Horse in Izumo Taisha, Izumo, Shimane pref. 28km

🐎 Draw a Horse with GPS Art around Izumo Taisha Shrine 🗻

Izumo Taisha Shrine is one of Japan’s most sacred shrines and is widely known as a place for en-musubi, or forming meaningful connections. Less widely known is its connection with horses. Near the entrance of the shrine grounds, just after passing through the Seidamari Grand Gate, stand the sacred horse and ox statues. According to local belief, gently stroking the head of the sacred horse statue brings blessings for fertility and family happiness. Since ancient times, horses have been regarded as divine messengers, bridging the human world and the realm of the gods.

This 28km GPS art course invites visitors to draw the shape of a horse while walking around Izumo Taisha and its surrounding area. The course begins along the tranquil pine-lined approach to the shrine and continues through the historic shrine town, passing landmarks such as Izumotaisha-mae Station, the Former Taisha Station, the Taisha Goen-Hiroba roadside station, Tezen Museum, and the Taisha Urara-kan Cultural Hall. The course also reaches Hamayama Park, offering spacious greenery and a refreshing coastal atmosphere near the Sea of Japan.

Geographically, the Izumo region stretches from the rivers flowing out of the Chūgoku Mountains to fertile plains facing the sea. This landscape has supported human settlement, agriculture, and spiritual traditions for centuries. Izumo is also famous for the belief that deities from across Japan gather here during the “Month of the Gods,” giving the area a uniquely sacred presence even today.

Walking this course allows you to experience Izumo’s deep spiritual heritage while creating a large-scale GPS artwork. Tracing the form of a horse across the map adds a symbolic layer to your journey, connecting movement, prayer, and place. Ideal for the New Year season, this GPS art course offers a memorable way to combine physical activity, cultural exploration, and heartfelt wishes for the year ahead.