Setouchi Triennale 瀬戸内国際芸術祭

The Seto Inland Sea, where many islands are scattered, has been well-known for its beautiful scenery and abundant nature. This area was designated as the Setonaikai National Park in 1934, becoming Japan's first national park. Since 2010, the Setouchi Triennale has been held every three years on the islands of Seto Inland Sea.

The venues are located on islands in the Seto Inland Sea area, around Uno Port in Okayama, and Takamatsu Port in Kagawa. The eastern area can be accessed from Takamatsu Port or Uno Port , and the western area from ports in western Kagawa or Kojima Kanko Port in Okayama.

Take a ferry to Naoshima Island. The island can be reached from two ports: Miyanoura Port on the west side of the island and Honmura Port on the east side. Ferries to Naoshima Island depart from Takamatsu Port and Uno Port.

Naoshima Island is home to the Benesse House Museum, the Lee Ufan Museum, the Chichu Art Museum, and the Art House Project. Even when the Triennale is not being held, visitors can admire works by maestros of contemporary art, impressionist paintings, and architecture such as Yayoi Kusama, Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Tadao Ando throughout the island year-round. During the Triennale, in addition to these artworks and architectures, a large number of unique artworks will be displayed, which attracts more visitors.

Teshima Island, blessed by the sea and mountains, is one of the venues of the Setouchi Triennale. Even when the Triennale is not being held, you can visit the Teshima Art Museum, built in the middle of terraced rice paddies, and artworks scattered around the island, as well as socializing with locals at the Shima Kitchen.

To fully appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, consider staying overnight on an island. A model course is also introduced on the Setouchi Triennale official website. One thing to note: except for Shodoshima and Naoshima Islands, there are few ATMs (automated teller machines) on the islands, and credit cards may not be accepted at stores, so make sure to have some cash before traveling to the islands. When you meet locals living on the islands, greet them with a friendly hello.