Aridagawa, Wakayama Prefecture
Looking at Aragijima’s flooded rice terraces in May Arida mandarin juice and an afternoon at the viewpoint
At Aragijima, rice terraces spread inside a wide bend in the river. In May, I’d like to look at the shapes of the flooded paddies from the viewpoint opposite. I’ve brought Arida mandarin juice too, for a little break while tracing the curves of the paddy banks with my eyes.
This time, it’s an afternoon in mid- to late May. A story of looking at the spring paddies from the viewpoint and enjoying the mandarin juice I brought.
SpringAn afternoon in mid- to late May
The river’s bend and the paddy curves, seen from the same place
One May afternoon, my driving friend and I arrived at the Aragijima car park. It was a short walk from here to the viewpoint. I took the Arida mandarin juice and cups I’d left in the car and rolled up my sleeves. We’d chosen the juice at Aridakko before setting off, and it was the treat I was looking forward to for today’s break.
When we reached the viewpoint, fan-shaped rice terraces spread out inside the river’s bend. The banks curved broadly while dividing the fields one by one. I’d seen this shape in photos, but with the river and mountains in view as well, the place felt much larger.
The flooded paddies reflected the sky, and here and there I could see rows of short seedlings. Starting with the nearest bank, I followed the lines one by one towards the back. Beside me, my friend said, “They join up all the way to those terraces over there.” Just talking about where we were looking changed the way the scenery appeared a little.
I poured juice into a cup and took a sip. The sweetness of the mandarins spread through my mouth and felt refreshing after the walk. Still holding the cup in both hands, I looked back at the terraces. I was happy to stand in front of a view I loved and enjoy a taste I loved too.
Farther back on the right was a bridge, and on the left were the roofs of a village. I hadn’t noticed any of those things when I’d looked only at the paddies on their own. I traced the curve of the river with my eyes, then returned to the clouds reflected in the water nearest me.
I put away my empty cup and walked back to the car park with my friend. We’d take Route 480 again on the way back and enjoy the town’s scenery. Before setting off, I chose “ROUTE 1 - ASHINOKO”. Even once I was home, I wanted to remember that sip of juice I’d taken while looking at the curves of the flooded fields.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialities I’d like to taste on the trip
Arida mandarin juice
At the local farm shop Aridakko, you can choose Arida mandarin juice. I’d like to stop before the drive and take some both for a break overlooking the terraces and to bring home.
Highlights
The contours of the rice terraces surrounded by the river
Looking down from the viewpoint, you can see the curves of the terraces and the broad bend in the river together. I’d like to take it in while following the lines of the paddy banks.
A cultural landscape shaped by everyday life
The surrounding rural mountain landscape, including Aragijima, has been designated a nationally Important Cultural Landscape. Looking as far as the village beyond the fields turns my thoughts to the lives that continue here too.
The road and places to walk
From Aragijima car park to the viewpoint
- Walking distance from the car park
- About 200 m
- Approximate walk from the car park
- About 3 minutes
After parking, return to the prefectural road and head east towards the viewpoint. I’d like to bring the juice and begin with this short walk to see the terraces.
From Arida or Arida-Minami Interchange towards Shimizu, the drive via Route 480 is estimated at about 50 minutes. I’d like to make time for the viewpoint during a trip along the river.
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