Ueyama Rice Terraces are a beautiful series of stepped rice paddies located in Nukita, Ojiro District, Kami Town, in northern Hyogo Prefecture. Also known as the Nukita Rice Terraces, they have been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Rice Terraces by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Surrounded by mountains, these carefully maintained fields are among the most iconic landscapes of Kami Town, offering visitors a glimpse of Japan’s traditional rural scenery.
Ueyama Rice Terraces were selected for their striking scenery and the distinctive curves of the narrow ridges that separate the individual paddies. The terraces spread across a hillside with open views in front, and the landscape is especially impressive because very few fields have been abandoned. The area makes effective use of natural landslide terrain, and it is also recognized as a geosite within the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark.
The rice terraces were created by adapting the natural slopes and landforms of a mountainous landslide area. Their curved contours follow the shape of the hillside, blending harmoniously with the surrounding mountains and vegetation. Fresh green rice plants make the fields particularly attractive in late spring and summer, while the changing colors of autumn bring a different beauty to the landscape.
The terraces are a symbol of Ojiro District, a rural area of Kami Town that belongs to the association known as The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan. They represent the enduring relationship between local communities, traditional agriculture, and the natural environment.
Local residents carefully maintain Ueyama Rice Terraces, helping preserve the fields as both productive farmland and a treasured landscape. Their efforts have kept the number of abandoned paddies remarkably low. Community initiatives include agricultural experiences, direct sales of locally grown rice, and events that encourage interaction between residents and visitors from urban areas.
These activities help people understand the cultural and environmental importance of terraced rice farming while supporting the local economy. They also play an important role in passing traditional agricultural knowledge on to future generations.
Visitors may have opportunities to take part in farming activities and purchase rice harvested in the area. Community events also create opportunities for people from cities to connect with rural residents and learn about the work involved in maintaining terraced fields.
These experiences offer more than a chance to enjoy the scenery. They provide insight into the agricultural traditions of northern Hyogo and the ongoing efforts required to preserve this distinctive landscape.
Ueyama Rice Terraces serve an important environmental function in addition to their scenic appeal. Often described as a “green dam,” the terraces help retain rainwater and groundwater, slowing the flow of water down the slopes and reducing the risk of sudden flooding in nearby valleys and streams.
By storing water naturally and allowing it to drain gradually, the rice fields contribute to local disaster prevention. Their preservation therefore benefits not only agriculture and tourism but also the wider environment and surrounding communities.
Nukita, where the rice terraces are located, is also associated with Tajima cattle, a celebrated breed of Japanese black cattle. The area is known as the birthplace and home of Tajiri, a renowned bull whose descendants are said to account for nearly all Japanese Black cattle. This connection has earned the region a special place in the history of Japanese wagyu production.
Visitors interested in the area’s agricultural heritage can also explore tourism programs such as tours focused on the origins of wagyu cattle. These experiences reveal another important aspect of the region’s cultural identity, linking its mountain landscape with Japan’s cattle-breeding traditions.
From Yoka Station on the JR West San’in Main Line, take a Zentan Bus bound for Akioka and get off at Nukita bus stop. The rice terraces are approximately a 30-minute walk from the stop. As the route passes through a rural mountainous area, visitors should allow sufficient time and prepare for walking on local roads.
Other natural attractions in Kami Town include Kusube Gorge, offering further opportunities to enjoy the scenery of northern Hyogo. Combining a visit to the terraces with nearby nature spots makes for a rewarding excursion into the region’s countryside.
Kami Town lies in northern Hyogo Prefecture and was established in 2005 through the merger of the former Mikata Town, Muraoka Town, and Kasumi Town. Its varied landscape includes mountains, forests, coastal scenery, and traditional rural communities. The town is a member of The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan association, which recognizes communities that preserve distinctive natural environments, local culture, and traditional ways of life.
Ueyama Rice Terraces embody these qualities. Their graceful contours, active agricultural landscape, and close relationship with the surrounding environment make them an appealing destination for travelers seeking to experience the quieter, traditional side of Japan.
Ueyama Rice Terraces combine remarkable scenery with a living agricultural tradition. Recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Rice Terraces, they offer visitors an opportunity to appreciate the skill of local farmers, the history of the region, and the ecological benefits of traditional terraced farming. Whether visited for photography, nature appreciation, or an interest in rural culture, the terraces provide a memorable view of Japan’s countryside throughout the changing seasons.