Where Islands Become Art
Your Guide to Setouchi Triennale 2025 – Summer Session
When you step off the ferry and onto the island,
you might feel like everything—waves, wind, even old wooden houses—has become part of an artwork.
That’s the Setouchi Triennale.Held once every three years across the islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, it’s a one-of-a-kind art festival where the landscape, the people, and the artworks come together in harmony.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a smooth and inspiring summer visit in 2025．
Event Overview
- Summer Session: August 1 – August 31, 2025
- Locations: 12 islands + 2 ports (e.g. Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima, Inujima, Megijima, Ogijima, and more)
- Number of artworks: 256 in total (117 brand-new works)
- Participating artists: 218 groups from 37 countries and regions (88 are first-time participants)
It’s not just an art festival—it’s a journey through island life, community, and quiet beauty.
Access & Transportation
To reach the festival islands, you’ll first travel to a main port and then take a ferry.
Main Gateways
- From Okayama: Take JR Uno Line to Uno Port (~50 minutes from Okayama Station)
- From Takamatsu: Takamatsu Port is within walking distance from Takamatsu Station
From there, ferries and high-speed boats connect you to the islands.
Some routes are frequent, others more limited—always check timetables in advance.
Plan your day around just one or two islands. Each one deserves time.
Planning Ahead: Not All Artworks Are Open Every Day
- Check the artwork calendar—some installations are only open on certain days
- Iconic venues like Chichu Art Museum require advance date-specific reservations
A “Setouchi Triennale Passport” is highly recommended—it allows access to artworks across all participating sites and is valid for the whole session.
Accommodation & Meals: Don’t Leave It to Luck
Booking a Place to Stay
- Island accommodations are limited and book up quickly
- Staying in Takamatsu or Uno and doing day trips by ferry is a smart alternative
Eating on the Islands
- Cafés and restaurants can have irregular hours or close unexpectedly
- Some islands don’t have convenience stores
- Bring snacks and water—especially during peak summer heat
Don’t assume you can “grab something later.” Plan food just like you plan your ferries.
Essentials to Pack for Summer Travel
- ☀️ Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- 💧 Extra water (many islands have limited vending machines)
- 🔋 Mobile charger/power bank
- 🌧 Folding umbrella or light rain jacket
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes
- 💴 Cash (some places don’t accept cards)
🍫 Snacks or small meals (especially if you’re island hopping)
What Makes the Setouchi Triennale So Special?
This isn’t just an event—it’s a state of mind.
You’ll find yourself meandering through narrow lanes, discovering contemporary art in old school buildings, climbing hills for panoramic views, and sharing quiet moments with locals.
The time it takes to get to each island becomes part of the rhythm.
And the landscape itself becomes the frame for every work you see.
You don’t need a perfect itinerary.
But a bit of thoughtful planning will let you enjoy the beauty without the stress.
Ready to Go?
This summer, go where art meets the sea,
where time slows down,
and where every step reveals something unexpected.
Set sail.Step onto the island.Let art find you.
About Our Tour called “Ohana Tour”
We also offer guided tours of Naoshima called “Ohana Tour”, a private tour service led by locals born and raised on Naoshima.
With deep roots in the island, we share Naoshima’s unique history, rich culture, and breathtaking scenery from a local perspective.
Whether it’s hidden photo spots, stories behind the artworks, or the charm of island life, we guide you through it all.
Each tour is fully private, allowing for a personalized and relaxed experience at your own pace.
Let us show you the real Naoshima—beyond the museums and into its heart.