Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
Spanning the slopes like fish scales, about 200 rice paddies of varying sizes reveal different expressions throughout the seasons. Among the terraced rice fields scattered throughout Tokamachi City, the Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Field is most popular place. During the peak season when sea of clouds forms and the shimmering water mirror, photographers and tourists from all over Japan flock to this area to admire the stunning scenery. In 2022, it was designated as a “Connecting Rice Terraces Heritage” site by the Japanese government (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries).
In spring (from snowmelt to rice planting) and autumn (from late October until the first snowfall), water pools in the rice paddies, creating a “mirror-like surface.”
*Notes for taking pictures:
The terraced rice fields themselves are not tourist attractions.
These terraced rice fields are privately owned land cultivated by local farmers as their livelihood, passed down from ancestors and carefully preserved.
When visiting the terraced fields, please observe the following points and strictly adhere to proper etiquette.
1. Please do not leave any garbage behind.
2. Please be considerate of other drivers when you park your car; do not block the passage of other vehicles.
3. Please refrain from entering the rice fields when taking photographs. Also, please watch your step when walking on old footpaths as they may collapse.
4. Please refrain from picking any wild plants, cultivated vegetables, wild grass, or flowers.
5. Please be friendly to local residents. Feel free to say hello and ask for directions if you get lost.
Tokamachi’s beautiful nature belongs to us all. Thank you for observing these good manners.
Winter season
The parking lot and observation area are not accessible because snow is not cleared from those roads in winter season. Please refrain to enter Touge village in such a situation,otherwise your behavior could bother the local residents. The area might be accessible after Golden Week,depending on weather and the remain of snow banks. Nevertheless,if you would like to see snowy landscape,we might suggest you to joying an organized tour. Please feel free to contact us.
Regarding location filming, interviews, and recording at the Hoshitoge terraced rice field;
For media coverage (newspapers, magazines, television, radio, etc.), filming for movies or commercials, and drone photography (including by individuals) at the Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Fields, please notify the Tokamachi City Tourism Association (inquiry email) in advance.
Important Notes for Drone Photography;
-When operating drones, the “Aeronautics Act” and the “Act on the Prohibition of Flight of Small Unmanned Aircraft, etc.” apply. Operators must comply with these laws at their own responsibility.
– The necessary applications, such as the “Unmanned Aircraft Flight Permit” (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) and the “Road Use Permit” (police station), must be obtained in advance by the photographer at their own responsibility.
– Ensure sufficient safety during takeoff and landing. Do not take off or land on farm roads or private property (such as terraced rice fields or farmland).
Regarding the Bus Access Cooperation Fee for Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Field (Request);
When visiting the Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Field, you will need to pass through narrow roads within the village. And also, the maintenance and upkeep of the parking lot and restroom at the First Observation Deck require significant expenses.
Therefore, to help cover a portion of these maintenance costs, we kindly request your cooperation in paying the bus access fee starting from the 2026 snowmelt season.
Information
Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
| Address | NiigatatokamachiTouge, |
|---|---|
| Access | ●By train: 20 min by taxi from Matsudai sta. via Hokuhoku Line ●By car: Approx. 1 h from Muikamachi I.C., Kan-etsu Exp. Way via R253 / Approx. 1 h from Joetsu I.C., Hokuriku Exp. Way via R253 ●For car navigation system: Map code 298 138 507 |
| Parking Lot | 20 parking spaces |
| Notes | ・Winter period is from mid-November to late April. Snow removal is not done in this area so cars may not enter. It is extremely dangerous with snow and potential ice so we advise you to not visit. ・The reflecting pools in the rice terraces can be seen in spring (when the snow melts up until June) and autumn (from mid-October until the first snowfall). |
Contact
| Contact | Matsudai&Matsunoyama Onsen Tourist Information |
|---|---|
| TEL | +81-25-597-3442 |
| Send an email | |
| WEB |