The site achieved a Guinness World Record in 2015 for the largest rice paddy art, covering approximately 2.7 hectares.
Different colors are achieved by planting specific rice varieties, including purple-leafed 'Kodaimai' (ancient rice) and yellow-leafed 'Kiiro-ine'.
The planting design is meticulously mapped out using GPS and physical stakes before the rice seedlings are manually placed.
The artwork remains visible until the harvest, which typically concludes the display season in October.
The project is situated near the Sakitama Kofun Cluster, a significant archaeological site containing several ancient burial mounds.
Gyoda Rice Paddy Art is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest rice paddy art site in the world. Located in Gyoda, Saitama, the project uses multiple varieties of colored rice plants to create intricate, large-scale imagery visible from an observation deck. The art is planted annually in late spring and changes appearance as the rice matures throughout the summer and early autumn. The designs frequently feature cultural themes, historical figures, or popular characters to celebrate the local agricultural heritage. The site is situated adjacent to the Ancient Lotus Park, which is significant for its prehistoric Oga lotus blossoms. Visitors view the paddies from the top of the Ancient Lotus Hall tower to achieve the correct perspective for the artwork. The cultivation process is a community effort involving local volunteers and agricultural organizations.
The upper observation deck of the Ancient Lotus Hall provides the only vantage point high enough to capture the entire design.
Bring binoculars to capture finer details of the rice paddy design from the observation tower.
Check the official website for progress reports, as the image clarity depends on the growth stage of the rice plants.
Combine your visit with the neighboring Ancient Lotus Park, especially during the morning lotus blooming season.
Do not attempt to walk into the rice paddies, as this damages the artwork and the crop.
The art is a seasonal installation; planting occurs in late spring, and the display is generally removed after the harvest in mid-to-late autumn.
