Rock Ptarmigan in Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Nagoya, Aichi pref. 8km

🐦 Forest of Higashiyama and Hoshigaoka Glow: An 8km Ptarmigan Art Trail 🐦

Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, is home to the city’s cherished “Green Heart.” This 8km GPS art course invites you to sketch the form of a Ptarmigan (Raicho), starting from the iconic Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Known for its rolling hills and lush greenery, this area provides a dramatic natural canvas within the urban sprawl of central Japan.

The journey begins near the zoo’s Amusement Park, weaving through the sophisticated and trendy Hoshigaoka Terrace, a premier shopping destination. The route carries a sense of intellectual vibrancy as it passes the Aichi Shukutoku University Hoshigaoka campus. As you trace the lines of the bird, you will encounter the spiritual calm of Bishamon-ji Temple (Shigisan Nagoya Betsuin) and the expansive forest of Heiwa Park, one of the city’s largest green lungs.

The Ptarmigan is a “Messenger of the Gods,” traditionally found atop Japan’s highest peaks. Interestingly, Higashiyama Zoo is a critical hub for the conservation and captive breeding of the Japanese Ptarmigan. Drawing this alpine icon across the Higashiyama hills creates a meaningful connection between the city’s environmental efforts and its natural beauty.

Geographically, the terrain follows the gentle undulations of the Eastern Hills, offering a moderate physical challenge with rewarding views of the Nagoya skyline. By the time the digital Ptarmigan appears on your smartphone screen, you will have experienced the perfect fusion of Nagoya’s historical resilience and its modern, chic lifestyle. Lace up your shoes and let the spirit of the sacred mountain bird guide your steps through this hilltop sanctuary!