Minecraft Characters Sprout in Gyoda's Record-Breaking Rice Paddy Art
In Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, the annual tanbo art has taken a gaming turn for 2026, featuring characters from Minecraft. The rice paddy art, which holds a Guinness World Record as the largest of its kind, spans nearly three hectares and is visible from an observatory 50 meters above ground. About 1,000 volunteers planted rice seedlings in four colors in June, and the design now includes popular Minecraft characters and a blocky depiction of the Gyoda Tower. The artwork reaches full beauty by mid-July and remains vibrant through October. Visitors can view it from the Observatory, which offers a 360-degree view, for an admission fee of 400 yen. The project is a collaboration between the city and volunteers, blending tradition with gaming culture. The art is an easy day trip from Tokyo, attracting both Minecraft fans and those interested in creative agricultural art.
Key facts
- Gyoda's rice paddy art holds the Guinness World Record for the largest of its kind.
- The 2026 design features Minecraft characters and a blocky Gyoda Tower.
- About 1,000 volunteers planted rice seedlings in four colors in June.
- The artwork is visible from an observatory 50 meters above ground.
- Admission to the observatory costs 400 yen.
- The art is best viewed from mid-July to October.
- Gyoda is in Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
- The art spans nearly three hectares.
Entities
Locations
- Gyoda
- Saitama Prefecture
- Japan
- Tokyo