Journey through Hot Springs and Tradition: GPS Art Course Drawing “Kawanishi”✨
Located in the western part of Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, the Kawanishi area was once an independent town and still preserves its own distinctive culture and history as part of the snow country. Just a short distance from JR Tokamachi Station, you’ll find the Kawanishi Branch Office, the renowned Senju Onsen hot spring, and the historic Senju Shrine—landmarks that embody the daily life and deep-rooted beliefs of the local community.
This GPS art course invites you to stroll around the Kawanishi Branch Office and through the surroundings of Senju Onsen and Senju Shrine, gradually sketching the characters “川西” (Kawanishi) onto your GPS map. By combining main streets with local roads, an ordinary walk transforms into a unique art experience. Step by step, the letters take shape, and when the artwork is completed, your journey will be captured like a painting etched into memory.
Kawanishi is embraced by the abundant nature of the Echigo-Tsumari region, renowned for its seasonal beauty. In spring, snowmelt nourishes the fields; in summer, lush green mountains spread across the horizon; in autumn, the landscape is painted with vibrant colors; and in winter, heavy snow blankets the land. The area also inherits the textile traditions of Tokamachi while serving as one of the key sites for the internationally acclaimed “Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale,” drawing visitors from around the world.
Walking this course allows you to immerse yourself in snow country scenery, relax in a local hot spring, and feel the quiet spirituality of a historic shrine—all while creating a one-of-a-kind GPS artwork spelling out “Kawanishi.” It is a journey of art, culture, and discovery, available only here in Tokamachi.
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.
