🌸 Trace Sakurajima’s origins: A 9km GPS art through myths and history 🌸
Sakurajima, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, carries a name steeped in romance and mystery. Legends suggest it was named after the goddess Konohanasakuya-hime, while others tell of cherry petals blanketing the sea during ancient eruptions or the 10th-century official Tadanobu Sakurajima. This 9km GPS art course invites you to explore these cultural origins by sketching a grand cherry blossom (Sakura) across the island’s unique landscape.
The course leads you through a rich tapestry of natural and historical wonders. At Fujino’s Sea Fig Trees, you will be awestruck by the primeval energy of massive trees with tangled aerial roots. Moving along the coast to Seido Beach and Kuromatsu Shinsui Park, the soothing sounds of Kinko Bay harmonize with the imposing presence of the volcano’s foothills. The contrast between the blue water and the rugged mountain is simply breathtaking.
History comes alive as you visit the Remains of the Residence of Lord Shimazu Yoshihiro. Standing where the legendary samurai stayed after his daring retreat from the Battle of Sekigahara offers a profound sense of continuity. The journey also passes the Kagoshima City Sakurajima Branch, weaving through local neighborhoods where the island’s daily life unfolds beneath the smoking crater.
This 9km course is more than just a physical activity; it is a pilgrimage through time, myth, and nature. Every step you take contributes to a beautiful floral image that connects the island’s identity to its geography. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, come and make a “Sakura” bloom in the very heart of Sakurajima’s volcanic spirit.
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.
