What is the best time to visit Sannouji Tanada?

Autumn offers golden rice fields before harvest. Early mornings provide the "sea of clouds" phenomenon. Winter brings snow-covered terraces. Spring and early summer show green newly planted rice. The site hosts a seasonal terraced rice field festival.

Is there an entrance fee?

Admission is free. The observation deck and terraced fields are accessible without charge. Stay on designated paths as the fields are actively farmed.

What facilities are available at the site?

The site has an observation deck for viewing the terraces. Parking is available. Facilities are basic as this is an active farming area maintained by local residents. Bring water and snacks as there are no shops or restaurants at the terraced fields. Respect farming areas and stay on designated paths.

What other attractions are near Sannouji Tanada?

Unnan City is approximately 20 minutes from Izumo Enmusubi Airport and offers access to the Izumo region, including Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. The area is part of rural Shimane Prefecture known for traditional culture and natural scenery. Plan for a full day if combining with other regional attractions.

Sannouji Tanada

4.1 (49)Point Of InterestEstablishment

The Sannouji Tanada terraced rice fields have been designated as one of Japan's top 100 terraced rice fields, recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1999. Located on a hillside in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture, these agricultural terraces sit at an elevation of 300 meters above sea level. The approximately 200 terraced rice fields cover an area of 19 hectares and are preserved by farmers in the district. In 2022, Sannouji Tanada was selected as part of the "Tsunagu Tanada Isan" (Connected Terraced Rice Field Heritage) program, further cementing its status as a culturally significant agricultural landscape.

The terraced fields represent centuries of agricultural ingenuity in Japan's mountainous regions, where farmers transformed sloped terrain into productive farmland. Local farmers continue to maintain these fields using traditional methods, ensuring the preservation of both the landscape and agricultural heritage. The site is also home to Sannouji Kagura, a type of Shinto ritual ceremonial dance designated as a Shimane Prefecture intangible cultural asset, reflecting the rich traditional culture that remains woven into daily life in the community.

Visitors to Sannouji Tanada can experience the fields' dramatic seasonal transformations. In autumn, the fields' undulating waves of grain create a stunning sight. The site features an observation deck offering unobstructed views across the terraced landscape. In the early morning, visitors may witness the spectacular "sea of clouds" phenomenon, while winter brings opportunities to photograph the snow-covered terraces. Throughout the year, the site hosts a terraced rice field festival and operates an "Agriculture School" called "Tanbo no Gakko", where visitors can participate in hands-on rice cultivation activities including planting and harvesting.

The terraced fields are located at 588 Daitochosannoji, Unnan, Shimane. The site is approximately 20 minutes by car from Izumo Daito Station on the JR Kisuki Line, or about 30 minutes by car from the Mitoya Kisuki Interchange on the Onomichi Matsue Line expressway. Unnan City is approximately 20 minutes by car from Izumo Enmusubi Airport. For those using public transportation, the nearest rail connection is the JR Kisuki Line. Admission to the terraced fields is free.

What other travelers are saying about Sannouji Tanada

Date visited: 2022/04/30 I got very lucky and visited on a beautiful day!! The drive into the mountains was really lovely, and it was such a treat when you first arrive to this are because the mountains just OPEN UP to the rice field landscape. Suddenly, as your driving against rock face and in the forest, the view in front of you opens wide to reveal the beautiful rice terraces. Absolutely worth the drive. According to Google, the best time to view rice fields is between April and May when fields are being prepared for planting.

Jen Freel

May 11, 2022

There is a steep slope just before entering the observation deck. There is a gazebo and benches so you can take a relaxing break while looking out at the rice terraces.

The road to get there is quite narrow! It's barely wide enough for a kei car to pass through!

With around 200 rice terraces, it has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Rice Terraces. Not all of them are in use, and there are some areas of unused farmland. There is an observation deck that can be viewed from a slightly elevated location. From an ordinary perspective, it doesn't look like a spectacular view. Rather, it is a place where you can enjoy the scenery with a tranquil atmosphere. Depending on the weather conditions, a sea of clouds can appear behind the rice terraces. Parking space is available. You can park at the observation deck.

Although it is small in scale, you can see the tranquil scenery of rice terraces. If you can go when the rice planting is over, you will be able to see a beautiful view.