The Many Faces of Shirokome Senmaida’s Charm｜Recommended Scenic Spot in Noto (Wajima, Ishikawa)

Shirokome Senmaida is a renowned terraced rice field in Japan that has recently attracted attention as one of Noto’s top tourist attractions. With the stunning contrast between the sea and the rice fields, visitors are treated to completely different scenery from morning to noon and night. But the allure of Shirokome Senmaida doesn’t stop there. In spring, the receded water in the fields reflects the beautiful sky; in summer, the vivid green of the rice against the blue sky and the sea creates a breathtaking contrast; in autumn, the rice crops turn a dazzling golden hue during harvest; and in winter, the fields are transformed into a silvery landscape with snow. No matter the season or time of day, Shirokome Senmaida reveals a different face that will captivate you. Below, we introduce this stunning, ever-changing scenic spot in Noto.

What is Shirokome Senmaida?

Shirokome Senmaida is one of Japan’s representative terraced rice fields, located in Hakonecho, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Its fields are uniquely shaped, with more than 1,000 small terraces cascading all the way to the edge of the Sea of Japan. This breathtaking sight has earned it a place among Japan’s Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields and recognition as a nationally designated Cultural Property and Scenic Site. Furthermore, the charm of Shirokome Senmaida goes beyond its appearance—it was designated as part of the “Satoyama and Satoumi of Noto” world agricultural heritage in June 2011 as “The Original Scenery of Japan.”

Access & Parking Information for Shirokome Senmaida

《By Train》
If you are traveling from Nanao or Wakura Onsen, it is recommended to use the Noto Railway. Get off at Anamizu Station, then transfer to a Hokuriku Railroad bus bound for Wajima.

《By Limited Express Bus》
From JR Kanazawa Station, take the Wajima Limited Express Bus and get off at “Wajima Ekimae.” Then, transfer to the Hokutetsu Oku-Noto Bus on the “Machino Line” and alight at “Shirokome Senmaida.”

《By Car》
Exit the highway at the Noto Satoyama Airport IC. From there, travel via Wajima City, and you’ll arrive at Shirokome Senmaida in about 40 minutes. For parking, it is recommended to use the roadside station “Senmaida Pocket Park,” which is located immediately adjacent to the terraced rice fields.

A Spectacular Sunset! Best Time to Visit: Golden Week

While Shirokome Senmaida delivers stunning views at any time, if you truly want to enjoy the sunset, the best time is during the rice planting season. Around the end of April, water is drawn from over 1,000 terraces, turning them into mirror-like surfaces that reflect the clouds and the sun. At sunset, as the sky is painted in hues of red and orange and the sun slowly sinks, each terrace becomes tinted with the changing colors of the sky. The edges of the terraces, providing a striking contrast, make the entire scene resemble a masterpiece. Be sure to visit during sunset to experience this unforgettable view.

Fall: When the Rice Fields Shine in Golden Hues

Autumn is one of the most anticipated seasons at Shirokome Senmaida, when the entire expanse of terraces is bathed in a golden glow. Just before harvest, the rice grows tall and transforms completely into a golden field. Watching the golden waves sway in the breeze is extremely picturesque and will undoubtedly leave you with an unforgettable memory. Moreover, the contrast with the sea is simply breathtaking. As the rice is harvested, traditional autumn events called “Hazakake” are held nearby.

*“Hazakake” refers to the process where harvested rice is tied into bundles and hung on structures called “hazakas” for slow sun-drying over two to three weeks.

The scenery of Shirokome Senmaida changes dramatically depending on the season. Although every season offers its own delights, checking the seasonal schedule in advance can help you plan to see your preferred view.

Evenings: When the Fields Light Up with Illumination

From October to March, an illumination event called “Aze no Kirameki” is held. Many might find it hard to imagine rice fields lit up with illumination. However, volunteers carefully install LED lights along the slopes in a grid pattern, creating a mesmerizing display unique to terraced fields. The LED lights, known as “petobataru” (firefly), harness solar energy to glow; as darkness falls, they automatically light up and slowly change color every 15 minutes, presenting an awe-inspiring sight.

During the “Aze no Kirameki” event, discounted bus passes are available. The round-trip fare between Wajima and Shirokome Senmaida is 500 yen for adults (250 yen for children), making it an extremely affordable visit (normally 960 yen for adults and 480 yen for children). Note: The prices listed are current as of January 11, 2020.

The lighting schedule varies monthly, so be sure to check in advance.

Just Next to the Terraces: “Senmaida Pocket Park”

The roadside station “Senmaida Pocket Park” is located adjacent to the terraced fields. Park your car there, and you can enjoy an unobstructed view of Shirokome Senmaida. Offering an abundance of souvenirs and light snacks, this spot is an essential rest stop during your visit to the terraced rice fields. Items such as “Kakashi” (a scarecrow) adorned with sausages and quail eggs—considered the soul food of Wajima—as well as soft serve ice cream mixed with rice, and “Tanada Rice Onigiri” made from the local rice are particularly popular. Other menus include Ago-dashi Udon (or Soba), Noto Seaweed Udon (or Soba), and deep-fried blowfish. The roadside station also offers a menu rivaling that of standalone restaurants. In addition, many local specialties from Noto—such as Wajima lacquerware and fresh salted vegetables—are sold here. When visiting Shirokome Senmaida, be sure to check out Senmaida Pocket Park.

The Many Faces of Shirokome Senmaida’s Charm｜Recommended Scenic Spot in Noto (Wajima, Ishikawa)