A prototype device based on the tunable diode laser absorption spectrometry was constructed and the atmospheric methane concentration near the terrain in a rice paddy field was measured. An open optical path of 50 m length was employed along with a PbSnTe diode laser. Diurnal change of methane density with 30 seconds temporal resolution was recorded associated with meteorological parameters. A feasibility was proven for a practical application for in situ study of atmospheric methane.