Chikuma: Rice Terraces, Kofun and River Culture

Chikuma City’s municipal area brings together distinctive cultural landscapes and traces of early history. The Obasute rice terraces and the early Kofun-period Mori Shogunzuka Kofun are located within Chikuma City; the Tsukeba fishing tradition belongs to the wider region. When choosing accommodation, consider whether you want to focus mainly on landscapes, archaeological history or seasonal experiences.

Obasute: Rice Terraces and Expansive Views

Within Chikuma City, about 1,500 rice terraces extend across the slopes of the Obasute area at elevations of 460 to 560 metres. From there, views stretch across the Chikuma River and the broad basin of the Zenkoji Plain. The terraces make agriculture part of the landscape itself: their tiered shapes extend across the slopes and offer a different impression from a single viewpoint. You can also look out over the rice terraces and the plain from JR Obasute Station, within Chikuma City.

Those interested not only in the panorama but also in working in the fields can join the “Rent a rice terrace” program in the area of the Obasute rice terraces, within Chikuma City. It offers an experience course and a conservation course. Participants can plant, harvest and thresh rice; participation is seasonal. In addition to taking in the terraces, you can choose practical activities related to rice cultivation.

Kofun History and Historic Buildings

Within Chikuma City is the Mori Shogunzuka Kofun, an early Kofun-period keyhole-shaped burial mound. Its stone chamber is about 100 metres long. The tomb is believed to be the resting place of a ruler who governed the area around the 4th century. Together with three nearby tombs, it forms part of the Hanishina Kofun Group, designated a National Historic Site. The mound’s shape, chamber and group of tombs give the site an archaeological dimension that contrasts clearly with the open terraced landscape.

The Mori Shogunzuka Kofun Museum, within Chikuma City, displays the stone chamber as well as excavated grave goods and haniwa figures. The exhibition includes original artefacts, models and videos: original pieces offer a direct impression of the finds, while models and footage complement the displays. To reach the summit of the kofun within Chikuma City, you can take the paid shuttle bus or walk; check in advance whether the shuttle is running on your chosen date.

The history of architecture is also evident within Chikuma City. The construction of Arato Castle, within Chikuma City, is traditionally dated to 1524 and attributed to the Yamada clan, a branch of the Murakami clan. From the observation tower in Arato Castle Historic Park, within Chikuma City, views extend across the Chikuma River, from the area around Sakaki and northern Ueda in the south to the southern part of Nagano in the north. Within Chikuma City, the area around Machiyashiki in Inariyama was designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings on December 10, 2014; it offers a distinct perspective on architectural history.

Seasonal Experiences and River Cuisine

Within Chikuma City, Anzu no Sato Agri Park offers a flower garden and a mandarin orange grove in a greenhouse. The main strawberry-picking season runs from December to June. If you plan to pick strawberries on a specific travel date, check in advance whether the activity is available then. These offerings differ in their seasonal character: the park combines garden and greenhouse experiences with its own strawberry season.

Chikuma City also has a waterside park on the banks of the Chikuma River, where families can stroll and play mallet golf. In the wider region, Tsukeba huts along the riverbank serve travellers freshly caught, freshly grilled fish. The Tsukeba tradition is concentrated in a limited area within the wider region. Chikuma City is at its centre; the area extends east to Sakaki and part of eastern Ueda, and north to the Matsushiro area of Nagano City.

For trips around the wider region, the “Obasute Tanada–Onsen” sightseeing bus operates in Chikuma City on Sundays and public holidays from April to November. Check the timetable for your planned date before travelling. Rice terraces, archaeological remains and seasonal offerings can be found within Chikuma City; the Tsukeba fishing tradition belongs to the wider region. A holiday rental in Chikuma can serve as a base for exploring the topics that interest you most.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Yamanouchi, Omi, Shimotakai District, Kamitakai District, Ōmachi, Saku, Okaya, Suzaka.

Go to the main travel overview: Nagano Prefecture.