🐎 Gallop Through Kobe! “Horse” GPS Art Run for the 2026 Zodiac 🗻
Happy 2026! Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a creative and energetic stride through the stylish streets of Kobe. This 9km GPS art course invites you to “draw” a majestic horse on the map, connecting the historic landmarks of the Motomachi area with the exciting spirit of the new year.
Your journey centers around WINS Kobe, a premier JRA facility located right in front of JR and Hanshin Motomachi Stations. Comprising two buildings (A and B), it’s a welcoming spot for both racing fans and curious tourists, featuring a support room for beginners and weekday services. There is no better place to start a horse-themed masterpiece than this hub of equestrian passion!
The course is a sensory delight, taking you through the vibrant gates of Nankin-machi (Kobe Chinatown), where the aroma of steamed buns fills the air. You’ll head up toward the Hyogo Prefectural Government Office and visit Hanakuma Park, the former site of Hanakuma Castle. The course weaves through a series of iconic stations—Motomachi, Minatomotomachi, Hanakuma, and Nishi-Motomachi—offering a perfect cross-section of Kobe’s urban charm.
Geographically, this area sits beautifully on the gentle slopes between the Rokko Mountains and the sparkling Kobe port. Historically, Motomachi flourished as a vital stop on the Saigoku Kaido highway before evolving into a cosmopolitan trading hub after the port opened in the 19th century. Today, the district is a cultural mosaic where Western-style brick architecture meets traditional Japanese markets. As you navigate these streets, you aren’t just running; you are tracing the evolution of a city that has always looked toward the horizon.
Whether you’re visiting a shrine for your first prayer (Hatsumode) or simply exploring the city’s festive atmosphere, this 9km loop is the perfect way to kickstart your fitness and your luck. Finish your “Horse” artwork in the heart of Kobe and let your 2026 gallop toward success!
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.
