A miniature park in Nagaizumi, Japan, has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records as the smallest park in the world.

Measuring just 2.6 square feet (0.24 square meters), the tiny green space consists of a patch of grass, two stone plaques, and a small stool for visitors to sit on.

Located near Nagaizumi Town Hall in Shizuoka Prefecture, this park has existed since 1988, but it was only recently acknowledged as a world record holder. It dethroned Portland’s Mill Ends Park, which held the title for decades with a two-meter diameter space featuring a single tree and a few plants.

Story behind the tiny park

According to Shuji Koyama, team leader at Nagaizumi’s construction management division, the park was inspired by a town staff member’s visit to the United States in the 1980s. During the trip, they discovered Mill Ends Park in Portland, Oregon, and decided to create an even smaller park upon returning to Japan.

Guinness World Record verification

To be officially recognized as a park, the space had to meet Guinness’ criteria of being a green area where at least one person can rest and relax. A professional surveyor measured the park’s exact dimensions, confirming its record-breaking status last month.

Local landmark and tourist attraction

Although officially recognized only recently, locals in Nagaizumi have long called it ‘the world’s smallest park’. Visitors to the town often seek out the park for photo opportunities, making it a unique landmark despite its small size.

Shuji Koyama hopes to maintain the park with community support and enhance its social media appeal to attract more tourists.