Japan’s Setouchi Triennale 2025 Celebrates Art, Architecture, and Nature Across the Beautiful Islands of Setouchi

Thursday, July 31, 2025

The Setouchi Triennale 2025, a highly anticipated contemporary art festival, is set to return this year, inviting both international travelers and locals to explore the Seto Inland Sea through the eyes of contemporary artists. Celebrating its sixth iteration, the Setouchi Triennale unfolds across the picturesque islands of Kagawa Prefecture and Naoshima, attracting visitors with its blend of art, nature, and history. Spanning over 100 days, the festival will be held in three distinct sessions – spring, summer, and autumn, allowing visitors to explore the region’s changing landscapes and seasonal charm.

The Setouchi Triennale 2025 is more than just a visual art experience – it is a cultural journey that invites interaction between artists, nature, and visitors. The theme for this year, “Restoration of the Sea,” calls attention to the importance of preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of the Seto Inland Sea. With immersive installations and site-specific works displayed across 17 distinctive locations, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience both Japan’s rich heritage and the potential of contemporary art in creating meaningful connections between people and place.

Dates:Spring: April 18 – May 25Summer: August 1 – August 31Autumn: October 3 – November 9Location: Islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa Prefecture, JapanArtworks: Featuring prominent global artists like Hiroshi Sugimoto and Shinji Ohmaki

This three-season festival provides an opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the changing landscape, savor local cuisine, and experience the cultural heritage of the Setouchi region while being surrounded by stunning art and installations.

Setouchi Triennale 2025: The Heart of Contemporary Art in Japan

The Setouchi Triennale is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most significant contemporary art festivals. Established in 2010, the event has grown into a renowned celebration of global art, attracting visitors from all over the world. This year’s festival is a pivotal opportunity for those seeking to explore the intersection of nature and art in a breathtaking coastal setting. With artworks and installations situated across 17 islands, each location offers a distinctive experience for visitors, drawing them into the heart of the Seto Inland Sea.

The festival’s broad reach across Setouchi highlights its central theme: the restoration and preservation of the sea. By engaging with the natural environment through innovative art, the Setouchi Triennale not only promotes artistic expression but also raises awareness of environmental conservation. Throughout the event, visitors will witness immersive installations designed to encourage reflection on the relationship between the sea, land, and human interaction.

A Multidimensional Art Experience: Key Highlights of the Setouchi Triennale 2025

Several iconic art destinations within the Setouchi region make the Setouchi Triennale 2025 a compelling draw for tourists, art enthusiasts, and culture seekers. Among the standout venues are Benesse Art Site Naoshima, Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery, and the Kagawa Prefectural Arena, each offering a distinctive artistic experience that highlights the festival’s commitment to merging art, architecture, and nature.

Benesse Art Site Naoshima: A Living Canvas of Contemporary Art

Located on Naoshima Island, the Benesse Art Site Naoshima is one of the most renowned art hubs in Japan. It brings together renowned architects, such as Tadao Ando, and world-class artists like Frank Stella to create a dialogue between art, architecture, and nature. The Benesse House Museum, which is part of the art site, is both a museum and a hotel, situated in a stunning coastal environment, offering an immersive experience where art meets the natural surroundings.

New for 2025, the museum will unveil exhibitions from major Western artists, ensuring that the dialogue between Eastern and Western art is explored within the context of the Seto Inland Sea. Additionally, the museum features site-specific works and outdoor installations, creating a continuous conversation between the works and the environment.

Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: A Journey Through Time and Memory

Another key feature of the Setouchi Triennale is the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery. Located in Takamatsu, the gallery offers a rare opportunity to explore a wide array of Sugimoto’s work, including his photography, sculptures, and architectural projects. His exhibition titled “Time Corridors” invites visitors to reflect on the fleeting nature of time, memory, and impermanence. This immersive gallery presents a powerful opportunity for visitors to engage with Sugimoto’s thought-provoking art, which resonates deeply with the themes of the Setouchi Triennale.

Liminal Air -core-: An Interactive Art Installation by Shinji Ohmaki

On Takamatsu Port, the Liminal Air -core- installation by artist Shinji Ohmaki stands as one of the Triennale’s most striking works. This towering, eight-meter sculpture, made of mirrored, colorful panels, shifts with light and movement, offering an interactive experience that merges reflection and perception. Visitors will encounter this dynamic art installation, which challenges the boundaries between self and environment, creating a multi-sensory experience that is both visually and emotionally engaging.

Kagawa Prefectural Arena: Architecture Meets Art

The Kagawa Prefectural Arena, opened in 2025, is another significant addition to the Setouchi Triennale. Designed by SANAA, a globally acclaimed architectural firm, this venue is a seamless blend of art, architecture, and nature. The 10,000-capacity arena connects visitors with both modern design and the surrounding landscape. The arena serves as a venue for large-scale events while maintaining a design that reflects the region’s natural beauty.

On quieter days, the arena offers a peaceful retreat, inviting visitors to reflect on the connection between architecture and the environment. The integration of art installations within the arena enhances its role as a hub of cultural exchange, offering a perfect balance between urban design and natural elements.

Practical Information: How to Experience the Setouchi Triennale 2025Dates and Sessions:Spring: April 18 – May 25Summer: August 1 – August 31Autumn: October 3 – November 9Location: The Setouchi Triennale spans across 17 islands in Kagawa Prefecture, with key destinations like Naoshima, Takamatsu, and Shodoshima central to the exhibition.Ticket Information: Tickets for the event are available for purchase online. Various pass options are available, allowing visitors to explore the islands and their art installations at their own pace.Travel Tips: The Setouchi Triennale’s multiple locations encourage visitors to explore the region by ferry, offering scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea. For those interested in local cuisine, the region offers delicious fresh seafood, traditional udon noodles, and other regional specialties.Conclusion: A Timeless Fusion of Art, Nature, and Culture in Setouchi

The Setouchi Triennale 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage, contemporary art, and the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. With exhibitions and installations spread across Naoshima, Takamatsu, and other islands in the Setouchi region, visitors can experience an unparalleled cultural journey that connects art, architecture, and nature. As the festival continues to grow in global recognition, it remains a dynamic and immersive celebration of the boundless potential of art to transform both spaces and lives.