Enchanting illuminated rice fields in Japan with mesmerizing LED lights against the sea.
Stunning illuminated rice terraces overlooking the sea in Japan.

Senmaida Rice Paddies in Shiroyone

Shiroyone Senmaida (白米の千枚田) has 1000 rice paddies in Shiroyone. Located on the Noto Peninsula, it’s beautiful at night, with the lights on.

So it’s winter here and apart from watching monkeys warming themselves at a certain onsen taken over by hordes of tourists, you don’t know what else to do. But it’s a chance to go out and find a more relaxed, calmer Japan, and quietly take in its beauty.

asia, chubu, ishikawa, japan, japanese, natural, nature, ricefield, sunset

A rainy day usually means a starless night. The conditions seem far from ideal for my next stop, terraced rice paddies, but as luck would have it a delicate rainbow has just emerged to remind me there is beauty in contrasts, not only in perfection.

asia, chubu, ishikawa, japan, japanese, natural, nature, ricefield, sunset

Here I am at Shiroyone Senmaida (One Thousand Rice Paddies in Shiroyone  – 白米の千枚田), on the Noto Peninsula, a place rather off the tourist trail. As the attractive town of Kanazawa is on the way, it's difficult to leave, and easier to let yourself be carried away by the range of delicious restaurants and the town's character! However, the Noto Peninsula is filled with secrets, and this is one of them.

asia, chubu, ishikawa, japan, japanese, natural, nature, ricefield, sunset

Yes, there are a thousand rice fields here, 1004 to be precise. They overlook the Sea of Japan and, all lit up at this time of year, are reflected once in the sky and once again on the water.

asia, chubu, ishikawa, japan, japanese, natural, nature, ricefield, sunset

Few people come here as it is, let alone think of strolling through the rice paddies. There's no doubt that it’s freezing cold, and the ocean being so close doesn’t help.

asia, chubu, ishikawa, japan, japanese, natural, nature, ricefield, sunset

In 2007, an earthquake centred on the small town of Wajima (lit up in the background of photo below) caused panic in the Noto Peninsula. Such seismic intensity is very rare and disturbing in this relatively calm zone, so the residents vowed to illuminate Senmaida from that moment on.

asia, chubu, ishikawa, japan, japanese, natural, nature, ricefield, sunset

Between the extremes of coldness and warmth, darkness and light, past and future, or the famous tradition and modernity, a highway seems to be taking shape here. One year is ending and I’m alive, we aren’t entirely digitized, and between the shades of grey there always emerges an incredible dimension of colours.

asia, chubu, ishikawa, japan, japanese, natural, nature, ricefield, sunset

The path traced out isn’t there to be followed but, on the contrary, to highlight its surroundings. Over to us to appreciate it.

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

commentaires

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

Instagram

Emerald river, Concrete whispers through green trees— Harmony awakes.エメラルド川、 緑木々を抜ける音— 調和が目を覚ます。#hydropower #natureandtech #emeraldgreen #sustainableenergy #offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #japan
Doll faces whisper, In kimono dreams they rest, Lifelike hues of peace. 関風と囁く、 着物の夢に眠る、 平和の色。#offbeatjapan #japan #hinamatsuri #traditionalcrafts #japanesedolls #kimonolove #serenebeauty
Golden sun awakens, Whispering mist hugs green hills— Sky's mirror below. ---金色の太陽が目覚め、 囁く霧が緑の丘を包む— 空は下を映す。 ---#tanada #offbeatjapan #serenesunrise #japanlandscapes #mysticalmorning #ruraljapan #traditionalagriculture #japan
Sacred roof stands tall, Amid urban whispers hum— Time weaves old and new. 古き屋根、 街のささやき中、 時が編む。 #onochiciview #templevscity #ancientandmodern #urbanserenity #hillscapes #offbeatjapan #japan
Crimson dreams whisper, Wooden echoes of the past, In tranquil embrace.  赤夢囁く、 過去の木の響き、 静かな抱擁。  #DarumaDreams #ShrineQuietude #SereneJapan #RuralRetreat #CulturalSymbols #offbeatjapan #japan
Golden grasses sway, Ferris wheel rusts under sky— Blue, pink whispers past.---金色の草が揺れる、 錆びた観覧車の下で— 青とピンクの囁きが通り過ぎる。---#offbeatjapan #japan #haikyo #abandonedplaces #amusementpark #ferriswheel #nostalgia #urbanexploration
Emerald whispers, Jizo in crimson repose, Peace in quiet woods.---翡翠のささやき、 赤き地蔵の静寂、 静かな森の安らぎ。---#sacredjapan #jizostatue #forestbathing #serenity #spiritualjapan #offbeatjapan #japan
Lanterns softly glow, Slate-gray mirrors vibrant hues— City whispers dreams.---ランタンの灯り、 石畳に映る— 街の夢語。---#offbeatjapan #japan #japanesenightlife #yokocho #neonnights #lanterns #urbanjapan