Set amidst rolling hills reaching 200m to 350m above sea level, these terraced rice fields that appear to be folded up one on top of the other were recently in a state of dilapidation due to depopulation in the area. It is only in recent years that work has begun on restoring them to their former glory. Seeing how they look now is a moving experience.
As a result of depopulation, the hillsides, which at one point had as many as 8,300 rice fields, were on their way to returning to their natural state. Things began to change about 10 years ago. A group of people joined forces to restore the terraced rice fields, showing their enthusiasm with their motto “Changing Japan’s countryside beginning with Ueyama!” The renting out of small rental electric vehicles is one of the activities the group is involved in. Weave through the lush green vistas in a tiny car to admire the beautiful traditional scenery. (This information is as of November 2017)
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