Kamimomi Rice Terraces & Momi-an Café Kumenan-cho, Okayama, Japan Plowing to the heavens in the valley of gold |

Kamimomi Rice Terraces & Momi-an Café
Kumenan-cho, Okayama, Japan
Plowing to the heavens in the valley of gold

2021-09-23

Kamimomi Rice Terraces

Nestled in the mountains of northern Okayama was a gem waiting to be discovered.

Kamimomi, one of Japan’s Top 100 Rice Terraces, is located in Kumenan-cho, a town with a rice-growing history of over 1,300 years. The landscape of the terraced rice fields here are also known as: “The Valley of Gold.”

The Valley of Gold (rice plants)

The whole area is about 22 hectares, with higher points of the terraces boasting a pond and numerous water reservoirs, a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts. On a clear day, the Seto Inland Sea can be seen from a distance.

The town (Kumenan-cho) has the highest ratio of elderly people in Okayama prefecture, leading to a rapid loss of biodiversity, the “satoyama” mountain-village culture (where societies work in harmony with nature and the environment), and the rice terraces on the brink of extinction.

To combat this, the townspeople came up with a solution, teaming up with various groups to promote the “Kamimomi Rice Terraces Restoration Project” which includes Momian Café, farming, agricultural awareness, permaculture, health, yoga and other regional revitalization activities.

Since then, more than 13,000 sqm. of rice paddies have been restored, giving hope for sustainability and the future.

Rice stalks (young and green)

Rice stalks ripening for harvest

Momian Café used to be a barn in the olden days. It is right on a hill overlooking the entire rice terraces, thus the nice play on words Kamimomi (上籾 upper paddy) >> Momi-an (籾庵 paddy retreat).

Heading up the ridge for the terraces and cafe

Momian Cafe (barn + deck)

Momian Cafe

Side view – Momian Cafe

Old barn that is now part of Momi-an cafe

Ancient warehouse by the terraces

In cooperation with the farmers and residents around the area, Kamimomi Tanada Terrace Momian Café showcases rice grown and harvested in the Kamimomi ricefields, and offers seasonal dishes made with local ingredients and produce, all organic and pesticide-free.

Kamimomi Rice

It is a prime example of how partnerships in community development bear fruit and lead to the good of everyone involved.

Stepping inside the structure, sitting by the glass window and peering into the vast panorama of green and gold rice plants was absolutely breathtaking.

Cafe Interior

Seating by Momi-an Cafe

Thatched straw roof, traditional construction

Peering through the glass

Rice Terraces view from Momian cafe

The onigiri rice ball set was delicious and came beautifully prepared, complete with homemade tofu (additive-free) and soy pudding in a glass. Yuzu citrus tea and lemonade (made by a villager) capped the meal.

Lunch – onigiri tofu set with miso vegetables

There were also choices for medicinal curry, fermented food pairings, and rice flour (gluten-free), whole-grain and soy-based pastries – nutritious and tasty!

Outdoor seating was great too. Plop yourself on the deck, imbibe good vibes and meditate the ill feelings away.

Kamimomi Rice Terraces _ Momi-an Cafe

Momian cafe deck

Cafe extension area

Outdoor area and barbecue spot

Relax and rejuvenate by the terraces

Coming to Kamimomi was like entering a scene straight out from a nature photobook, only that the imagery was real and one was actually part of it.

The ancient saying rings true: “Plow to the heavens”「耕して天に至る」and unearth possibilities in the golden valley that is Kamimomi.

Address

1300-1 Kamimomi, Kumenan, Kume District, Okayama Prefecture, Japan 709-3621

Access

Taxi

12 minutes by taxi from Kōme Station (JR Tsuyama line)

Car / Self-drive

55 minutes from Momotaro International Airport (Okayama) – via Route 53, 61 or 71 on the national highway
60 minutes’ drive from Okayama City, on Route 53 or 71 on the national highway (Okayama Interchange)

Hours / Information