A Slice of Serenity：Ōhaga-nishi Tanada Rice Terraces & Red Soba Misaki-cho, Okayama, Japan |

A Slice of Serenity：Ōhaga-nishi Tanada
Rice Terraces & Red Soba
Misaki-cho, Okayama, Japan

2021-10-15

Ohaganishi Rice Terraces

Gaze deep into the pristine mountain landscape hailed as one of Japan’s Top 100 Rice Terraces.

Pristine mountain scenery

Ōhaga-nishi Tanada (rice terrace), is not only beautiful, it is also one of the largest rice terraces in Japan. It boasts magnificent scenery throughout the year – mirror pools reflecting the sun in spring, beautiful greens in summer, a sea of clouds in autumn and a mystical snow blanket in winter.

mountain flowers

rice plants

rice plants (terrace in the back)

Situated at an elevation of 400 meters (1,300 feet), spanning an area of 42 hectares, and spread out 360-degrees, be surrounded by the endless beauty of the terraced rice paddies – around 850 of them in fact, with some parts containing as much as 70 – 80 tier steps in a row.

terraced steps of rice paddies

There is a driving route as well as a walking tour path for visitors. Photographers (both professional and amateurs) stop by regularly.

Welcome board – Ohaganishi Rice Terraces

observation route (by car or on foot)

Terrace upon terrace, I was swept away into another world.

panoramic view

view from the base point

A spectacular view can be enjoyed from any point of the rice paddies. Adorable little figurines perched on a log add to the tranquility and grandness of it all.

relaxing on a log

looking over the horizon

spectacular scenery in all seasons

More than just a picture-taking spot, these rice terraces play an important role in food production as well as support the environment and natural ecosystem.

Depending on the season, rice planting experiences, mochi (rice-cake) making, various festivals and mini concerts are held in the area. These activities are not only fun and promote regional products, but also heighten awareness for conservation and deepen exchanges between people in the urban and rural areas.

resting and parking area

Not far off from the rice terraces is Aka Soba Tei, a soba (buckwheat flour) shop offering “red soba” – noodles made with the ruby-colored flowers of the red buckwheat plant cultivated locally.

soba shop (Aka Soba Tei)

Aka Soba Tei restaurant

eco-farming initiative

Enjoy various types of soba noodles, freshly made by artful masters, paired with rustic vegetables and produce. There is also the chance to experience soba making, hands-on.

2 kinds of soba noodles (red soba flower on top)

Tasting the soba noodles at this place made me realize what I had been missing.

The noodles were incredibly light yet springy, the pickles refreshing, the fried side dishes just the right touch of crunchy, the broth savory and sweet. The cups and dishes were Bizen-ware created by potters living in the area. Perfect.