🐦 From Samurai Castle Grounds to Biwa Shores: A 24km Ptarmigan in Hikone 🐦
Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture, nestled on the eastern shores of Lake Biwa, is a historic destination that flourished as a grand castle town ruled by the prominent Ii clan. This 24km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan, starting from Chuo-cho and tracing a dynamic, long-distance loop that connects historic landmarks, modern commercial hubs, and breathtaking lakeside views.
The cultural journey begins near Hikone Castle, passing Hikone City Hall, the Hikone Castle Museum, and Umoreginoya, the historic residence where the famous lord Ii Naosuke spent his youth. Heading past Hikone Station, the route moves south along National Route 8, weaving through busy shopping areas like Aeon Town Hikone and Viva City Hikone before reaching Minami-Hikone Station. Turning northwest, you will discover the delightful Hikonyan Museum and head toward the Serikawa River estuary to enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Biwa. For a perfect finish, you can relax at Gokurakuyu Hikone bathhouse.
This 24km challenge is perfect for long-distance runners looking to explore the city. When the digital silhouette takes flight on your smartphone screen, you will have experienced Hikone’s rich feudal heritage and refreshing lake breezes with every single step.
RESTAURANTS
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.
