The city sightseeing loop shuttlebus (200¥) from the JR Gyoda station took about 20 minutes and takes you straight to the base of the viewing tower. It was ¥400 to take the lift to the glass enclosed circular viewing platform (50m high). Early arrival is suggested as it was a much longer wait for the lift later in the morning and the viewing area became more congested. There were a couple of big lens ‘hoods’ available which enabled you to reduce the reflection when taking photos through the glass. The views of the rice paddy were great as the patterns are planted with different coloured varieties to ensure they look best from that height. There are photos of previous art (they change each year) and also of the design and planting process. It was three rugby players in 2019. The best time to see the fields is in August and September but the design can be seen in mid July until harvesting in October or November. Gyoda holds the Guinness World record for the world’s largest rice paddy art. At the base of the tower there was a good assortment of vending machines and a stand selling a deep fried Gyoda speciality – Jelly Fries (Zeri furai)– (like a croquette) which are made from okara (soybean curd), potatoes and mixed vegetables. There was also a store selling local fresh vegetables and speciality products. The lotus ponds (apparently there are 42 different types) would be spectacular to walk around in season (end of June to beginning of August).

Loved seeing the rice art field. I was there too late in the year to see the Lotus in bloom, but was a fun place to go. There is an observation tower you can go up and really see the rice art very well.