Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
越後松代棚田群 星峠の棚田Experience the breathtaking beauty of the "water mirror" during early spring and late fall
Spread across the slopes like fish scales, about 200 rice paddies of various sizes reveal different facets through the seasons and at different times of the day. During the peak season, when the sea of clouds graces the morning sky, and the water mirrors gleam brilliantly, photographers and tourists from across Japan flock to admire this stunning landscape. In addition to the mesmerizing sea of clouds, visitors can delight in the vibrant greenery of summer and the picturesque snowy terraced rice paddies in winter, crafting an enchanting snowy landscape. In 2022, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries recognized the area as part of Japan's "Tsunagu Rice Terraces Heritage."
* Snowfall is possible even in mid-November and late April. Please check road conditions before planning your visit.
* During the snow season (usually from around December), roads are not plowed, making car access impossible to appreciate the terraced rice fields.
- Category
- Nature and Scenery Nature and Scenery
General Information
| Address | 新潟県十日町市峠 |
|---|---|
| Directions | ●By train: Take a cab for approx. 20 min. from Matsudai Station on the Hokuhoku Line. ●By car: From the Muikamachi IC of the Kanetsu Expressway, drive on National Route 253 for about 1 hour. From the Joetsu IC on the Hokuriku Expressway, take Route 253 for Approx. 1 hour by car. Map Code: 298 138 536*58 Car Navigation Address: 1513 Toge, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture (Restroom in a terraced rice field) Or: 729 Toge, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture (Village Community Center) 025-598-2521 Route from Matsudai Station (Roadside Station Furusato Kaikan) - Total time required: approx. 20 min. Take the R253 toward Joetsu, turn left diagonally at the "Ikejiri" intersection, and enter the R403, which takes about 15 min. Signs are placed at the entrance to the village and in the village, ensuring a straightforward journey. |
| Car Park | ●Regular cars: 20 ●Large vehicles: 1 *Note: It can get crowded during the water mirror season, especially early in the morning. |
| Opening Times | During winter (mid-November to late April), roads are not plowed, restricting vehicle access. Information signs, safety fences, and ropes will be removed, and restrooms will not be available. |
| Notes | In spring (from the disappearance of snow to May) and fall (from late October to before snowfall), the rice paddies fill with water, becoming a "water mirror." *Please be aware that the terraced rice fields themselves are private property and not a tourist attraction. Do not enter the terraced rice fields. Farm vehicles have priority, and interfering with farm work or taking pictures of farmers without permission is prohibited. Refer to the official website for further precautions. |
Contact
| Name | Matsudai/Matsunoyama Onsen Tourist Information Center |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 025-597-3442 |
| E-mail address | matsu-matsu@tokamachishikankou.jp |
| Website |
