What are the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces?
Located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, the "Hoshitoge Rice Terraces" are rice terraces that symbolize Japan's beautiful rural landscapes.
The scenery of about 200 rice paddies spreading along the mountainside changes with the seasons and captivates visitors.
Especially spectacular is the early-morning sea of clouds, which creates a magical atmosphere and makes this spot extremely popular with photographers and travelers.
This place, where you can feel traditional Japanese rural culture, is a must-see attraction for tourism in Niigata.
Highlights of the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
1. Breathtaking views wrapped in a sea of clouds
The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are considered most beautiful at the moment when the sea of clouds spreads in the early morning.
The mist over the terraces combined with the silhouettes of the mountains creates a truly breathtaking sight.
Spring and autumn, in particular, have a higher likelihood of a sea of clouds, allowing you to enjoy these fantastical views.
2. Seasonal beauty
- Spring: The flooded paddies before rice planting reflect the sky and surrounding scenery like mirrors.
- Summer: Lush green rice plants sway in the wind, creating a vibrant landscape full of life.
- Autumn: Golden rice ears and the setting sun beautifully dye the terraces.
- Winter: The snow-covered terraces become a silver world, offering a tranquil, otherworldly scene. (Generally impassable due to snow from early December to late April.)
3. Traditional rural culture
The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are maintained by local farmers working by hand.
Visitors can experience up close the beauty of Japan's rural culture and coexistence with nature.
Access to the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
Address
Toge, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
How to get there
- Train and car
- From JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station, take the Hokuhoku Line to Matsudai Station.
- Then about a 20-minute drive.
- Car
- About 1 hour from the Kan-Etsu Expressway Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC.
Parking
There is a free parking area nearby, but it can get crowded in the early morning and on holidays, so take care.
Recommended ways to enjoy
1. Photography
The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are a spectacular spot visited by photographers from Japan and abroad.
Especially at sunrise and sunset, you can capture moments when the paddies shine beautifully.
2. Strolling and relaxing
There are walking paths around the terraces where you can stroll through quiet nature.
It's an ideal place to refresh and enjoy an extraordinary landscape.
Viewing should be from observation points or along the roadside; entering the rice paddies/field bunds or setting up tripods is prohibited.
3. Enjoy local cuisine
Nearby roadside stations and cafes offer Niigata specialties such as hegisoba and dishes made with locally produced fresh rice.
Eating while overlooking the terraces is a special experience.
Practical information for travelers
Packing list
- Camera or smartphone: Essential for recording the beautiful scenery.
- Warm clothing: Especially in the early morning or winter, it can be cold, so bring warm layers.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Many paths around the terraces are unpaved, so sneakers are recommended.
Recommended nearby attractions
- Bijinbayashi
- About a 30-minute drive. A popular spot to stroll through a magical beech forest.
- Matsunoyama Onsen
- A hot spring area in the same region as Bijinbayashi, where you can soothe tired muscles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is the best time to visit the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces?
A. For the early-morning sea of clouds, spring and autumn are recommended.
Additionally, the periods of rice planting and harvesting each offer unique beauty.
Q2. How early should I arrive to see the sea of clouds?
A. The time around sunrise is when the sea of clouds is most likely to appear.
Plan to arrive about one hour before sunrise as a guideline.
Q3. Are there any access options other than by car?
A. You can visit by taxi from the nearest station, but a car is the most convenient option.
The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are a special place that represents Niigata's natural beauty and culture.
Be sure to visit and experience the spectacular views of the changing seasons!
