🐎 Scenic Walk/Run Around Hanshin Racecourse 🗻
Explore the Year of the Horse in a creative way with this 15km GPS art course around Hanshin Racecourse in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Known as one of the Japan Racing Association’s (JRA) premier venues, Hanshin Racecourse hosts many prestigious Grade 1 races such as the Oka Sho, Takarazuka Kinen, and Osaka Hai. On non-race days, the expansive grounds are open as a park and family destination, offering large playgrounds and pony-riding experiences that make it a vibrant local hub for all ages.
This GPS art route begins at Hanshin Racecourse and winds through a mix of urban and scenic areas, forming a stylized horse shape on the map as you go. From the racecourse, the path leads toward Nigawa Station, where you’ll transition into calm residential and commercial streets. Soon, you enter the Kwansei Gakuin University Nishinomiya Uegahara Campus, a historic and verdant academic district. Its tree-lined avenues and collegiate atmosphere provide a peaceful section of your journey.
Next, the route brings you to Kashiokumano Shrine, a centuries-old local shrine cherished by residents and visitors alike. Visiting shrines during your New Year’s walk adds a meaningful cultural dimension to your GPS art project. After some spiritual reflection, continue toward Hokkori-yu Public Bath, a popular local wellness spot where you can relax and recharge midway through your walk.
In the latter part of the route, you’ll pass by Benten Pond, a scenic natural spot perfect for taking in fresh air and seasonal views. The walk concludes nearby, with a satisfying sense of accomplishment as your GPS art completes the outline of a horse—a tribute to both the local equestrian culture and the spirit of the Year of the Horse.
Takarazuka sits at the foothills of the Rokko Mountain range, blending rolling green landscapes with well-developed urban areas. Historically a crossroads of transportation and culture, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from sports and education to nature and tradition. This 15km GPS art route brings all those elements together, making it an ideal way to celebrate the New Year.
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.
