Konnyaku Park was a very interesting place to visit in Gunma Prefecture.
I was impressed to learn that konnyaku is truly connected to this region. Gunma produces most of Japan’s konnyaku potatoes, and the park shows how this local ingredient is made into many different products.
The factory tour and displays were easy to understand, and the free tasting area was a fun way to try various konnyaku dishes. I was surprised by the wide range of products, from noodles to desserts.
It is not only a sightseeing spot, but also a great example of how a local food industry can promote its products through tourism and hands-on experience. Highly recommended.
The Gunma area is where they grow the most of the roots in Japan that are turned into konyakku, a slightly tasteless paste which can be shaped into a lot of forms. It is very popular because it essentially has zero calories.
But it is extremely popular and the lines can be murder on public holidays. We got there at 9 which is opening time, and had to stand in line 2.5 hours for the buffet.
The big draw is the free buffet of konyakku products, but there is also a gift shop and you can visit the factory.
Personal recommendation: try the liver konyakku and the fruits jellies.
Charge (seniors/adults/children): 0
Typical period of stay: 1-2 hours
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Family friendly: Yes
Smoking allowed: No
Allergy alternatives: No
Vegetarian alternatives: All of it.
English menu/information: No
Staff speaks English: No
Separate mens & ladies toilets: Yes
Clean & fresh toilets: Yes
Washiki or sit-down toilet: Sit-down
Free wi-fi: Yes
Free (and ample) parking: Yes
Takes credit cards or cash-only: Cards and cash.
Great place for kids who and families who love noodles, tofu, desserts from gelatin. They offer free meals all you can eat for 20mins. You can also buy candies, foods, drinks, desserts, wine and others. There is also a pretty nice fresh fruit and vegetable markets.
This is an interesting place to visit if you’re in the area. I’m not a big konnyaku fan, but it’s completely free to tour the factory and partake of the buffet.
My friend and I visited on a Saturday so the factory was out of action, but you could still walk around the tour area and see the machinery and read the information.
The buffet was interesting if not entirely to my tastes. Suffice it to say that the desserts selection was better than the savoury.
There’s a big store area with all conceivable types of konnyaku product available to buy. There is also a convenience store on site and a small supermarket. There are free foot baths too, but you’ll need your own towel.
