🐎 Horse GPS Art Walk Around Nishinomiya Shrine for New Year 🗻
Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture is one of Japan’s most beloved New Year’s destinations, known nationwide as the head shrine for Ebessan, dedicated to prosperity and good fortune. Each January, the shrine draws crowds for the Toka Ebisu festival and the famous Fukumen “Lucky Man” gate-opening event, where participants race through the shrine gates to welcome luck. In addition to its lively New Year traditions, Nishinomiya Shrine also has a deeper connection with horses: within the sanctuary stands the Shinme Pavilion, home to a sacred horse that visitors may see during the New Year period.
This 13km GPS art course begins at Nishinomiya Shrine and winds through the surrounding city to form the shape of a horse on your GPS track. From the shrine, the course leads to Enman-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist site, then through the urban core near Nishinomiya City Hall and Nishinomiya Station. Continuing through the elegant streets near Sakura-Shukugawa Station, it passes Nishida Park, known for its seasonal scenery. The course also includes a stretch near Futaba Onsen, offering a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere toward the end of your journey.
Geographically, Nishinomiya sits along Osaka Bay, benefiting from both coastal breezes and its proximity to the Kansai metropolitan area. Historically, the area developed as a key commercial and cultural hub, with the shrine playing a central role in local faith and community life. Its festivals and rituals remain deeply rooted in the city’s identity, giving visitors a unique blend of tradition and modern urban energy.
Walking (or running) this GPS art course allows you to experience the fusion of spiritual heritage and city life. Drawing a horse—a symbol of movement, strength, and good fortune—adds symbolic meaning to your New Year visit.
Whether you’re seeking blessings at the shrine, enjoying seasonal views in the park, or exploring the vibrant streets of Nishinomiya, this GPS art course offers a memorable way to celebrate the New Year. Step out with your smartphone and let your path become a horse that welcomes good fortune in the coming 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.
