Snail-Shaped GPS Art Among Mountain Hydrangeas in a Former Mining Town🐌
Located in the mountain town of Itoda, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kanayama Hydrangea Garden is a serene hydrangea viewing spot nestled in a former coal mining region. Situated near the headwaters of the Kanayama River, the garden comes alive from early June to early July when around 7,000 hydrangea plants bloom in full color. The abundance of wild mountain hydrangeas harmonizes with the surrounding greenery, creating a calming and nostalgic landscape.
The area was once part of the Chikuhō coalfield, a vital hub of Japan’s coal industry. Though the mines are now closed, their legacy lives on, and local efforts have turned the region into a place where nature and culture are thoughtfully preserved. The hydrangea garden, too, has been developed as part of this revitalization, becoming a beloved symbol of the community.
This GPS art course begins at Kanayama Hydrangea Garden and stretches across 18 kilometers through Itoda’s rolling hills and countryside, drawing the shape of a snail. With some uphill paths and mountain trails, it is suited for intermediate-level walkers. Along the way, participants can fully immerse themselves in the season’s beauty while appreciating the area’s natural richness and historical background. This journey rewards you with both a satisfying sense of accomplishment and a whimsical piece of art traced on the map🐌🐌🐌
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.
