Obon and Rice Paddy Art: Unveiling Japan’s Late Summer Charms

A country known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Japan transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colours and traditions during late summer. Two of the most captivating attractions during this season are rice paddy art and Obon.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a cultural explorer, both festivities offer travellers a glimpse into Japan’s artistic ingenuity and spiritual traditions. In this article, we will guide you through the wonders of rice paddy art and the significance of the Obon Festival, as well as providing practical tips for travellers to enjoy both experiences to the fullest.

Rice paddy art: A canvas of nature

Tanbo art at Inakadate Village. | ©青森県観光国際交流機構

Known as Tanbo Art (田んぼアート), rice paddy art is a form of landscape art created by planting different varieties of rice to form large-scale, intricate designs in the fields. This remarkable art form began in the small village of Inakadate Village (田舎館村) in Aomori Prefecture (青森県) in 1993 as a community project to revitalise the area. Since then, it has grown in popularity, with several other regions adopting the practice.

The craft of rice paddy art

Tanbo art in Yonezawa City, a project which ended in 2023. | ©Yamagata Prefectural Government

The creation of rice paddy art is a meticulous process that involves months of planning and preparation. Artists and local farmers collaborate to design the artwork, which is often inspired by traditional Japanese themes, famous artworks, or contemporary pop culture like anime characters. The designs are plotted on a grid, and different types of rice plants, each with varying colours and growth patterns, are planted accordingly.

As the rice grows, the fields transform into stunning, colourful murals that can be viewed from elevated platforms. These artworks are best seen from mid-July to mid-August, when the rice plants are at their most vibrant. Some famous locations for rice paddy art include:

Inakadate Village, Aomori

Considered the birthplace of rice paddy art, Inakadate continues to produce some of the most elaborate designs each year. The village has viewing platforms that allow visitors to fully appreciate the scale and detail of the artwork.

Inakadate Village Rice Field Art Venue 2 (田舎館村田んぼアート 第２会場)
Address: Izumi Takahi, Inakadate, Minamitsugaru District, Aomori 038-1111
Access: 2-minute walk from Tambo Art Station (田んぼアート駅)

Gyoda, Saitama 

Gyoda City (行田市) is known for its historical rice paddy art, often depicting scenes from Japanese history and mythology. The city hosts a Tanbo Art Festival where visitors can enjoy the artwork and participate in various cultural activities.

Gyoda City Tanbo Art Field (行田市田んぼアート会場)
Address: 1389 Kobari, Gyoda, Saitama 361-0024
Access: 15-minute bus ride from Gyodashi Station (行田市駅), alight at Kodai Hasu No Sato Bus Stop (古代蓮の里) / 25-minute bus ride from Gyoda Station (行田駅), alight at Kodai Hasu No Sato Bus Stop

Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture

Up until 2023, Yonezawa’s (米沢市) rice paddy art was famous for its use of vivid colours and intricate designs. The city combined the viewing experience with local festivals, enhancing the cultural experience for visitors.

Tips for travellers visiting rice paddy art

Looking to check out these man-made marvels? Here are some practical tips to note when planning your next trip to see rice paddy art in Japan!

• Timing: Plan your visit between mid-July and mid-August to see the tanbo art at its peak.
• Viewing platforms: Most rice paddy art locations have designated viewing platforms. Check local tourism websites for details on access and any associated fees.
• Combine activities: Most of these paddy fields are situated in rural areas with limited public transportation access. Pair your visit to other local sightseeing places or even local summer festivals around the area to make the most of your trip.

Obon: Japan’s soulful festival for ancestors

©photoAC

Obon (お盆) is one of Japan’s most important and widely celebrated festivals. Takes place over three days typically around mid-August, it is a Buddhist tradition that honours the spirits of deceased ancestors. 

The exact dates can vary depending on the region, but it usually coincides with the peak summer season and alongside many summer festivals. Many communities welcome visitors to join in the Bon Odori (盆踊り) dances, which is one of the many ways one can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Significance of Obon

©photoAC

The Obon festival has a profound spiritual significance in Japanese culture. It is believed that during Obon, the spirits of deceased ancestors return to the earthly realm to visit their living relatives. Families gather to welcome these spirits and pay their respects through various rituals and ceremonies.

Obon traditions and activities

©photoAC

1. Bon Odori (Bon dance)

One of the highlights of Obon is the Bon Odori, a traditional dance performed to welcome the spirits. These dances are held in towns and villages across Japan, with participants dressed in yukata (浴衣 light summer kimono) dancing around a yagura (櫓 raised platform). The dances vary by region but are generally characterised by their lively and rhythmic movements.

2. Toro Nagashi (Floating lanterns)

Toro Nagashi (灯籠流し) is a beautiful and symbolic ritual where paper lanterns are floated down rivers or set adrift in the sea. The lanterns are meant to guide the spirits back to the afterlife at the end of Obon. This serene and picturesque ceremony is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life.

3. Ohaka-mairi (Grave visits)

Families visit their ancestral graves to clean the tombstones, offer flowers, and burn incense. This practice, known as ohaka-mairi (お墓参り), is a way to honour and remember deceased family members.

4. Food offerings

Special food offerings are prepared and placed on household altars (仏壇 butsudan) as an offering to the returning spirits. Traditional foods often include rice crackers, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and sweets.

Conclusion

©Pakutaso

Japan’s late summer season is a time of vibrant cultural expression and deep-rooted traditions. The stunning rice paddy art and the spiritually rich Obon festival offer travellers a unique glimpse into the country’s artistic and spiritual heritage. 

Whether you’re marvelling at the intricate designs of rice paddy art or participating in the heartfelt rituals of Obon, these experiences are bound to leave a lasting impression!

Header image credit: 青森県観光国際交流機構, Yamagata Prefectural Government, photoAC