Located in the Matsudai region of Niigata – not too far from Kyororo Forest School and Bijinbayashi – the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are one of the region’s most photographable landscapes. Approximately 200 terraced rice fields form an attractive mosaic which can be seen and photographed from multiple angles from the road above.

Accessible all-year-round, the terraces are perhaps at their best in spring – from May to June – when the terraced fields are flooded with water and reflect the morning and evening sky, and in later summer – in August and September – when the mature rice turns lush green before yellowing before harvest.

When heading to the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces, best to do so using a private or rental car – a great option when combining it with other nearby destinations.