The world’s smallest park is about the size of four pieces of paper

A park roughly the size of four sheets of paper in Japan’s central prefecture of Shizuoka was recently crowned the world’s smallest, according to Guinness World Records.

Despite measuring just 0.24sqm, the recreational space offers a stool made up of a block of wood held up by a rock, with a little bush encircling it.

From afar, it could easily be mistaken for a bonsai — the Japanese art of manicuring miniature trees.

The park is a short walk from the town hall of Nagaizumi, about 109km southwest of the capital Tokyo.

The previous official world’s smallest park was Mill Ends Park in Portland, Oregon, which helped inspire the Japanese contender that officially took the title on Tuesday, according to Guinness.

When a Nagaizumi local was on vacation in the US “they found the previous record-holder for the smallest park,” Shuji Koyama, a team leader of the town’s construction division, told Guinness.

“So they wanted to create an even smaller park.”

Locals have been referring to it as the world’s smallest park since it was built in 1988, despite a lack of official recognition.

To qualify for the Guinness title, Shizuoka officials brought in a certified surveyor to measure the park.

Koyama told Guinness World Records he was relieved the park was finally recognised.

“We want to continue maintaining the park with the community, as well as creating a landscape that is more social media friendly, so that even more people will find attractions of our town,” he said.