Japan Dethrones US In Guinness World Records In The Smallest Park Category

This Japanese park dethroned US's Mill Ends Park Guinness World Record as the smallest park, a title it had held since 1971.

This particular park in Japan could very easily be mistaken for a random grass patch or bonsai – the Japanese art of manicuring miniature trees. It is, however, the world’s smallest park, roughly the size of four sheets of paper in the central prefecture of Shizuoka, which was recently crowned so by the Guinness World Records

The recreational space is complete with a stool made from a wooden block supported by a rock, which is surrounded by a small bush, all under 2.6 square feet in size.

According to CNN, this park is a short walk from the town hall of Nagaizumi, about 110 kilometres southwest of the capital, Tokyo.

The previous record holder for the world’s smallest park was Mill Ends Park in Portland, Oregon, which served as inspiration for the Japanese contender that officially claimed the title on Tuesday, according to Guinness.

Portland’s Mill Ends Park, found along Naito Parkway near Tom McCall Waterfront Park, held the record since 1971.

Idea From A Vacation 

While on vacation in the US, a Nagaizumi local discovered the previous record holder for the smallest park, Shuji Koyama, a team leader in the town’s construction division, told Guinness. Following this, they were inspired to create an even smaller park.

Since its construction in 1988, locals have referred to it as the world’s smallest park, despite the absence of official recognition. To secure the Guinness title, Shizuoka officials enlisted a certified surveyor to measure the park.

Koyama told Guinness World Records he felt relieved that the park had finally received official recognition.

He said that they want to continue maintaining the park with the community and also create a landscape which is more social media friendly so that more people find attractions of the town.