Konnyaku Park is an interactive facility in Kanra Town, Gunma Prefecture, dedicated to the traditional Japanese food known as konnyaku. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of konnyaku, see how it is made, taste a wide variety of dishes, and enjoy hands-on activities.
The facility is designed around three connected areas: the Konnyaku and Shirataki Zone, the Jelly Zone, and the Buffet and Souvenir Zone. The impressive factory tour and the wide selection of konnyaku dishes are among its main attractions.
Because most of the activities take place indoors, Konnyaku Park is an enjoyable destination regardless of the weather. Children and adults alike can experience factory tours, food tasting, and hands-on konnyaku making.
One of the highlights of Konnyaku Park is the free factory tour. Visitors can observe three different production lines supporting Japan’s large-scale konnyaku industry: the ita-konnyaku production line, the shirataki production line, and the jelly production line.
Panels and videos explain the history of konnyaku as well as interesting facts about this traditional Japanese ingredient. Seeing the production process up close provides a fascinating look at how a familiar food is manufactured on a large scale.
The factory produces several types of food made from konnyaku. Visitors can see how traditional blocks of konnyaku and thin shirataki noodles are produced, as well as how konnyaku-based jelly products are made.
For international visitors, the tour is also a useful introduction to an ingredient that may be unfamiliar outside Japan. Konnyaku is made from the konjac plant and has a distinctive chewy texture that is widely used in Japanese cuisine.
Another major attraction is the free all-you-can-eat konnyaku buffet. Visitors can sample approximately 15 different dishes featuring konnyaku and konnyaku-based products.
The menu includes glossy tama-konnyaku, konnyaku yakisoba, konnyaku ramen, konnyaku karaage-style dishes, konnyaku desserts, and jelly containing konnyaku powder.
Rather than simply tasting konnyaku in its traditional form, the buffet demonstrates how creatively the ingredient can be incorporated into different types of Japanese food.
The buffet is particularly popular with families because visitors can freely choose the dishes they want to try. Konnyaku products are also commonly associated with low calorie and reduced-carbohydrate eating, although individual nutritional values vary by product.
Many of the dishes that prove popular at the buffet are also available for purchase, making it possible to recreate some of the flavors at home.
The souvenir area offers a wide range of konnyaku products, making it an ideal place to find unusual Japanese food gifts.
Popular products include udon-style konnyaku noodles, pasta-style konnyaku, and konnyaku bread. These creative products show just how versatile this traditional ingredient can be.
Two popular activities, Konnyaku Filling Challenge and Jelly Filling Challenge, are held every day. Visitors can enjoy filling containers with as much of the selected product as possible, adding a playful element to their souvenir shopping.
For visitors who want a more immersive experience, hands-on konnyaku making is also available.
Participants can learn how konnyaku is prepared and experience the process for themselves. This activity requires a reservation in advance and is available for an additional fee.
It is a particularly interesting option for families and anyone who wants to learn more about the traditional food-making process rather than simply tasting the finished product.
Konnyaku Park offers more than food and factory tours. There are also various entertainment areas where visitors can relax and have fun.
Try operating a mini crane truck and use the crane to scoop up balls. It is a playful activity that can be enjoyed by children and adults.
The play area features rides, ball-scooping games, and other activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained.
A mini Ferris wheel made in Italy provides a fun little ride for visitors of different ages.
Undama Shrine is a unique photo spot where “undama,” or lucky konnyaku balls, are enshrined. With its colorful and unusual appearance, it is a fun place to take memorable photos.
There are numerous photo spots throughout Konnyaku Park, allowing visitors to capture memories of their visit.
After exploring the facility, visitors can also relax in the free foot bath. It is a pleasant place to take a break before continuing your sightseeing around Kanra and the Tomioka area.
Konnyaku Park combines education, food, shopping, and entertainment in one destination. The free factory tour and buffet make it especially attractive for families, while the hands-on activities and unusual products offer something for visitors who want a more memorable Japanese cultural experience.
Because the facility can be enjoyed regardless of the weather, it is also a convenient stop when traveling around southwestern Gunma Prefecture.
Konnyaku Park is a unique destination where visitors can learn about one of Japan’s traditional ingredients while enjoying food, factory tours, hands-on experiences, and family-friendly entertainment.
The combination of a free factory tour and free buffet makes it an especially accessible stop for travelers exploring Gunma. From traditional konnyaku and shirataki noodles to creative modern products, the facility offers an entertaining introduction to a food that has played an important role in Japanese cuisine.
Whether you are traveling with children, interested in Japanese food culture, or simply looking for an unusual sightseeing experience, Konnyaku Park offers a fun way to see, taste, and experience the world of konnyaku.
Weekdays 9:00-17:30
Weekends and holidays: 9:00-18:00
Free of charge
Handcrafting experience is available for a separate fee.
15 minutes by car from Jyoshu-Tomioka Station on the Jyoshin Electric Railway Line
Jyoshinetsu Expressway Tomioka Interchange alighting, approx. 10 min. by car