🐦 Through the Historic Water Capital: A 13km Ptarmigan Loop in Matsue 🐦
Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture, famously known as the “Water Capital,” spreads beautifully around the Ohashi River connecting Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi. Thriving as a prominent castle town under the Matsudaira clan, it retains a timeless atmosphere once cherished by the writer Lafcadio Hearn. This 13km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan (Raicho), tracing a grand loop through historic grids and modern districts starting from Matsue Jozan Park.
The journey begins within the scenic parklands, passing the elegant Meiji-era Kounkaku, Matsue Gokoku Shrine, and the mystical Jozan Inari Shrine. After passing the Shimane Prefectural Government Office, the route guides you through the historic Shiomi Nawate district, lined with the Former Samurai Residence and the Matsue History Museum. The trail loops around the spacious Matsue City Kita Park, heads toward the futuristic Kunibiki Messe, and winds past the retro artisan shops of Karakoro Plaza.
The Ptarmigan is a sacred alpine bird and an Ice Age relic that symbols the snowy grandeur of remote mountains. Drawing this natural icon across Matsue’s water-rich, historic plain offers a playful poetic contrast that defines the joy of GPS art. This 13km loop is flat and exceptionally scenic, making it perfect for an engaging run. By the time the digital bird appears on your map, you will have connected Matsue’s samurai 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.
