Shonai Plain : Fields of gold in Autumn

Tsuruoka is located in the Shonai plain, which has the most ideal climate conditions for rice production in Japan, with relatively high temperatures and long durations of sunshine especially in August when daylight hours are the longest in Japan. The melted snow in spring and the water that has been purified by the beech forest in the Three Mountains of Dewa and Mt. Chokai flow into the Shonai region, creating a great source of water for rice production.
However, it is not only due to the blessings of nature that made the Shonai Plain one of the renowned rice belts in Japan. Together with the knowledge and wisdom of irrigation and farming techniques passed down from our forefathers during the Edo period (1603-1868) as well as the peaceful sharing of water among the populace, splendid rice paddies were formed throughout the entire region.
Along with the changing seasons, the rice paddies transform and create beautiful sceneries.