Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Project: Call for Participants in 'Kakashi-Making Workshop' at Maruyama Senmaida

Summer View of Maruyama Senmaida

The Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Project (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka City; Chief Operating Officer: Shigeru Oshima) is calling for participants to join the 'Kakashi-Making Workshop' at Maruyama Senmaida in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, on Saturday, July 11, 2026. This event is organized by the nonprofit foundation Kumano City Furusato Promotion Corporation and offers guests a chance to experience traditional rural culture while interacting with local residents at Maruyama Senmaida, one of Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields.

The Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Project operates 29 accommodation-focused hotels across Japan, promoting a travel style centered on 'exploring the hidden charms of local regions through hotel stays.' The project's concept, 'Quest for the Unknown Japan,' aims to help travelers discover unique regional experiences and lesser-known attractions throughout the country.

Maruyama Senmaida, the venue for this event, is one of Japan’s largest terraced rice fields, located on the slopes of the Maruyama district in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, and is designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields. Historical records indicate that in 1601 (Keicho 6), there were 2,240 rice paddies. However, due to depopulation and a lack of successors, the number had declined to just 530 by the early Heisei era. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of local residents determined to preserve this heritage passed down from their ancestors, restoration activities have brought the number back up to 1,340 paddies, maintaining the area’s beautiful landscape.

Maruyama Senmaida offers unique charm in every season: spring reflections of the sky like a mirror, summer greenery swaying in the breeze, golden rice stalks in autumn, and the striking beauty of stone walls in winter—each season captivating visitors throughout the year.

In July, the rice paddies showcase young rice plants beginning to grow after transplanting. The vibrant green hues spread across the terraces, creating a refreshing summer landscape enhanced by mountain breezes. The Kakashi-Making Workshop, held during this season, offers a rare opportunity to craft a scarecrow by hand—a traditional figure that plays a vital role in protecting the growing rice.

During the event, participants will learn traditional scarecrow-making techniques from local residents and work together to create a single kakashi. The completed scarecrow will be installed at Maruyama Senmaida, serving as a guardian of the rice fields. Additionally, the creations will be entered into a 'Kakashi Contest.' The display of uniquely designed scarecrows, each reflecting the participants’ personalities and creativity, adds warmth and charm to the terraced fields, delighting visitors.

Since 2024, the Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Project has participated in the Maruyama Senmaida ownership program, with hotel staff actively involved in activities such as bund maintenance and rice planting. Motivated by their firsthand appreciation of the terraced fields’ beauty and the strong community ties they’ve formed, the project now invites guests to share in this enriching experience. This is a special opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the terraces, engage with traditional wisdom, and connect with local residents. We invite you to experience an unforgettable summer moment in Maruyama Senmaida, where nature and culture thrive.

Future plans include offering other unique agricultural experiences at Maruyama Senmaida, such as rice harvesting. Stay tuned!

Event Details

● Date and Time: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

※ Cancellation due to rain or severe weather will be decided by 12:00 PM on Friday, July 10.

● Location: Maruyama Senmaida

● Eligibility:

Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama on Friday, July 10, 2026

● Participation Fee: 1,500 JPY per person (for middle school students and above, tax included)

Payment is made at the front desk upon check-in (credit card only).

● Capacity: 10 participants

● Schedule

Participants travel individually from the hotel to Maruyama Senmaida (approximately 30 minutes by car)

9:00 AM Arrival at Maruyama Senmaida, start of kakashi-making experience

11:00 AM Lunch (nagashi-somen)

12:00 PM Dismissal

※ The schedule may vary slightly depending on activity progress.

● Attire and Items to Bring

* Clothing and footwear that can get dirty

* Drink for hydration

* Towel

* Sunscreen and hat are recommended.

● Registration:

After making a hotel reservation, please contact Fairfield by Marriott Mie Kumano Kodo Mihama (Phone: 05979-2-3301) to express your interest in participating in the Maruyama Senmaida Kakashi-Making Experience.

※ Photos and videos may be taken by the Kumano City Furusato Promotion Corporation for promotional purposes on the day. Your understanding is appreciated.

● Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 5:00 PM

Kumano City Furusato Promotion Corporation

A nonprofit foundation fully funded by Kumano City.

Since fiscal year 1996, the corporation has operated an ownership program, and since fiscal year 1999, a 'Guardianship Program' (Tanada Trust System) to preserve Maruyama Senmaida, a designated 'Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields in Japan' and 'Connecting Heritage of Terraced Rice Fields.'

We welcome individuals who wish to support conservation efforts through agricultural experiences and rice-related culinary events.

Check our official SNS for highlights of Maruyama Senmaida and useful visitor information.

Official Website: https://www.maruyamasenmaida.jp/

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m_senmaida/

Official X: https://x.com/m_senmaida

Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Project

* Official Website: https://fairfield-michinoeki-japan.com/

* Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairfieldmichinoeki/

* Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ff.michinoeki

* Official LINE Account: @ffmichinoeki

* Podcast 'Tabi no Serendipity' Website: https://www.sekisuihouse.co.jp/development_business/fairfield-tabisere/

* Dog-Friendly Travel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairfield_dogquest/

The Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Project will continue to offer ongoing opportunities to experience seasonal agricultural activities and local culture at Maruyama Senmaida beyond this kakashi-making event. In addition to rice planting and harvesting, we aim to provide guests with immersive experiences that connect them with local lifestyles and traditions. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster deeper connections with the region—beyond one-time tourism—and inspire guests to return. The project will continue to promote meaningful relationships between travelers and local communities by offering region-based experiences rooted in accommodation.

About Fairfield by Marriott