There are many terraced fields in Saga Pref. Terraced fields were contrived to obtain more land for rice paddies on steeply slopes of mountainside. The continuing terraces look like stalagmite shelves inside a stalactite cave. It is said that rice grown in terraced paddies is of high quality. It is scientifically proved that rice plant grow more slowly in a terraced paddy because the temperature difference between day and night is larger than flatland and that water with higher content in trace element is supplied to terraced paddies because they are closer to water sources. These fields also have the functions of water-retention, flood control, and landslide control. However, in the recent years many of the fields have been abandoned due to the harsh work on the steep land. In 2003, Saga Terraced Fields Network was established to conserve the fields by municipal collaboration. The scenic beauty of terrace fields is one of enduring images of ancient Japan.