Guide
Located at the northern edge of the Noto Peninsula in Wajima City, the areas of Osawa and Kamiosawa feature a truly unique landscape. The settlements are nestled within narrow plains squeezed between steep mountains and the Sea of Japan. The most striking feature is the 'Magaki'—traditional bamboo fences that surround the houses. This landscape serves as a living testament to human ingenuity in adapting to the environment and was designated as a National Important Cultural Landscape in 2015.
Historically, residents needed to protect their homes from powerful seasonal winds blowing off the sea. To combat this, they developed the 'Magaki,' constructed by vertically setting thin 'Nigatake' bamboo sticks. These fences serve a dual functional purpose: providing much-needed shade during the summer and acting as a windbreak against harsh, cold gusts in the winter. The cultural foundation of this region is built upon a 'half-farming, half-fishing' lifestyle, where people manage terraced rice paddery in the mountains and fishing in the sea below.
The primary attraction is the sight of the village streets lined with these intricate bamboo Magaki. The way the houses are positioned along the natural terrain, protected by these fences, perfectly symbolizes the traditional 'Satoyama and Satoumi' (mountain and sea) way of life in Noto. Visitors can also enjoy the views of the terraced rice fields stretching up the mountainsides and the small fishing ports tucked into the coves, illustrating the deep connection between the people and their natural surroundings.
The landscape transforms beautifully with the seasons. From April to June, the terraced fields and surrounding vegetation turn a lush, vibrant green, offering a rich palette of natural colors. The scenery also changes beautifully during the autumn months of October and November. For the best experience, visit during the daytime to clearly see the textures of the bamboo fences and the undulations of the land, or visit in the late afternoon to witness the settlement bathed in the soft, tranquil light of a sunset over the sea.
This area offers a visual masterclass in the traditional lifestyles of the Noto Peninsula. You can walk through the village to observe up close how the Magaki structures are built to deflect the wind. A stroll through the surrounding natural environment provides a profound sense of connection to Japan's traditional rural settlements and their historical resilience.
The area is surrounded by other cultural landscapes and fishing villages along the coast of the Noto Peninsula. You can easily incorporate a visit to this site into a larger sightseeing route through Wajima and the surrounding coastal towns to see traditional architecture and local fishing culture.
As the village includes natural terrain and unpaved paths, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Please remember that these are active residential areas; please respect the privacy of the residents and keep noise to a minimum. For specific facility information or local signage, please check on-site-provided materials.