🐦 Hilly Trails and Monorails: An 11km Ptarmigan Art in Chiba City 🐦
Located in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, this area sits atop the Shimosa Plateau, a landscape defined by gentle undulations and a rich history. This 11km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan (Raicho), starting from the iconic Chiba Zoological Park. Known for its role in wildlife education and its former star, the red panda “Futa-kun,” the park serves as the spiritual and physical heart of this artistic journey.
The route follows the path of the Chiba Urban Monorail—the world’s longest suspended monorail system—connecting Dobutsukoen, Sports-Center, and Anagawa Stations. As you trace the silhouette of the bird, you will transition from modern urban vistas to the tranquil greenery of Sonnonomori Park and Naganumacho Park, where the plateau’s natural forest atmosphere remains intact. For a mid-walk break, the route passes popular shopping spots like One’s Mall and Frespo Inage, making the long distance manageable and enjoyable.
The Ptarmigan is an alpine bird revered as a “Messenger of the Gods,” traditionally found in the high peaks of the Japanese Alps. Drawing this snowy icon in the mild climate of Chiba is a creative irony that celebrates the zoo’s efforts in supporting the protection of endangered species. The terrain features the characteristic gentle slopes of the Shimosa region, providing a pleasant physical challenge. By the time your digital Ptarmigan blooms on your smartphone screen, you will have experienced the unique harmony of Chiba’s futuristic transit and its verdant historical heart. Lace up your shoes and take flight through the hills of Wakaba!
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.
