🐦 Sunny Okayama’s Verdant Hills: A 6km Ptarmigan Art Near Ikeda Zoo 🐦
Okayama City’s Kita Ward is home to the scenic Kyoyama district, an area where academic institutions and lush greenery coexist near the city center. This 6km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan (Raicho), starting from the historic Ikeda Zoo. Founded by the descendants of the local Ikeda lords, the zoo is built directly into the hillside, offering a unique, multi-level experience that feels like a mini-adventure from the very first step.
The journey weaves through the Kyoyama hills, passing the Miraikan Saipia (Science Museum) and the family-friendly Taiyonooka Park, famous for its dinosaur-themed playground. Geographically, the undulating terrain provides a mild physical challenge, echoing the rugged alpine environment where the Ptarmigan naturally thrives. As you trace the silhouette of the bird, you will visit spiritual landmarks such as Kuni Shrine, Ohari Shrine, and the peaceful Myorin-ji Temple. These sites offer a deep connection to Okayama’s historical and religious roots.
The Ptarmigan is a sacred bird, a relic of the Ice Age inhabiting Japan’s highest peaks. Drawing this mountain icon in the “Land of Sunshine” is a creative irony that makes GPS art so engaging. This 6km loop is a perfect distance for a weekend stroll or a brisk jog. For a truly local finish, you can soak in the nostalgic waters of the Tsuru-yu Public Bath. By the time the digital Ptarmigan appears on your smartphone screen, you will have connected Okayama’s cultural heritage with a sense of personal achievement. Lace up your shoes and explore the spiritual hills of Kyoyama from a fresh, artistic perspective!
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.
