What are the Ketto Stone-Walled Rice Fields?
To the north of the Ketto settlement in Akiyamago, Tsunan town, lie the “Ketto Stone-Walled Rice Fields,” a beautiful expanse of terraced fields with stone walls. These Rice Fields have been selected as one of the “100 Best Rural Landscapes in Japan” and are considered a nationally significant landscape.
The stone walls, built over many years with immense effort, are constructed using stones formed from the weathering of lava (columnar jointing) from Mount Torigane and Mount Naeba. Land reclamation began around Meiji 25 (1892). Although Akiyama-go was considered a harsh environment for rice cultivation at the time, these magnificent stone-walled terraced fields were built through the strong determination and tireless efforts of the village residents.
However, today, the inability to use large machinery makes farming extremely labor-intensive. Coupled with an aging population, approximately 50 percent of the fields have been left fallow, making it increasingly difficult each year to maintain the beautiful landscape of the Rice Fields.
Working to Preserve “Ketto’s Stone-Walled Rice Fields” Through the Efforts of People Both Within and Outside the Community
Starting this spring, staff from the “Matsudai Terraced Rice Field Bank”—an agricultural project run by the NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization—and staff from “Katakuri House,” an accommodation facility in Akiyamago, have begun cultivating 1.5 tan of stone-walled rice fields.
While this is just a small step, we are seeking people who would like to support this new initiative aimed at preserving the stone-walled rice fields in Ketto.
Ketto Stone-Walled Rice Paddy Conservation Project: Calling for Members
Fee | 17,000 yen (annual membership fee)
Benefits |
① 7 kg of Ishigakida rice delivered in November
② Invitation to farming events at Ishigakida
*Participation in events is optional. For fiscal year 2026, the rice harvest event will be held on Sunday, September 27.
③ Annual report sent to you
How to Apply |
① Online *Membership fees are automatically renewed annually.
② Postal transfer: Please visit your nearest post office, fill out the transfer form with the required information below, and make the payment.
*Payment is due annually.
Account Number: 00550-4-57917
Account Holder: Matsudai The Rice Fields Bank
Please include the following information in the “Remarks” section:
・Application Details: Ketto Stone-Wall Rice Field Conservation Project, membership fee, number of shares
・Type of Rice (polished or brown)
・Email Address
Payer: ZIP Code, Address, Name, Phonetic Spelling, Phone Number
③ On-site Facilities (Akashi no Yu, Matsudai NOHBUTAI, Katakuri House)
Please inquire at the reception desk. You will be asked to fill out the necessary information on the application form and pay the membership fee. *Payment is due annually.
Akashi no Yu: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. *Last reception at 8:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays (except holidays)
71-2, 1-chome, Honmachi 6, Tokamachi city, Niigata Prefecture
025-752-0117Matsudai NOHBUTAI: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays (except holidays)
3743-1 Matsudai, Tokamachi city, Niigata Prefecture
025-595-6180Katakuri House: Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (except holidays)
*Operating and closing days may vary during peak season and winter.
450-1 Ketto, Tsunan town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture
025-761-5205
[Event] Rice Harvesting Experience at Ketto in Yuto
This is an autumn harvest event where we’ll harvest the rice that’s been growing in Ketto, Yuto, since spring. As part of our efforts to preserve these beautiful Rice Fields, we invite you to come and experience the joy of harvesting for yourself.
Date & Time｜September 27, 2026 (Sun) 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Fees｜
Participation Fee: Adults 2,000 yen, Elementary School Students 1,000 yen (lunch not included)
Lunch Fee: Adults 1,200 yen, Children under 6years old 600 yen
Rain Boot Rental: 500 yen per pair
*Free for members of the “Ketto Stone-Wall Rice Paddy Conservation Project” mentioned above.Venue｜
Reception Location: Katakuri House
Rice Harvesting Experience: Ketto Stone-Wall Rice Paddy *A 15-minute walk from Katakuri House.Registration Deadline｜September 26 (Sat) 5:00 PM
Capacity｜20 people
*Please note that the event may be canceled in case of severe weather.
Schedule for the Day of the Event
10:00–10:15 Reception, changing clothes, etc.
10:15–10:30 Orientation, travel to the site
10:30–11:45 Farm work
12:00–13:00 Return to Katakuri House for lunch
1:00–2:30 p.m. Continue farm work
2:30–3:00 p.m. Change clothes, end of program
[Katakuri House] Accommodation Plans
We also offer a package that includes a one-night stay at Katakuri House the night before your rice harvesting experience. *Even if you have made a reservation for the accommodation package, please fill out the rice harvesting experience registration form.
Registration Deadline | Wednesday, September 23
Akiyamago Ketto Onsen “Katakuri House”
Photo by Hiroshi Noguchi
“Katakuri House” in Ketto Onsen is located in the village where the stone-walled rice paddies used for this rice-harvesting experience are situated. Situated in the secluded Akiyamago region—which straddles Niigata Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture and can sometimes become cut off due to heavy snowfall in winter—this inn was converted from an elementary school that had long served the local children.
For inquiry
| Address | 3743-1 Matsudai, Tokamachi city, Niigata Prefecture 942-1526, inside "Matsudai NOHBUTAI" |
|---|---|
| Tel | 025-595-6180 |
| tanada@tsumari-artfield.com |
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