Walking Through Japan’s Heat Record – Draw “HOT” GPS Art in Tamba✨
On July 30, 2025, Tamba’s Kaibara district in Hyogo Prefecture made history by recording 41.2°C, the highest temperature ever measured in Japan. This “hottest town in the country” is the setting for a unique 4 km “HOT” GPS art walking course around the local meteorological observatory.
The route is designed for a short yet memorable stroll, allowing walkers to trace the bold letters “HOT” on their GPS maps while soaking in the intense summer sunshine.
Tamba has a rich history as part of the old Tamba Province, once home to samurai strongholds like Kuroi Castle. Nature lovers will appreciate the surrounding Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park, with its pristine rivers and idyllic rural scenery. The area is also known for its pottery heritage, seasonal festivals, and the warmth of its countryside culture.
This course flips the narrative on extreme heat—turning record-breaking weather into a canvas for creative exploration. With shimmering heat haze on the horizon, you’ll leave behind not just footprints but a bold “HOT” signature etched onto the digital map.
In Tamba, the heat itself becomes a travel memory worth keeping.
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.
