Gyoda Rice Paddy Art in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is one of the world's largest and most impressive examples of tanbo art, or rice paddy art. This agricultural art form began in 1993 in Inakadate Village, Aomori Prefecture, but Gyoda has elevated the practice to extraordinary scale and complexity. The city launched its rice paddy art project in 2008 as part of efforts to revitalize local tourism and celebrate the region's agricultural heritage.
The artwork spans approximately 2.8 hectares and is created by planting different varieties of rice with naturally colored leaves—including purple, yellow, white, and various shades of green—in carefully planned patterns. Each year features a new design, often depicting historical figures, popular culture characters, or scenes from Japanese history and mythology. Past designs have included samurai warriors, kabuki actors, and anime characters, with themes frequently connecting to Gyoda's historical significance as a castle town.
The best viewing period runs from mid-June through October, with the most vibrant colors appearing from July to September as the rice matures. Visitors can observe the massive artwork from a 50-meter tall observation tower at the Kodai Hasu no Sato (Ancient Lotus Garden), which provides the aerial perspective necessary to appreciate the intricate designs. The transformation from newly planted green shoots to the full spectrum of colors creates a dynamic viewing experience that changes throughout the growing season.
Gyoda is located approximately 60 kilometers north of Tokyo. The nearest station is Gyoda Station on the JR Takasaki Line, accessible from Tokyo's Ueno Station in about one hour. From Gyoda Station, visitors can take a local bus or taxi for approximately 15 minutes to reach the Ancient Lotus Garden. The observation tower charges a small admission fee of around ¥400 for adults, while viewing the paddy art itself from ground level is free. The site also features the ancient lotus pond, where rare 2,000-year-old lotus seeds were discovered and successfully cultivated, blooming from June to August.
