🐦 Through Shimosa Hills and Sacred Woods: A 15km Ptarmigan Art in Ichikawa 🐦
Ichikawa City in northwestern Chiba is a captivating destination where urban convenience meets the preserved natural beauty of the Shimosa Upland. This 15km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan (Raicho), starting from the popular Ichikawa City Zoo. The route spans a lush, water-rich environment, offering a grand tour of suburban green spaces and hidden historical gems.
The journey weaves through a network of refreshing parks, including the Ichikawa City Botanical Garden, the unique wetland ecosystems of Omachi Park, and the playful Wanpaku Forest. As you trace the silhouette of the bird, you will visit spiritual landmarks like Tonodaitenmangu Shrine and the serene Soyasan Rairinji Temple, which echo the deep history of the region. Geographically, the trail introduces pleasant undulations as it loops near Omachi, Matshidai, and Kunugiyama Stations, seamlessly linking the daily pulse of local transit with the tranquility of nature.
The Ptarmigan is a sacred alpine bird, an Ice Age relic that thrives on Japan’s highest snowy peaks. Etching this majestic icon across the warm lowlands of Ichikawa—an area historically celebrated in ancient poetry—is a poetic contradiction that defines the charm of GPS art. This 15km loop presents a satisfying physical challenge for dedicated walkers and runners alike. By the time the digital Ptarmigan appears on your smartphone screen, you will have discovered the vibrant, green heart of Ichikawa. Lace up your shoes and embark on this artistic expedition through Chiba’s storied hills!
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.
