Zenigata Sunae (Sand Art), Kagawa

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“Zenigata Sunae” (Sand Art) of “Kanei Tsuho” (old Japnanese coins), a popular tourist spot in Kannonji, Kagawa Prefecture. It is a huge sand picture that imitates the money “Kanei Tsuho” that was widely used in the Edo period. The currency “Kanei Tsuho” began to be made from the Kanei period (at the beginning of the Edo period) and was used until the end of the Edo period.
And this sand art is not just a tourist attraction. According to a local signboard, people who see this sandstone picture will be healthy and live long, and will not be inconvenienced with money. It is a sacred place of healthy longevity and money luck. If you are close by, you should definitely visit.
Zenigata Sunae is located in Kotohiki Park. It is a park that you can enter for free, and parking is also free. (No entry in sand paintings)
But if you are close, it’s too big to know what is written. Even if you know that the kanji is “Kanei Tsuho”, its identity is difficult to understand. The average depth of sand art is 1.5 meters. It looks like a ruin in the desert.
Actually, this Zenigata Sunae is made on the assumption that it is seen from the observation deck. The size of sand art is 122 meters from east to west, 90 meters from north to south, and 345 meters around.
As you can see from the numerical values, it is oval and the vertical “Kanei” is longer. But it is calculated so that it looks circular when viewed from the observatory.
You can see sand art at any time, but there are two recommended times. One is premise that it is sunny, but it is around 14:00. This time is the time when the bright and shaded parts can be seen clearly at the sun angle. This is the best time during the day.
The other recommended time is around sunset. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset, the sea and the island beyond it, and the luxurious scenery that sand art can see at the same time. In addition, it is lit up after sunset. It’s a good idea to continue watching the light up from sunset. Light up is done every day until around 10pm, so it’s worth seeing even if you don’t miss the sunset. And the color of the light is usually green, but there are also light-ups such as gold and blue for a limited time.
The Zougahanaiwa Zenigata observatory where you can see the sand art is located in Mt. Kotohiki, right next to Kotohiki Park. If you are coming by car, there is a one-way driveway (free) at Mt. Kotohiki. If you climb on the driveway, you will reach the observation deck. It is recommended to walk up from the foot of Kotohiki Park during busy times. Kotohiki Park has ample parking. You can walk up to the observatory in about 15 minutes one way. There is a climbing gate near the “Yamaguchi Well”.

“Zenigata Sunae” is a huge sand art

“Zenigata Sunae” is a huge sand art drawn on Ariake Beach in Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture. The sand art is in the form of “Kanei Tsuho” (old Japnanese coins) which is widely circulated in the Edo period. In recent years, as a person who saw this “Zenigata Sunae” hit a lottery, it is gaining popularity as sacred spot. It is also lighted up in the evening, and it gets even more appealing. From JR Kanonji station to “Zenigata Sunae” is about 2 kilometers long, so it is also possible to access by foot. If the climate is good, it is better to walk while watching the city of Kanonji.

It is said that “Zenigata Sunae” was first made in 1633. There is a legend remaining saying that when the Takatoshi IKOMA, then the lord of the Marukame clan, was to inspect the territory, residents in the vicinity who heard contact with his patrols in advance, welcomed and made that “Zenigata Sunae. There are various other theories, the origins that were made are still enveloped in mystery. Huge sand art enveloped in a mystery, it is kind of wonderful with mysterious.

You thought this was a computer graphics? But it was made with genuine sand properly. The “Kanei – Tsuho” (Japanese coins in the Kanei era ) drawn on the sand of the Ariake Beach are the huge sand pictures, and It measured 90 m from north to south, and is 122 m from east to west, and circumference are 345 m. Seeing from the observation deck at the mountaintop of Kotohiki-yama, it is devised to be seen like a circle.

It is said that this sand art was made overnight to welcome feudal lord in 1633 of the Edo period, and unlike any other in the country. Tradition says that people who see this shape of coin can live long with health, and are well‐off for money.

Because the volunteer of inhabitants maintains it in two times of spring and autumn, it is so beautiful. It is excellent view with lighting up in the night.

Recent years, It is known as a fortune spot because the person who visit this place won a lottery jackpot, and many tourists visit here.

Kotohiki-koen park is selected by “the 100th elections of the Japanese setting sun”, and the timetable of the sunset for every season is also put up for the observatory.
“Zenigata Sunae” made at the Edo period. By the service of citizen, it is fixed make-up in spring and summer, and this scenery is maintained now.
If you also look at “Zenigata Sunae” from an observatory, a long life and prosperity may be brought about.

Information(Access, Price/Charge, Tel, Address, Official site, etc.)

Name:	Zenigata Sunae (Sand Art)
Adresse:	Ariake-cho 14-4025-1 Kanonji-city, Kagawa 768-0062 Japan
Access:	JR Yosan-sen line "Kanonji-eki Station” (25 minutes walk or 5 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81) 875-23-3933 (Kanonji-city Commerce Industry Tourism Division)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	https://www.city.kanonji.kagawa.jp/