🐦 Through Morioka’s Castle Town: A 7km Ptarmigan Art Trail in Iwate 🐦
Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture is a picturesque destination where the Kitakami and Nakatsu Rivers intersect under the shadow of Mt. Iwate. As a former castle town of the Nanbu clan, it resonates with feudal history and a rich literary legacy, having inspired great writers like Kenji Miyazawa. This 7km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan (Raicho), starting from Iwate Park (Morioka Castle Ruins), celebrated for its beautiful granite stone walls.
The journey begins at the Morioka History and Culture Museum and the reflective Statue of Kenji Miyazawa before showcasing the iconic Meiji-era Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building and Morioka City Hall. Heading north, the route explores Morioka’s deep spiritual roots. You will visit Ryukokuji Temple, famous for its weeping cherry tree, Hōonji Temple with its historic 500 Rakan statues, and Mitsuishi Shrine, home to the legendary demon handprints that gave Iwate its name.
The Ptarmigan is a sacred alpine bird and a relic of the Ice Age that dwells on snowy northern peaks. Drawing this mountain icon across the river-fed plains of Morioka adds a playful poetic touch to your journey. This flat, 7km loop is perfect for a leisurely stroll. By the time the digital bird appears on your screen, you will have woven together Morioka’s rich heritage with every 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.
