🐦 Through Katakura’s Historic Castle Town and Scenic Riverfront: A 9km Ptarmigan Loop 🐦
Shiroishi City in Miyagi Prefecture, nestled at the foot of the majestic Zao Mountain Range, flourished as a vital samurai capital ruled by the Katakura clan, the legendary retainers of Shogun Date Masamune. Its centerpiece, Shiroishi Castle, was famously preserved as a rare exception to the shogunate’s strict one-castle-per-province decree. This 9km GPS art course invites you to sketch a Ptarmigan, starting from Masuoka Park and weaving through historic quarters toward the scenic Shiroishi River.
The journey begins east of the reconstructed wooden keep, passing the sacred Shinmeisha Shrine and Shiroishi City Hall. Turning south and tracing the outer edges of the historic town, the route guides you past the quiet grounds of Masuoka Hachimangu Shrine. The trail then winds toward the refreshing northern waterfront, where you can feel the cool breezes of the Shiroishi River, famous for its seasonal cherry blossoms. After looping near the relaxing hot springs of Yasuragi-no-yu Yuppo, you will return to the hilltop castle.
Balancing pleasant hill slopes with historic streets, this 9km loop offers an engaging cultural tour. When the digital bird appears on your map, you will have discovered Shiroishi’s samurai 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.
