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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 ! 🎵

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Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

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

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Golden sun descends, Terraced greens meet forest hues— Nature's gentle quilt. ---黄金の陽、 段々畑の緑、 自然の優しき織物。 ---#offbeatjapan #ricefields #shirakawago #japan #sunsetvibes #naturelovers #serenitynow #mountainlife
Sunlight weaves through wood, Chaos in lines, shadows dance, Nature’s art revealed. 光が木を通り抜け、 乱れた線に影が踊る、 自然の芸術が現れる。 #offbeatjapan #japan #natureart #abandonedbeauty #architecture #lightandshadow #hiddenwonders
Crimson gates align, Hearts carved on love's scarlet path, Pines bend to dreams' sea. ---真紅の門 愛の道に刻み 松は夢の海へ曲がる ---#ShintoSpirit #ToriiGates #LoveInJapan #CoastalBeauty #SereneJapan #offbeatjapan #Japan
Lanterns softly glow, Timber frames embrace the snow, Silent warmth below. ランタンの光、 木枠に雪が舞い、 静かなる温もり。 #offbeatjapan #japan #snowyvillage #japanesearchitecture #tranquilbeauty #winterserenity #lanternlight
Crimson gate stands bold, Where verdant hills kiss the sea, Spirits rest at peace. --- 紅い門 緑の丘と海の 平和な魂 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #coastlines #spiritualpeace #naturephotography
Scarlet sunlit hues, Torii whispers to the dawn— Nature's quiet shrine. --- 緋色の光、 鳥居は夜明けに囁く― 静かな神社。 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #spiritualjourney #sunrisevibes #hiddenjapan #natureandspirit
Whispers of spring's light, Sakura cascades unfurl, Nature's brushstrokes glow. 春の囁き、 桜滝のように、 自然の彩。 #sakura #springblossoms #japanphotography #japanesegarden #offbeatjapan #flowerwaterfall #japan
Warm mist embraces fur, In steamy whispers of earth, Harmony in gray. 暖かい霧が毛を包み、 大地の蒸気のささやきの中で、 灰色の調和。#snowmonkeys #serenity #japantravel #naturesbeauty #winterwonder #offbeatjapan #japan