Konnyaku Park — Local services in Kanra

The Gunma area is where they grow the most of the roots in Japan that are turned into konyakku, a slightly tasteless paste which can be shaped into a lot of forms. It is very popular because it essentially has zero calories. But it is extremely popular and the lines can be murder on public holidays. We got there at 9 which is opening time, and had to stand in line 2.5 hours for the buffet. The big draw is the free buffet of konyakku products, but there is also a gift shop and you can visit the factory. Personal recommendation: try the liver konyakku and the fruits jellies. Charge (seniors/adults/children): 0 Typical period of stay: 1-2 hours Wheelchair accessible: Yes Family friendly: Yes Smoking allowed: No Allergy alternatives: No Vegetarian alternatives: All of it. English menu/information: No Staff speaks English: No Separate mens & ladies toilets: Yes Clean & fresh toilets: Yes Washiki or sit-down toilet: Sit-down Free wi-fi: Yes Free (and ample) parking: Yes Takes credit cards or cash-only:...

This is an interesting place to visit if you’re in the area. I’m not a big konnyaku fan, but it’s completely free to tour the factory and partake of the buffet.

My friend and I visited on a Saturday so the factory was out of action, but you could still walk around the tour area and see the machinery and read the information.

The buffet was interesting if not entirely to my tastes. Suffice it to say that the desserts selection was better than the savoury.

There’s a big store area with all conceivable types of konnyaku product available to buy. There is also a convenience store on site and a small supermarket. There are free foot baths too, but you’ll need...

The park offers an interesting opportunity to learn about Japanese konjac. We were especially impressed by their marketing strategy, which involved providing free food to visitors. This approach encouraged many people to end up purchasing various konjac products.

Additionally, there is a children's area where kids can play, as well as a foot bath...