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The Warubino Rice Terraces is a stunning landscape located on the northern slope of Mt. Yahata in Aichi-cho, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Spanning an elevation from 180m to 420m, approximately 1,050 rice paddies spread out in a beautiful fan shape over a vertical drop of about 240m. This landscape is highly acclaimed and has been officially recognized as one of "Japan's 100 Best Rice Terraces" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as one of "Japan's 100 Best Walking Paths" by the Yomiuri Shimbun. It is also designated as an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan. The "Nozurazumi" (natural stone stacking) technique used for the walls, utilizing basaltic stones, creates a powerful structure reminiscent of a mountain castle, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
The history of these terraces is ancient, with evidence suggesting they existed since at least the mid-to-late Edo period. Since the Meiji era, land reclamation has expanded the scale of the paddies. The water management system is incredibly sophisticated; the maintenance of the terraces has been supported for generations by the "Yokomizo" water channels and ponds utilizing tributaries of the Ohira River. The preservation of the stone walls has been a community effort, relying on the skills of master stonemasons and the "Tema-ko"—a traditional mutual aid system among local residents. This blend of traditional technology and community spirit has successfully preserved the landscape into the modern era.
The most striking feature is the harmony between the powerful stone walls and the rice paddies. The walls in the Minamigawara area are particularly distinctive. Visitors can also observe advanced water management techniques, such as the culverts (ankyo) positioned according to the terrain. The surrounding landscape is rich with nature, including forests of oak, cedar, and bamboo. For a panoramic view, visitors should head to the observation deck at the Tanada Exchange Plaza, which offers a breathtaking view of the vast expanse of terraces.
The Warubino Rice Terraces presents a completely different face depending on the season. From late March to early April, you can see yellow rapeseed flowers blooming, signaling the arrival of spring. From late May, the rice planting season begins, and the paddies become beautiful mirrors reflecting the sky. In summer, the greenery deepens, and by late September, red spider lilies (Higanbana) bloom across the fields. Additionally, events like the "Tanada and Cherry Blossom Village Creation" are held in late February, making the cherry blossom season a wonderful time to visit. Daytime is ideal for photography, as the light reflecting off the water and the details of the stone walls are most vivid.
Various activities centered around nature are held in this area. The community organizes events such as "Rice Terrace Walking," which attracts many participants from urban areas. Depending on the season, you might also experience hands-on farming or hiking through flower fields created in fallow fields. The area serves as a place for environmental learning and agricultural education, offering a deep connection to Japanese rural culture beyond simple sightseeing.
The Tanada Exchange Plaza is located very close to the terraces, providing amenities such as parking, restrooms, and a local farm shop. The area is part of a natural park near Mt. Yahata. It is located about 5km by car from central Karatsu City and about 5km south of the Aichi-cho center, making it an excellent stop during a sightseeing tour of the Karatsu area.
As the area includes steep slopes and unpaved paths, comfortable walking shoes are essential. We highly recommend sneakers or trekking shoes if you plan to explore the observation deck or surrounding paths. Since this is an active agricultural area, please be respectful: do not enter restricted areas and avoid disturbing people working in the fields. Please note that cash is required for purchases at local farm stands or nearby shops.