🐦 From Castle Ruins to Lake Breezes: A 10km Ptarmigan Art in Yonago 🐦
Yonago City in Tottori Prefecture is a scenic destination nestled between Lake Nakaumi and the Sea of Japan. Historically known as a wealthy merchant town, it beautifully combines coastal landscapes with a storied past. This 10km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan (Raicho), starting from the vicinity of the historic Yonago Castle Ruins, once praised as the finest castle in the San’in region and now famous for its panoramic views of the water.
The journey begins at the foot of the castle hills, leading you directly into the waterfront oasis of Minatoyama Park and near the Yonago City Children Culture Center. As you trace the silhouette of the bird, you will follow the historic canal routes of Sotobori-Dori Street, visit ancient spiritual landmarks like Sosenji Temple and Fukaura Shrine, and pass the Yonagomachinaka Information Centre. The trail loops past the mid-century architecture of the Yonago Public Hall, guiding you near Fujimichō and Yonago Stations before reaching the futuristic, ship-shaped Yonago Convention Center Big Ship.
The Ptarmigan is a sacred alpine bird and an Ice Age relic that thrives on snowy mountain peaks. Drawing this mystical messenger across the breezy, flat lowlands of Yonago—within sight of the sacred Mt. Daisen—adds a playful poetic contrast to your trek. By the time the digital bird appears on your smartphone, you will have connected Yonago’s rich feudal heritage and its modern maritime charm.
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.
