🐦 Alpine Spirit in a Port City: A 9km Ptarmigan Art in Kobe 🐦
Nada Ward, Kobe City, is a unique district nestled between the majestic Rokko Mountains and the sparkling Osaka Bay. This 9km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan (Raicho), a sacred alpine bird, starting from the iconic Kobe Oji Zoo. Known for its diverse residents and the Zoological Science Center, the zoo also hosts the Former Edward H. Hunter’s Residence, a stunning example of Meiji-era Western architecture.
The journey captures the essence of Kobe’s hilly landscape. Starting near Nada and Oji-koen Stations, you’ll head north toward the Maya Cable Station, the gateway to one of Japan’s best night views. Along the way, you’ll pass through the famous Sakura Tunnel, which forms a breathtaking floral canopy in spring. The path weaves through the energetic Oji Sports Center and Oji Stadium, the spiritual grounds of Tsutsui Hachiman Shrine, and the quiet greenery of Miyamoto Park.
The Ptarmigan is a “God’s Messenger” inhabiting snowy peaks above 2,400 meters. While Kobe is a coastal city, the characteristic slopes of Nada provide a physical engagement that mirrors the rugged spirit of the mountains. Drawing this alpine icon across these historic streets brings a touch of high-altitude majesty to the urban port scenery. By the time the digital Ptarmigan appears on your screen, you will have connected Kobe’s international heritage with the timeless beauty of Japan’s natural symbols. Lace up your shoes and explore the “sloped city” from a fresh, artistic perspective!
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.
