Senmaida Rice Terraces

Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast


Once a common sight in Japan, the ancient terraced method of rice farming is disappearing. These 'thousand' paddies snaking up the hillside are both fascinating and beautiful in all seasons.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast attractions

1. Shimo-tokikuni-ke

4.98 MILES

This is an Important Cultural Property, one of two family residences of exiled shogun Taira Tokitada (the other is Kami-tokikuni-ke). Shimo-tokikuni-ke,…

2. Kami-tokikuni-ke

5.14 MILES

One of the few survivors of the Taira clan, Taira Tokitada was exiled to this region in 1185. His ancestors eventually divided and established separate…

3. Kiriko Kaikan

5.22 MILES

Here you can view a selection of the impressive illuminated, lacquered floats used in the Wajima Taisai festival, some up to 15m tall. Take the bus to…

4. Ishikawa Wajima Urushi Art Museum

5.28 MILES

This modern museum, about a 15-minute walk west of the former train station, has rotating exhibitions of its large lacquerware collection in galleries…

5. Asa-ichi

5.62 MILES

Among a few hundred elderly women selling fresh-off-the-trawler seafood, this entertaining morning market features cool boutiques offering tasteful…

6. Sōji-ji Soin

15.68 MILES

This beautiful temple was established in 1321 as the head of the Sōtō school of Zen but now functions as a branch temple. The site's buildings were…

7. Rokugozaki Lighthouse

18.5 MILES

You can amble through the village of Noroshi (狼煙) up to this lighthouse, built in 1883, for lovely views.

8. Ganmon

26.45 MILES

There's a lot of hype about this interesting, though relatively unexciting sea cave carved into the cliff by the force of the waves. Nearby are souvenir…