🐦 Through the Maeda Legacy: A 13km Ptarmigan Art Loop in Takaoka 🐦
Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture was founded by Maeda Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga Domain. Centered around the grand moats of the former Takaoka Castle, it is a historic town celebrated for its traditional metal casting. This 13km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan (Raicho), starting from Takaokakojo Park Zoo, located within the lush castle ruins.
The journey begins inside Takaoka Old Castle Park, passing the Takaoka City Museum and the Fujiko · F · Fujio Hometown Art Gallery. The route loops near Etchū-Nakagawa and Takaoka Stations before leading you to the majestic Takaoka Great Buddha, one of Japan’s three great Buddha statues. As you trace the bird’s silhouette, you will walk past the solemn Tomb of Toshinaga Maeda and the Toyamaken Takaokabunka Hall. The path also connects sacred local sites like Okihakusansha and Nakagawakumano Shrines, revealing the city’s deep spiritual roots.
The Ptarmigan is an Ice Age relic inhabiting Toyama’s rugged peaks and is the official prefectural bird. Etching this mountain icon across Takaoka’s samurai plains adds a poetic layer to your steps. The flat 13km loop is perfect for a historical walk. When the digital Ptarmigan appears on your screen, you will have connected Takaoka’s timeless legacy.
RESTAURANTS
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.
