🌸 A Historic Sakura Sanctuary: A 7km course in Koganei Sakuracho 🌸
Koganei City, Tokyo, is home to the historic “Koganei-zakura,” celebrated since the Edo period. The district of Sakuracho (Cherry Blossom Town) was named to honor this magnificent heritage, specifically the blossoms planted along the Tamagawa Josui canal by order of Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune. This 7km GPS art course invites you to trace a grand Sakura through this botanically rich and historic area.
The journey begins in Koganei Park, specifically the “Sakura-no-En” (Grove of Cherry Blossoms). With hundreds of trees transforming the space into a pale pink sanctuary, it is one of Tokyo’s premier flower-viewing spots. As you navigate the course, you will reach Josui Sakura-dori, a path along the Tamagawa Josui canal. This historic waterway has inspired countless artists, including the Ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige. Feeling the refreshing Musashino breeze while following the water’s edge provides a perfect escape from the urban rush.
The route also weaves through Sakuramachi Park and the peaceful residential neighborhood. The terrain is notably flat and pleasant, making it an ideal choice for both runners and casual walkers. As you follow the GPS lines, keep an eye out for local cherry blossom motifs on street signs and landmarks—a testament to the town’s pride. Completing this 7km trek connects you to a centuries-old tradition of flower viewing. Let your footsteps bloom into a digital masterpiece in the very town that carries the spirit of the Sakura in its name.
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.
