The Setouchi Triennale is an essential celebration of contemporary art that unfolds across the islands of Japan’s stunning Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea and the islands within it).
Since its inception in 2010, The Triennale is one of Japan’s foremost international art festival. So far it has attracted about one million visitors from Japan and overseas.
Held in places where local residents live, if you want to explore Japan beyond the usual, and enjoy art pieces amidst natural beauty, this is it.
Theme: “Restoration of the Sea” To Bring Smiles Back
This year, the festival has embraced the unifying theme of “Restoration of the Sea.”
Through various artworks spread out across different islands of Seto Inland Sea, this festival invites artists, visitors, and locals to engage with the region’s natural beauty, history, and unlimited potential.
Initially, the establishment of this Triennale was inspired by the desire to bring smiles back to the faces of the islanders, especially elders.
Spanning 100 days and divided into spring, summer, and fall sessions, the Setouchi Triennale encourages exploration across the changing seasons and landscapes of Setouchi.
Now in its sixth iteration, the festival has expanded its reach and appeal to 17 distinctive locations.
The Triennale also directs visitors to journey across various Setouchi communities and learn how their way of life – farming, commerce, and local industry – is intricately intertwined.
Some artwork sites that one should not miss when visiting Setouchi Triennale
Below are some highlights of what this spectacular area of Japan has to offer.
Benesse House Museum
Established in 1992 and designed by master architect Tadao Ando, Benesse House combines a museum and hotel in a striking coastal setting.
In 2025, it unveiled a new exhibition featuring major Western artists including Frank Stella.
With site-specific works and outdoor installations, it offers an immersive dialogue between art, architecture, and nature.
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Location here
- Fee: 1,300 yen-1,500 yen (if you don’t purchase the Triennale passport)
20th Century Recall
Fans of piano music must make a visit to this grand piano installation and for sail mats by the sea.
Interestingly, the piano plays a melody in response to the sound waves lapping against the shore.
Can be a healing experience just to be here.
- Opening hours: Outdoor artwork, open everyday
- Location here
- Fee: Free
ISLAND THEATRE MEGI
Any fans of Little House on the Prairie here?
This community area features a manga of the acclaimed drama series, painted on the wall of the projector room by artist Yoichiro Yoda. Perhaps through this Japanese space design one can appreciate the Little House on the Prairie in a different light.
- Opening hours: 9:20 am – 4:30 pm
- Location here
- Fee: 500 yen
Liminal Air -core-
Rising eight meters at Takamatsu Port is these colorful pillars which reflec the view of the port.
This mirrored, colorful sculpture by Shinji Ohmaki’s guides visitors with sensory-driven experience into a dynamic, immersive space.
Blending reflection and perception, the work blurs boundaries between self and environment making this an engaging landmark for travelers.
- Opening hours: Outdoor artwork, open everyday
- Location here
- Fee: Free
The Kagawa Prefectural Arena
Opened in 2025, the Kagawa Prefectural Arena is a 10,000-capacity venue designed by globally acclaimed architectural firm SANAA.
Its low, flowing form blends with the Seto Inland Sea landscape.
On quieter days, public spaces invite casual visits, making it a gentle, architectural landmark that seamlessly connects daily life with art, nature, and large-scale events.
If you have an affinity for architecture, a trip to this multipurpose facility is not to be missed.
- Opening hours: Outdoor artwork, open everyday
- Location here
- Fee: Free
Vietnam Project – Market of Craft and Goods
With over 600,000 Vietnamese currently living in Japan, this group of non-Japanese residents marks the second largest nationality in the country.
This market pop up, held near Takamatsu Port will feature traditional crafts passed down through families and villages for generation.
Themed Cộng – a Vietnamese word meaning ‘together’ – the market has a retro design that will create a nostalgic and warm space for Triennale Visitors to experience the charms of Vietnam while enjoying Setouchi breeze.
Through this market one can see traditional folk toys, handmade crafted materials from hemp and traditional brocade weaving. The tender human touches celebrates Asian creativity.
- Opening hours: 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Only for Summer session till 13 August.
- Location here
- Fee: Free
The Naoshima Plan “The water”
This architectural experience reflects on the daily life of the village where this historical building is located.
Once, this building was used as a water relay system to conserve shared well water.
By visiting, one will understand the key elements of this house: “moving materials” of sun, wind and water as the artist Hiroshi Sambuichi mentioned.
- Opening hours: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Last admission at 3:30 pm
- Location here
- Fee: Free
Admission to this Triennale
Take your pick between the two:
All-season passports
- Great for Summer, Spring and Autumn
- 5500 yen and can be purchase through the official Triennale app, travel agencies or information counters on the islands.
Single-season passport
- Valid for only one of the festival’s three seasons.
- 4500 yen
Alternatively, it is possible to pay admission to each artwork site separately too. Cost ranges from 300 / 500 / 1000 / 3000 yen each.
Setouchi Triennale 2025 Seasons
- Spring: April 18 – May 25
- Summer: August 1 – August 31
- Autumn: October 3 – November 9
Tips for Enjoying the Triennale
- Use cash as most ferries only accept this mode of payment
- Stamp your passport at each site and keep it as a memento of all your memorable experiences
- Takamatsu serves as the Triennale’s mother port and central hub. Be sure to check access information and timetables before setting off on your journey.
- Restrooms are mostly available at the port, so plan your trip to the loo accordingly
- There are no convenience stores or vending machines in some islands. Plan your lunch accordingly before you cross islands. Halal food is mostly available around Takamatsu (quick search here). Our tip is to buy any seafood Onigiri from Lawson or 7-11 as packed food prior to departing from the port.
- Watch out for heatstroke in the summertime
- When in Japan, littering is prohibited. So don’t forget to take your trash home.
- For Muslimahs traveling solo and in need of buddy, here is where to find one.
While in Japan, why not make the most out of it by checking out EXPO Osaka 2025? Here’s our guide to your discovery there.
