Unique Rooftop Experience for Anime-Themed Rice Paddy Art
In the city of Gyoda, located in Saitama Prefecture in eastern Japan, a new and exciting initiative is taking place. The Gyoda Municipal Government has introduced its first-ever rooftop tours, offering visitors an exclusive vantage point to view the stunning anime-themed rice paddy art that will be at its peak from mid-July through mid-October.
Each year, thousands of visitors come to the Gyoda Tower observation deck, which stands approximately 50 meters high above the Kodai Hasu no Sato, also known as Ancient Lotus Park. However, many have found that photographs taken from inside the tower through the glass windows often suffer from unwanted reflections. To address this issue and provide a better experience for fans, the city has installed a special viewing platform on the rooftop of the tower, positioned 5 meters higher than the existing deck. This new platform sits about 55 meters above ground level, offering a clear and unobstructed view of the artwork.
This year’s rice paddy art spans a vast area of 2.8 hectares, measuring roughly 180 meters in length and 150 meters in width. The design prominently features Tanjiro Kamado, the main character from the upcoming anime film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle,” which is set to debut in theaters on July 18. The artwork is created using rice seedlings in four different colors, planted in mid-June. As the plants continue to grow, the piece is expected to reach its best visual quality by mid-October.
To ensure a controlled and enjoyable experience for all visitors, the rooftop tours are available twice daily—starting at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—on specific weekends throughout the summer and early autumn. These dates include July 26-27, August 23-24, September 27-28, and October 4-5. Each tour session can accommodate up to five groups, with each group consisting of two to four individuals. The cost for each tour is 1,000 yen (approximately $6.50) per person, and this fee is separate from the standard entrance fee for the Ancient Lotus Museum, which houses the Gyoda Tower.
For those interested in participating, applications must be made by phone to the museum during designated periods each month. Due to limited availability, if the number of applicants exceeds the capacity, spots will be assigned through a lottery system. Those wishing to inquire further should contact the Ancient Lotus Museum directly at 048-559-0770 (in Japanese).
The introduction of these rooftop tours marks a significant step in enhancing the visitor experience and providing a unique opportunity to appreciate the intricate details of the anime-themed rice paddy art. It also reflects the growing interest in combining traditional agricultural practices with modern pop culture, creating a memorable experience for both locals and tourists alike.
