Marumori Town Terraced Fields and Autumn Foliage: Miyagi Satoyama Preserving Japan's Original Landscape

Marumori Terraced Fields and Satoyama

Marumori in southern Miyagi is a mountain farming village at the prefecture's southernmost tip. Terraced fields spread across the Abukuma Highlands slopes and satoyama countryside attract photographers and travelers seeking Japan's original landscape.

Highlights

• Hippo Terraced Fields: Marumori's representative terraced rice fields with beautiful stone walls
• Abukuma River Clear Waters: Crystal-clear Abukuma River and surrounding nature
• Konjac: Marumori-produced konjac is a local specialty
• Bracken and Wild Vegetables: Spring mountain vegetable foraging is also fun

Autumn Highlights

• Golden terraced fields after rice harvest (late September–October)
• Autumn foliage coloring the hillsides (late October–early November)
• Spectacular contrast of terraced fields and autumn colors

Getting There

• From JR Tohoku Main Line Tsukidate Station via Abukuma Express to Marumori Station: about 30 minutes
• From central Sendai by car: about 1 hour

Tips

Marumori is a mountain farming village — rental car is convenient. Local roadside station "Minna no Ie Dandan" sells konjac dishes and local vegetables.

📚 Sources

This article is edited from publicly available sightseeing guidance published by the town of Marumori and Miyagi Prefecture, public information on the Abukuma Express and spots around town, and guidance on the terraced rice fields, gorge, and river boating. That Marumori is a mountain farming town at the southern tip of Miyagi, known for the terraced fields and gorge foliage of the Abukuma highlands, is based on public sightseeing information. River-boat operation and foliage timing, tours of the storehouse townscape, and Abukuma Express and access conditions may change, so please confirm official information before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: Allow half a day to a full day to tour the terraced fields and foliage spots.
• What to prepare: You will walk the countryside and gorge, so comfortable shoes and a seasonally appropriate jacket add comfort.
• Getting there: Marumori Station on the Abukuma Express is the base, and travel to each spot is easiest by car; check times in advance.
• Suggested route: Enjoy the view of the hillside terraced fields, then tour the town center with its surviving storehouse streetscape and the gorge foliage.
• Best seasons: Early summer when the terraces are green, autumn when the rice ripens golden, and the foliage season are especially recommended.