A Tiny Space With a Big Title
In Nagaizumi, Shizuoka, Japan, lies the world’s smallest officially recognized park, measuring just 50 centimeters (20 inches) square. Opened in 1988, the park was created to make use of a small extra space left after a road construction project. For decades, it went largely unnoticed, but in 2025, it achieved global recognition after receiving a Guinness World Record.
From Roadside Corner to Official Park
The park is located in a small area between Nagaizumi Central Street and an alley. Inside its 0.24 m² (370 sq in) space, there is a single wooden bench, a black stone plate carved with flowers, and a small patch of vegetation. Originally, the town stated they would not seek Guinness certification because the spot was technically part of the road, not a park.
Applying for the Guinness World Record
In 2024, the town officially re-designated the area as a park and launched a project to apply for the Guinness World Record. The application process cost around 2.5 million yen (≈15,903 USD), and the funds were successfully raised through the Hometown Tax system, which allows taxpayers to contribute to local projects.
Guinness Certification and Global Recognition
After a detailed survey in January 2025 confirmed the park’s exact size, Nagaizumi formally declared it an official park. On February 25, 2025, a ceremony was held at Nagaizumi Town Hall to celebrate its certification by Guinness World Records. The park is now recognized as the world’s smallest, surpassing Mill Ends Park in Portland, Oregon, which previously held the title.
In Nagaizumi, Shizuoka, a 50 cm (20 in) square became the world’s smallest park.
Opened in 1988 after a road project, it sits between Nagaizumi Central Street and an alley. I
n 2025 it earned a Guinness World Record…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/lb7g1mSBd1
— Fascinating True Stories (@FascinatingTrue) September 4, 2025