The Route
A
Virtual Roadtrip
through
Japan
Virtual travel as an alternative due to the coronavirus?
With this project, I set off on a journey with Google Street View. In over 80 days I went from the northernmost point in Japan to the islands in the far south. By not being allowed to skip to certain places and therefore simulating a real roadtrip, I was forced to take the smallest backcountry roads and spending hours traversing mountain ranges and vast landscapes. I turned the most interesting moments into a series of works: From illustrations to 3D-visualisations.
This journal is a collection of my experiences and recordings. Not all of them are finished works and resemble a quick sketch from the window of the moving Google car.
The described places can be explored by yourself via the embedded Street View window.
Additionally you can place a few of the 3D-models in your room or on your table. With a compatible smartphone, the free app „Adobe Aero“ will automatically open up after scanning the provided QR code.
5500+
Kilometers
32
Islands
2700+
Photos
Day 1
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The journey begins at the northernmost point of Hokkaido. On clear days you can see the Russian island of Sakhalin on the horizon, just 43km off the coast.
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Along the coastline I come across small fishing villages, whose existence relies entirely on the ocean. Boats anchor on the shore and seaweed dries next to the road and between clothes.
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Day 4
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Repeating patterns become apparent: Arrows above the roads for better orientation during the winter months and these small vehicles.
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The annual winter festival in Asahikawa can be explored by foot. Hundreds of snowmen and sculptures line the paths.
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Day 5
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I continue my journey through the hilly landscapes of Biei and Furano, known for their colorful fields.
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Day 8
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Every once in a while I come across these barriers at construction sites. It seems like each time I pass by road works, a new set of animals appear.
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Day 11
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These vending machines can be found in the most remote areas. There is roughly one machine for every 23 people.
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Day 15
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After exploring Hokkaido’s largest city Sapporo, I make my way down to the volcanic region around Lake Shikotsu.
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Day 19
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The conical Yotei-zan shares similarities with Mt. Fuji and always changes its appearance while driving past, depending on the season.
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Day 21
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I eventually arrive in the coastal city of Hakodate in the southern regions of Hokkaido. This city was a major trading hub back in the days, still holding a large variety of western architecture and churches.
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Day 22
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The ferry is already waiting at the dock, ready to leave Hokkaido. Off to the main island of Honshu…
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Day 25
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Traversing the remote areas of northern Honshu, I pass by Aomori and arrive in Hirosaki. The ever-present volcano Iwaki sits above picturesque roads, winding through thousands of apple trees.
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Day 27
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While walking the shores of Lake Towada, I spot this small shrine on a little island.
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Day 28
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The hot springs of Tamagawa-onsen are a popular site due to a radioactive stone that can be found here. I discover more and more people lying on the rocks while walking the footpath.
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Day 29
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I drive along the coast of Lake Tazawa and come across this shrine on the water.
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Day 34
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In Haguro-san I walk on hiking trails through beautiful forests and past small shrines and this almost 700-year-old pagoda.
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Day 36
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The snow is piling up in the cozy spa town of Ginzan. I spot people on the roofs, shoveling snow off the buildings.
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The street view images are also a specific moment in time.
Have the places changed over time?
Do the people I pass along the road still exist?
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These mirrors are a recurring motive.
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Day 37
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Fall colors are a common sight on this trip. The ever changing seasons are one advantage of this type of travel experience.
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The temple Ryushaku-ji lies on top of a mountain and rewards me with a stunning view of the surrounding valleys.
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Day 38
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The so-called „snowmonsters“ of Mt. Zao are formed by harsh Siberian winds and can be explored by foot.
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Day 40
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I arrive in the major city of Sendai and roam the streets searching for the best moments to capture, just like on a real trip.
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