Hoshino Village Terraced Rice Fields and Tea Plantations: A Terraced Rice Field Village with Remaining Original Mountain Village Scenery

Hoshino Village (Yame City): A Village of Stone-Stacked Terraced Rice Fields and Clear Night Skies

Yame City Hoshino Village (former Hoshino Village) in Fukuoka Prefecture, near the Saga Prefecture border, is an agricultural village spreading through mountainous areas at 400–700 meters elevation. "Hoshino no Tanada (Hoshino terraced rice fields)," where stone-stacked terraced rice fields spread in tiers, is known as a spectacular scenery selected in "Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields." It is also said the name "Hoshino Village (Star Field Village)" comes from the very beautiful night sky stars visible due to minimal light pollution in the deep mountains.

Terraced Rice Field Scenery

The peak season for terraced rice fields is rice planting in May–June and rice harvesting in September–October. The spectacular "water mirror" scenery where sky is reflected in water-filled rice paddies is particularly beautiful, attracting many photographers. The scenery of stone-stacked terraced rice fields continuing along mountain slopes is the very essence of Japan's original scenery.

Hoshino Tea

High-quality Japanese tea "Hoshino tea" is produced in Hoshino Village, characterized by deep tea flavor nurtured by mountain fog. The scenery of tea plantation greenery covering the mountain slopes is beautiful throughout all four seasons.

Hoshi no Bunka-kan (Star Culture Hall)

The village observatory "Hoshi no Bunka-kan" offers stargazing experiences using telescopes (advance reservation required). Seasonal constellations including summer Milky Way and winter Orion can be seen beautifully.

Access

Public transportation via bus from JR Hainuzuka Station and Kuroki Station (few buses). Car access is convenient (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from JR Hakata Station).