Horse in Kasugataisha Shrine, Nara City 14km

🐎 Draw a Horse with GPS Art around Kasuga Taisha in Nara 🗻

Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara is widely known for its sacred deer, regarded as messengers of the gods. However, the shrine also has a long and meaningful connection with horses. From the medieval period onward, samurai and military rulers visited Kasuga Taisha to pray for victory and protection, dedicating horse gear, swords, and other arms. Illustrated scrolls depicting sacred horses have been passed down, symbolizing the horse as a bearer of prayers and strength.

This 14km GPS art course allows visitors to draw the shape of a horse while walking through the heart of historic Nara, starting near Kasuga Taisha. The course winds through Nara Park’s serene greenery and passes numerous iconic landmarks, including Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, Gango-ji, Shin Yakushi-ji, and the Nara National Museum—many of them UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic spots such as Sarusawa Pond and the elegant Isuien Garden, as well as lively streets like Higashimuki Shopping Street, perfect for post-visit dining and shopping.

Geographically, this area lies at the eastern edge of the Nara Basin, backed by the ancient Kasugayama Primeval Forest. The gentle transition from mountains to plains has shaped Nara’s role as Japan’s first permanent capital, where religion, politics, and culture flourished together. Walking these paths, you’ll experience a landscape where sacred traditions and daily life coexist.

Creating a horse-shaped GPS artwork while exploring this historic setting offers a unique way to celebrate the New Year. It combines physical activity, cultural discovery, and a symbolic connection to the prayers of the past. This course is ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful and memorable New Year’s visit in Nara.