🌸 Earliest Blooms and Hot Spring Heritage: A 5km Sakura Art in Atami 🌸
Atami City, Shizuoka, is a nostalgic yet vibrant resort town nestled between volcanic mountains and the Sagami Bay. Known for the “Atami-zakura,” the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Japan, this 5km GPS art course invites you to celebrate the season while wandering through historic alleys and seaside plazas.
The heart of the journey is the Itokawa Promenade, where the brilliant pink Atami-zakura blossoms as early as January, creating a magical canopy over the river. As you trace the petals of your digital artwork, you’ll visit Kiunkaku, a historic villa renowned for its stunning blend of Japanese and Western architecture once favored by legendary Japanese authors.
The course also immerses you in Atami’s “Seven Hot Springs” culture. You’ll witness the dynamic Ooyu Geyser and can even try boiling eggs in the natural steam at Kosawa no Yu. A visit to Yumae-jinja Shrine, dedicated to the deity of hot springs, offers a spiritual moment of gratitude for the town’s thermal gifts.
After passing the local Atami Fish Market, the route brings you to the Atami Water Park, a Mediterranean-inspired seaside deck perfect for catching the ocean breeze. While Atami is famous for its steep slopes, this 5km loop is thoughtfully designed to balance the hills with scenic walks, making it accessible for a light run or a casual stroll. By the time you complete your floral masterpiece on your map, you’ll have experienced the soulful essence of Atami—where ancient hot spring traditions meet the refreshing energy of the Pacific. Lace up your shoes and be the first to find spring in Japan’s favorite getaway!
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.
