Fall Session: Setouchi Triennale 2025 Official Tour: Utazu & Takamishima
- Setouchi Triennale Official Tour
- Smooth transportation to each exhibition venue
- Official tour guide accompanies you
- Special meals unique to the Setouchi region are included. Single participants are welcome.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 20 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Sightseeing type | Islands tour |
| Transport | Walking, Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
[Setouchi Triennale Official Tour]
Explore two exciting highlights of the Setouchi Triennale — the newly added Utazu area, featured for the first time, and Takamishima Island, home to a new art project by BankART1929. This special Monday-only day trip combines a chartered boat and bus, offering a seamless journey through art and island scenery.
In the Utazu seaside area, admire outdoor artworks crafted with acrylic panels used in aquarium tanks, set against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea. Stroll through the historic Komachi area, where traditional townhouses, shrines, and temples line the streets. Don’t miss the iconic Sankakutei, a triangular glass-tower building known for its stunning stained glass. The area’s artworks reflect Utazu’s prosperous salt-making history and local heritage.
Next, travel to Takamishima Island, where houses climb steep slopes and ancient stone walls remain intact. Here, BankART1929’s “Takamishima Art Trail” brings together works by eight artists, turning the island into a living art space. Ongoing installations also feature new developments, offering fresh discoveries throughout your visit.
For lunch, enjoy a special local meal in Utazu, featuring handmade pressed sushi and other regional delicacies, lovingly prepared by the community.
Utazu coastal area_Shintaro Miyawaki
Zen Teh, "The Imperative Landscape (2025)"
Motoi Yamamoto "Weaving Time"
Participating artist Yusuke Asai Photo by Maki Taguchi
Participating artist: Takeshi Yasura Photo by Taichi Saito
Participating artist: Michiko Nakatani Photo by Hayato Wakabayashi
Yumiko Fujino "Staying in past days"
BankART Takamishima
Takamishima Photo: Shintaro Miyawaki
Lunch image (special set meal featuring Utazu's local cuisine, pressed sushi)
Important Info
Reminders
A minimum of 20 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 17:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 2
Please be aware that there are residents in the area, so please refrain from walking in the street or talking loudly in residential areas.
If you wish to leave the group during the tour, please be sure to inform the tour conductor. After filling out the leaving notice, you will be considered leaving the group.
We ask for your cooperation in taking home any items you bring from home or that you no longer need along the way as a memento of your trip.
Smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle and on the boat.
There will be some walking, so please wear comfortable shoes.
Please cooperate by following the instructions of the tour conductor and guide and arriving on time.
The travel price does not include admission to the individual artworks, so we recommend purchasing the Setouchi Triennale Official Passport separately.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- For cancellations made 0 to 0 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Setouchi Triennale is renowned globally for its unique approach to art in nature, breathing new life into the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. It is a major international art festival that transforms the local landscape into a vibrant open-air museum, attracting artists and visitors worldwide. Its significance lies in its ability to highlight regional culture, history, and natural beauty through contemporary art, fostering local regeneration and cultural exchange.
The Setouchi Triennale typically explores themes centered around the revitalization of the islands, the relationship between humans and nature, and the preservation of local traditions in a contemporary context. It focuses on the idea of 'restoring the sea,' connecting the scattered islands and their communities through art, and encouraging visitors to engage with the unique environment and its people.
For visiting the Setouchi Triennale, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes as you will likely be exploring various exhibition venues and walking across islands. Layered clothing is advisable to adapt to changing weather conditions, especially if traveling between spring and autumn. Sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, along with rain gear, will also enhance your experience outdoors.
The Setouchi Triennale is held once every three years, usually across three seasonal sessions: spring, summer, and fall. The next major event, following previous cycles, is scheduled for 2025. Visitors planning for future events should monitor official announcements for specific dates and island lineups for the spring, summer, and fall sessions to select the best time for their visit.
For the Fall Session Setouchi Triennale tour focusing on Utazu and Takamishima, transportation between exhibition venues is comprehensively managed. This includes smooth transfers by charter boat and bus, ensuring a hassle-free journey. This coordinated transport allows visitors to efficiently reach various art installations and scenic spots on these islands without the need for independent travel planning.
An official tour guide significantly enhances the Setouchi Triennale experience by providing expert insights into the artworks, their creators, and the cultural context of the islands. They can offer valuable historical background, explain the artistic intentions, and help navigate the various exhibition sites, ensuring visitors gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the festival's unique art and environment.
Visitors on the Setouchi Triennale tour can look forward to enjoying special meals unique to the Setouchi region. These meals often feature fresh local seafood, island-grown produce, and traditional Japanese culinary techniques. This provides an authentic taste of the Seto Inland Sea's gastronomy, complementing the artistic journey with a rich cultural and sensory experience.
Solo travelers participating in the Setouchi Triennale tour focusing on Utazu and Takamishima can expect a welcoming and convenient experience. The tour is designed to be hassle-free, managing all transportation and providing an official guide, which eliminates the complexities of independent planning. It offers a great opportunity to explore the art festival and local culture comfortably, even for those traveling alone.
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