Nagaizumi's Pocket Park Named World's Smallest by Guinness

A tiny 'pocket park' in the town of Nagaizumi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's smallest park. Measuring only 0.24 square meters (2.58 square feet), the park features a single wooden seat, small plants, and stone monuments, including one with the town's symbolic flower. Locals had cherished the park for over 30 years before it was formally acknowledged as a record holder in December, surpassing the previous title held by Mill Ends Park in Oregon. The park was originally created in 1988 on leftover land from road construction and was inspired by the former record-holder in Oregon. With community support, Nagaizumi raised funds and hired a surveyor to officially certify the park, also reclassifying it from a road section to a park. Following its Guinness recognition, the park has attracted increased tourism and is seen as a promotional asset for the town.