Dawn Reflections of Rice Paddies Hike
Spectacular scenery at the rise of dawn.
Around the end of May, rice planting in the rice fields of the Okitama region is wrapped up and the fields are filled with water. During this short amount of time, the vermillion sun rises at dawn, illuminating and coloring the surface of the rice fields and scattered villages below.
This breathtaking scenery is limited, only being available a few weeks in the year, relying on the rice planting season which allows the spectacular reflection of the fields. Hike up Mt. Kumano with a certified mountain guide and English-speaking interpreter-guide in the darkness of the early morning to get a glimpse of a wonderful sunrise scene only available in the countryside of the Okitama region.
Reflections of Rice Paddies Hike
What's Included
- Certified mountain guide
- English-speaking interpreter-guide
- Hot drinks
- Hiking snacks
- Handmade rice balls, local sweets and fruits after mountain descent
- Participation memo pad
- Original Mt. Kumano sticker
- Photo data taken during the hike
- Mountain climbing insurance (does not include overseas travel insurance)
Cost
Please inquire
Experience Availability
2024
- May 17 (Fri)
- May 18 (Sat)
- May 19 (Sun)
- May 24 (Fri)
- May 25 (Sat)
- May 26 (Sun)
- May 31 (Fri)
- June 1 (Sat)
- June 2 (Sun)
Average Duration
Approximately 5 hours
Meeting Location
Doushoujidaira Ski Resort Lodge
We can arrange a private charter vehicle on request (additional fees apply).
Minimum number of participants
2 people
Maximum number of participants
12 people
Important notes
Experience availability may vary. Reserve to confirm availability.
Please notify us at least 7 business days before if you must cancel or modify your reservation.
In the case of inclement weather or sickness, the organizer may cancel the hike.
Dawn hike to See Reflections of Rice Paddies
To see the stunning scenery of the rice fields reflecting the deep red color of the sunrise, meet with your mountain guide and English-speaking guide-interpreter in the early morning before the sun has risen. The start time will differ depending on the day’s conditions.
Using headlights, hike the mountain for around one hour together with your guides. You will be in safe hands with your certified mountain guide who knows all about the mountains in the area.
Have a break and wait for the sun to rise. While waiting, you can enjoy warm drinks prepared by your guide. While making sure you are not in anyone’s shot, take photos of the beautiful scenery, then continue towards the summit of Mt. Kumano, which is 670m above sea level. Other sights you can see along the way are a panoramic view of Nagai Dam and Mt. Iwaigame, as well as the Okitama Basin.
During your journey, your certified mountain guide will also run a Happajuku while you are hiking; he will teach you about the flora and fauna you may pass by on the mountain.
After reaching the summit, descend the mountain to return to the original meeting point around 7 AM and part ways with your guides here.
Things to bring
- Warm clothing for cold weather
- Hat
- Gloves
- Hiking shoes/boots
- Camera (and gear if necessary)
- Water
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Rain gear
- Backpack
Sample tour schedule
2:50 AM Meet at Doushoujidaira Ski Resort Lodge (We can arrange a private charter vehicle on request (additional fees apply)→ Meet your guides and restroom break→ 3:00 AM Start climbing→ Around 4:00 AM Arrive at observation spot in from of Kumano shrine (approximately 590m above sea level)→ Wait for sunrise→ Take photos of scenery→ 5:20 AM Arrive at the summit of Mt. Kumano (approximately 670m above sea level)→ Around 7:00 AM Arrive to original meeting sport and disband→ Experience ends
Dawn hiking reservation
You can send a booking inquiry for your experience below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email at least 7 business days before your desired date.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of an experience or reserves an experience straightaway.
Cancellation policy
Our cancellation policy for this experience is below. Cancellation fees may vary according to exceptional circumstances.
In the case of inclement weather or sickness, the organizer may cancel the hike. In this case, the tour fee will be refunded.
Please note that those who reserved accommodations cannot receive a refund for their accommodation fees.
No refunds will be given even if the view is below standard after the tour departs.
3 business days before tour start date
20% of total price
Date of experience before designated start time
50% of total price
After designated start time, or in the event of a no show
100% of total price
