🐎 Draw a Horse GPS Art around Hanshin Racecourse in Hyogo 🗻
The Hanshin Racecourse in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of the Japan Racing Association’s major racecourses and hosts prestigious Grade 1 races such as the Oka Sho and the Takarazuka Kinen. Beyond race days, the racecourse’s expansive grounds serve as a beloved park space where locals and visitors alike can enjoy open lawns, walking paths, and the evocative presence of thoroughbreds. This rich equestrian tradition makes the Hanshin Racecourse an ideal starting point for a GPS art route inspired by the Year of the Horse.
This 17km GPS art route invites you to draw the shape of a horse as you explore the charming Takarazuka–Nishinomiya area. Starting from Hanshin Racecourse, the route winds through a mix of residential neighborhoods, lush green spaces, and vibrant community hubs. It passes by Kwansei Gakuin University’s Nishinomiya Uegahara Campus, offering peaceful tree-lined avenues, and continues through everyday urban streets surrounding Kotoen Station and Nigawa Station, giving walkers and runners a real feel for local life.
Along the course, you’ll also find spots like Hokkori-yu Public Bath, perfect for a relaxing stop to soothe tired muscles after your walk or run. The Takarazuka and Nishinomiya region lies near the foothills of the Rokko Mountains, blending natural scenery with residential and cultural charm. The gentle topography and well-connected city streets make this GPS art route accessible and enjoyable for walkers and runners of various levels.
Walking this route offers not just physical exercise and creative expression, but also a multi-layered experience of Western Hyogo’s local culture and community life. Drawing a “horse” motif across the landscape complements your New Year shrine visits with a meaningful keepsake—your GPS track itself.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor eager to explore beyond the racecourse, this GPS art course offers a unique way to celebrate the Year of the Horse in 2025—merging equestrian legacy, city exploration, and seasonal festivity.
DETAIL (EXTERNAL LINK)
A PIONEER IN GPS ART.
1st work was authorized by Guinness World Records as “the Largest GPS Drawing”.
He is the only Japanese person to be featured in a Google documentary as an innovator. He is fascinated by the idea of drawing with GPS and has published more than 2,500 works.
