🐎 Shanshan Horse GPS Art Around Historic Miyazaki Jingu Shrine 🗻
This 15 km GPS art course invites you to celebrate the New Year by drawing the shape of a galloping horse around Miyazaki Jingu Shrine, one of the most historically significant shrines in southern Japan. Dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, the shrine has long been associated with horses and traditional equestrian rituals. Each spring, a ceremonial Yabusame archery ritual is performed to pray for bountiful harvests. In autumn, the vibrant Miyazaki Jingu Procession—commonly known as “Jinmu-sama”—features the beautifully adorned Shanshan Horses, an iconic symbol of the region’s festive heritage. Although these events are not held during New Year’s, the shrine’s sacred atmosphere reflects centuries of devotion connected to horses.
The route circles the shrine area and passes through many of Miyazaki’s major cultural and educational landmarks. Highlights include the Miyazaki Prefecture Gokoku Shrine, Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum, Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History, Miyazaki Prefectural Library, the Medikit Arts Center, and the Minami Kyushu University Miyazaki Campus. This well-balanced mix of nature, culture, and academia offers an ever-changing landscape as you progress through the course.
The area surrounding the shrine is known for its peaceful forests and wide walking paths, making it ideal for runners and walkers alike. Along the course, you can also explore local sweets shops and cozy cafes—perfect opportunities to take a refreshing break during your New Year outing.
Completing the full GPS drawing reveals a majestic horse, symbolizing energy, good fortune, and positive beginnings. As you trace the streets of Miyazaki, the experience becomes more than just a run or walk—it transforms into a creative journey that reflects the spirit of renewal at the start of a new year.
Start your year with this unique blend of tradition, culture, and physical activity, and let your “horse” GPS art gallop into 2025 with style.
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.
