Shimane Rice Terraces Light Up For Visitors
A terraced rice field in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, has been illuminated with LED lights to attract visitors.
Oidani-no-Tanada, as it is called, covers about 8 hectares with some 600 paddies set onto slopes in the town of Yoshika.
The terraces are said to have been built starting some 600 years ago and were cited as among the country's 100 most scenic in 1999.
Local residents working to preserve the field have initiated the light-up event since 2019 in a bid to extend visits by sightseers beyond the harvest season.
This year's illuminations started on October 16.
A total of 2,800 LED lights in the field automatically light up when it becomes dark. They alternate colors between red, blue and gold every 15 minutes.
An observation deck overlooking the rice terraces remains unavailable as it was partially damaged by a heavy rain in August. Visitors can still enjoy the twinkling lights from a parking area and other higher spots.
The head of the group organizing the event says he wants to let people know about the scenic rice terraces and to brighten up residents. He says he wants to continue holding the event as many years as possible.
The light-up runs through November 26.