Introduction video of rice field art in Inakadate Village

Check out the video "Japanese Rice Paddy Art - Inakadate Tanbo Art（Japanese Rice Paddy Art - Inakadate Tanbo Art 田んぼアート）."
All the artistic work is made using the rice on a rice field.

At 0:37 in the video, you can see the giant work of art from 2017, depicting “Momotaro,” a traditional Japanese folktale.
The Tanbo Art event of Inakadate is gaining popularity all over Japan.

Inakadate Village "Rice Paddy Art" History and How to Make It

Photo：Tanbo Art

Rice paddy art refers to the technique of using a paddy field as a canvas on which different colored rice plants are planted to create characters and artwork.

Rice paddy art in Inakadate Village started in 1993, using three-color rice called Yatsugaru Roman, which is an ancient rice. Initially, it was called "rice letters.

In 2003, Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece "Mona Lisa" was created as the subject, but since perspective was not used, the Mona Lisa was thicker from the observation deck.

Later, after much trial and error, improvements were made to make it appear flat from the observation deck, and seven colors were used, including red seedlings such as Benizome and Benito, and through surveying and meticulous blueprints, the work evolved into the dynamic work it is today.

Very popular among tourists! How many visitors and what are the economic effects of the Inakadate Village Rice Paddy Art?

The rice field art in Inakadate Village is known as a tourist attraction in Aomori Prefecture that attracts many visitors.

The average number of annual visitors is about 270,000. The highest number was about 350,000 in 2016. The admission fee is 300 yen for adults for each of the two venues, and the economic impact is thought to be substantial, even if calculated on the admission fee alone.

The number of visitors in 2024 may be even higher!

When is the rice field art in Inakadate Village 2024? When is the best time to see it and how much does it cost?

Information on the Inakadate Village Rice Paddy Art is as follows.

Period: June 3, 2024 (Monday) to October 14, 2024 (Monday)
Time: 9:00-17:00
Price: Adults (junior high school students) 300 yen for each venue
Children (elementary school students) 100 yen for each venue
Free for preschoolers
There are two venues below.

No. 1 Rice Paddy Art: Inakadate Village Observation Deck inside the Inakadate Village Office Building
2nd Rice Paddy Art: Yayoi no Sato Observatory located on the premises of Inakadate Roadside Station “Yayoi no Sato”

The best time to see them is from mid-July to mid-August, when the rice fields are filled with fully grown rice and you can see beautiful art.

Rice paddy art in Inakadate Village, successive works that have been talked about, what is the theme for 2024?

Source :YouTube screenshot

The theme for the 2024 work has also been determined. The first venue will depict Shibasaburo Kitasato and Hokusai Katsushika "Kanagawa Okinamiura and Shibasaburo Kitasato" on the newly issued 1,000 yen bill.

The theme of the second venue is "Grandma and Grandpa Rejuvenate," a work to be animated by Araidokiri (Shinchiman), a manga artist from Hirakawa City.

Here are some of his works that have been talked about in the past. First, "Mona Lisa," which became plump because of the lack of perspective in the first version, will be reopened in 2022 with perspective and a splendid Mona Lisa.

The "Garapiko Poo" from "Okaasan Itto-sho" ,And "Sazae-san"(popular Japanese anime)are familiar designs for children.
Designs that attracted attention from overseas included "Star Wars," "Gone with the Wind," and "Shin Godzilla".

Other designs unique to Japan include "Yamata-no-orochi and Susano-onomikoto," "Momotaro," and "Fujiyama and the Legend of Hagoromo.

Don't miss Stone Art (stone art) in Inakadate Village.

Stone art is created near the Tanbo Art in Inakadate as well.
The actor Ishihara Yujiro and Princess Diana are created in stone art. This can be seen from 1:17 in the video.

In addition to appreciating rice field art and stone art, it would be a valuable experience to participate in a rice planting experience tour and enjoy creating rice planting art.

At the Yayoi no Sato observation deck of Roadside Station Inakadate, the second site of the rice paddy art, visitors can enjoy stone art using pebbles, called "Ishi Art.

In 2023, the smiling face of world-renowned artist Shiko Munakata attracted much attention.

Summary of rice field art in Inakadate Village

Photo：Summer rice field

The best time to see the rice field art shown in the video is from mid-July to mid-August, when the rice plants begin to bear abundant crops.
During the on-season, you can use the Konan Railway's Tambo Art Station to go sightseeing.

It will be even more exciting in 2024. If the waiting time to enter the observatory is more than one hour, numbered tickets may be distributed.

When you visit, please check the opening hours, ticket information, and crowds before making your plans.

【Tripadvisor】Inakadate-mura
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1120403-Inakadate_mura_Minamitsugaru_gun_Aomori_Prefecture_Tohoku-Vacations.html