you.

Access to Inakadate Road Station Venue

The nearest station to Inakadate Road Station is Tanbo Art Station (田んぼアート駅), open for a limited time between April and November.

From the station to the venue is about a 5-minute walk. The free shuttle also stops at the Inakadate Road Station venue, so you can use that too.

Rice paddy art season

Rice paddy art; 2011

The rice plants are planted in early June, and from around mid July to mid August is the best season for rice paddy art.

From around September to October which is right before harvest, the colors fade a bit and the rice paddy art gives off a retro, nostalgic vibe.

Throughout the seasons, the rice paddy art shows a different feeling and is always fun to see.

The origins of Tanbo Art

Tanbo art originated in the town of Inakadate in Aomori to promote “Tsurugaotome”, their local brand of rice.

Originally, only words were created with the rice fields, but eventually more colors of rice plants were added and the quality of the works increased. Rice paddy art arose, and is now a Inakadate specialty.

Events

Rice Planting and Harvest Experience Tour

The rice paddy art at Inakadate is entirely done by volunteers. You can sign up online to be a part of the rice paddy art experience, whether it be planting or harvesting the rice plants.

Through the events, you can let our your creative side whilst learning about agriculture. Both the planting and harvest events are extremely popular and spots fill up fast, so make sure to sign up as early as possible.

Access

Nearest station: Tanbo Art Station 田んぼアート駅

From Aomori Station 青森駅

【Aomori Sta.】JR Ou Main Line / for Hirosaki
→【Hirosaki Sta.】Konan Railways Konan Line / for Kuroishi
→【Tanbo Art Sta.】

From Aomori Airport 青森空港

【Aomori Airport Sta.】Highway Bus / for Hirosaki Bus Terminal
→【Hirosaki Sta.】Konan Railways Konan Line / for Kuroishi
→【Tanbo Art Sta.】

Tanbo Art: transforming through the years

Since its beginnings in 1993, “tanbo art” is growing in quality and popularity. Since the designs vary every year, visitors are always on their toes for the upcoming rice paddy art designs.

Every visit to Inakadate’s Tanbo Art is an exciting one; visit once and you’ll want to keep coming back!

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