What Are the Terraced Paddy Fields of Ini?

In 2017, an American internet news feature selected the terraced paddy fields of Ini in Akiota-cho, Hiroshima, along with Itsukushima Shrine, also in the same prefecture, as one of the entries in their list of Japan’s 34 most beautiful places. Ini’s 324 terraced paddy fields are also the only entry from Hiroshima to make it to the top 100 terraced paddy fields list.

Terraced paddy fields are created in the form of staircases. In spring and autumn, there is a major event where the locals and visitors interact and experience transplanting rice seedlings and harvesting rice at the terraced paddy fields using traditional farming methods.

The 2 Major Annual Events

Terraced paddy fields experience event

• June – Transplanting
• October – Harvesting

Being a secluded place surrounded by mist, Ini’s terraced paddy fields are often compared to Inca Empire’s ruins Machu Picchu thus earning it the nickname “Inipichu” which has been passed down across generations.
With its abundant nature that incorporates the seasonal beauty, the view here is certainly one which you should see for yourself.

Spring (April – June)

Around April, you can see cherry blossoms, tulips and the paddy fields are being filled with water in preparation for seedling transplanting. Once all preparations are completed, the transplanting will be done between early May and June.

Summer (July – September)

The rice plants paint the field lush green and sway gently in the wind. Being located at a high altitude, this place still feels cool despite the season so you should definitely come here to avoid the summer heat.

Autumn (October – November)

From September, the ripe rice plants turn the fields into a golden carpet which is said to be the best view in the entire year. The sights of harvesting and sun drying of the rice plants are also worth checking out.

Winter (December – March)

Snow covers the fields during this season which is a sight to behold. However, due to the buildup of snow and frozen roads, you should be especially careful when coming here during winter.

Recommending a Cafe to Admire the Scenery

The only café “Eeny, Meeny, Miny Moe” allows you to enjoy lunch and desserts using local ingredients!

From the coffee shop, you can get a panoramic view of the paddy fields. There are seasonal desserts offered as well and I happened to have the blueberry cheesecake on that day which was delicious, smooth and melted in my mouth in seconds.

For lunch, there are options such as the country cuisine set which has been a local tradition of Ini for years and the food of the mountains set. During my visit, there were many people who ordered the Ichigo sushi mini lunch set which consists of pressed sushi with seasonal vegetables that can only be found here so please try it when you are here.

This is the dessert menu which is reflective of Ini’s unique charms. You can also buy Ini sable (shortbread) and even bring it home for kids to enjoy.

Besides these, other signature products of Ini include the terraced fields doll and bamboo charcoal.
Due to the ageing population, there are some items which are no longer in production.
It is heartening to see how the locals try to live alongside the beautiful nature and terraced fields despite the challenges faced in protecting their traditions with a shrinking population.

Shop Information

Tanada Café Ini Mini Mamimo
Address	629-2, Nakatsutsuga, Akiota-cho, Yamagata-gun, Hiroshima (map)
Operating Hours	Wednesday – Friday: 11:30am – 4:30pm Weekends & National Holidays: 11:30am – 6:00pm
Regular Off Day	Monday & Tuesday (May be closed without prior notice)
Website	http://ini-mini-manimo.jp/index.html
TEL	0826-22-6789

Access

[By car]
Exit Chugoku Expressway via Togouchi IC and drive for 4km on the national highway No.186 towards Yoshiwa. There is a signboard of Ini Tanada on the left just a few hundred meters from Togouchi IC.

[By public transport]
As there is no direct bus to Ini’s terraced paddy fields, you will have to alight at Togouchi IC’s Bus Center and use the reservation-only bus and taxi. For details, please refer below.

[By foot]
Alight at Togouchi IC Bus Center and walk for about 4km while taking in the surrounding sights.
There are few cars passing along the route so it will make it easier for you to walk.

*There is a metal gate which cuts across the upward-inclining forest road from Ini towards Mount Tenjo. This is meant as a preventive measure to shut out wild boars so you will need to open it by yourself and remember to close it.

Heading to Ini

A.Fare: ￥1,390 / Time: 1 hour
-Recommended departure time: 8:18am from Hiroshima Bus Center

Hiroshima Bus Center ↓ Togouchi IC Bus Center	Hiroshima Dentetsu – Sandankyo Line (Express) Towards Hiroshima Bus Center	￥1,390
↓ Ini	Taxi Reservation-only bus Walk (4km)	*Refer to details below

 

B.Fare: ￥1,180 / Time: 2 hours
-Recommended departure time: 9:30am or 11:10am from Hiroshima Bus Center

Hiroshima Bus Center ↓ Togouchi IC Bus Center	Hiroshima Dentetsu – Sandankyo Line (Normal) Towards Hiroshima Bus Center	￥1,180
↓ Ini	Taxi Reservation-only bus Walk (4km)	*Refer to details below

 

C.Fare: ￥1,390/ Time: 1 hour
-Recommended departure time: 9:45am from Hiroshima Station / 10:00am from Hiroshima Bus Center

Hiroshima Station Hiroshima Bus Center ↓	Iwami Transport – Shin Koueki Line Towards Masuda Ekimae	￥1,390
Togouchi IC Bus Center
↓ Ini	Taxi Reservation-only bus Walk (4km)	*Refer to details below

 

Returning from Ini

A.Fare: ￥1,390 / Time: 1 hour
-Recommended departure time: 3:15pm from Togouchi IC Bus Center

Ini ↓	Taxi Reservation-only bus Walk (4km)	*Refer to details below
Togouchi IC Bus Center ↓ Hiroshima Bus Center	Hiroshima Dentetsu – Sandankyo Line (Normal) Towards Hiroshima Bus Center	￥1,390

 

B.Fare: ￥1,180 / Time: 2 hours
-Recommended departure time: 3:43pm, 4:43pm and 6:08pm from Togouchi IC Bus Center

Ini ↓	Taxi Reservation-only bus Walk (4km)	*Refer to details below
Togouchi IC Bus Center ↓ Hiroshima Bus Center	Hiroshima Dentetsu – Sandankyo Line (Normal) Towards Hiroshima Bus Center	￥1,180

 

C.Fare: ￥1,390/ Time: 1 hour
-Recommended departure time: 3:59pm from Togouchi IC Bus Center

Ini ↓	Taxi Reservation-only bus Walk (4km)	*Refer to details below
Hiroshima Station Hiroshima Bus Center ↓ Togouchi IC Bus Center	Iwami Transport – Shin Koueki Line Towards Shinkansen Hiroshima Station	￥1,390

 

How to Get from Togouchi IC Bus Center to Ini

Walk for about 4km / 1h10mins
MAP: https://goo.gl/NaXxrn

Taxi / 10 mins
TEL: Kakei Transport　0826-22-0521/ Sandankyo Transport　0826-28-2011

Reservation-only bus : ￥200/ 10 mins

Togouchi IC Bus Center ↓ Ini

Anataku Towards Ini & Higashiku

￥200

*Reservations are necessary before you can take this bus. Please enquire below for more information regarding the bus schedule and reservations.
Kakei Transport: (Toll-free) 0120-930-115 / (Toll) 0826-22-0775