HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Gyoda Rice Paddy Art
Record-breaking giant artwork that uses paddy fields as a canvas
Saitama Prefecture
Rice Paddy Art appears from summer to fall in Gyoda. Gyoda is located just north of Tokyo and is well-known for Oshi Castle, Kofun, and above all, rice production.
Local residents and volunteers make efforts to complete this art by planting rice in the middle of June and harvesting it in the middle of October. The best time to see the rice paddy art is from the middle of July until the middle of October, and it changes its color with the seasons.
The gigantic pictures drawn on the rice fields of Gyoda were certified by the Guinness World Records as The World’s Largest Rice Paddy Art in 2015. This artwork is so big that you might not notice it if you’re nearby. The best place to see the rice field art is from the adjoining Ancient Lotus Hall, which is 50 meters above ground. The creative art themes change every year; there have been collaborations with the Rugby World Cup 2019 and designs recreating the Nazca lines. Come see some unique art in rural Japan.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Ueno Tokyo Line and get off at Gyoda Station (about 70 minutes). Take the city loop bus and get off at Kodai Hasu no Sato (about 25 minutes).
2375-1 Kobari, Gyoda-shi, Saitama-ken
