The Forest Festival of the Arts in Okayama, a must-see open-air art festival in West Japan!
Northern Okayama is host to the triennial Forest Festival of the Arts from September 28th to November 24th, 2024. Witness the Japanese countryside in a unique way, as a backdrop to art pieces by world-renowned artists!
Japan, as a country and culture, is renowned for its aesthetic beauty. This comes in many forms, be it mountain-rich natural landscapes or artistic crafts that have evolved and developed over literal centuries. These two components of the Japanese visual identity not only coexist but strongly influence each other, with Japanese artistry embracing natural motifs and elements.
Japan is no stranger to displaying man-made creative expression against a natural backdrop, with famous art island attractions like Naoshima and Teshima being flocked to by appreciators of the arts from all over the world.
In recent years, Japan has also seen a number of outdoor, long-spanning art exhibitions grow in number and popularity, settled in destinations that require a bit of a venture out of major cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Art festivals such as those lacing the coasts of Setouchi or at the tip of Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa have been lauded for their seamless incorporation of unique art installations with the natural beauty of their respective locales, and one of the most standout newcomers to this roster is that of “The Forest Festival of the Arts” in Okayama Prefecture.
Forest Festival of the Arts Okayama
The perfect backdrop
Okayama is a prefecture in the heart of Japan, located in the Chugoku region just west of the venerable Kansai. This is a relatively rural prefecture with an abundance of shrines and temples, along with some of the most distinct architecture throughout Japan in its more populated areas. Okayama perfectly encapsulates the many aesthetics of Japan.
The prefecture can be accessed via train from major nearby locations like Osaka and Kyoto, as well as from other parts of Kansai, thanks to regional pass options like the Kansai Wide Area Pass and the Kansai Hiroshima JR Pass, as well as the National Japan Rail Pass. As the name implies, the exhibition utilizes the natural environments of Okayama Prefecture as a backdrop for outdoor art pieces, and the rich environment of the area serves this purpose perfectly. With an ideal climate and an abundance of resources and foodstuffs, they are a hub for flourishing life and community. The Forest Festival of the Arts, at its core, looks to present art with a “symbiotic relationship with the landscape.” Indeed, well-known natural and local landmarks throughout the region will are host to art installations.
Tsuyama, Okayama
@Wikimedia
These include the Makido and Ikurado Caves in Nimi City, the Okutsukei Valley near Kagimino Town, and the Green Hills of Tsuyama. Simultaneously, art installations are available for viewing at a number of sites in more residential and urban areas. The famous Tsuyama Castle, the Katsuyama Historical Preservation Site, and the Sakushu Folk Craft Museum will all have installations as well.
A worldwide collection in rural Japan
The festival’s art director and head curator is Yuko Hasegawa. Based out of Tokyo, she is well-known in Japan’s art community for her varying creative roles, including that of director for the acclaimed 21st Century Contemporary Art Museum in Kanazawa, the Inujima Art House Project in Okayama, as well as being a Professor Emeritus of Tokyo University of the Arts. But aside from her many contributions and roles in her home country, Hasegawa’s influence and reach extend to the international stage, with curation experience for projects in Istanbul, Shanghai, Brazil, and more.
A majority of the 39 featured creators are Japanese, such as abstract painter Shiori Higashiyama, Osaka Nihonga artist Yuka Mori, and Yamagata artist Saburo Ota, famous for his utilization of postage stamps in his work. Of special note, artist Shiro Takatani has created an installation that serves as a posthumous work by the famous Ryuichi Sakamoto, a member of the highly influential Japanese electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra. A video of roaring water with the audio of his performance in the background stands behind a collection of flowing wires standing in rippling water.
Art Director Yuko Hasegawa
@Wikimedia
Tickets and Access
The Forest of the Festival of the Arts officially kicked off on September 28th, 2024 and spans through November 24th, 2024. This period of time is characterized by autumn in Okayama, when temperatures are mild and the natural foliage of the area converts to beautiful shades of gold and crimson, making it ideal for exploring around the area.
Starting from September 28th and onward, day-of passports will cost 3,000 yen for adults and then 2,000 yen for students. High school students and younger are granted free access to all venues throughout the festival period. For those only wanting to see specific installations, onsite venue tickets can be purchased as well.
Getting between each venue is part of the experience for the Forest Festival of the Arts, offering great opportunities to explore the greater northern Okayama area while anticipating each installation venue. Doing so is best with a combination of JR trains and buses in the area. The Kansai Hiroshima Pass allows for unlimited transit with these JR trains and buses throughout the greater Kansai and West Japan areas, Okayama included. The Okayama Forest Festival of the Arts designated "Art Loop Bus," departs from Tsuyama Station and goes around to different venues through northern Okayama. Every ride on this bus costs 500 yen and only takes cashless payment, such as IC Cards or credit cards.
Forest Festival of the Arts Access
Forest Festival of the Arts Okayama
Naturally, each venue will be most freely accessed with a car, which visitors to Japan can rent if needed. However, each venue will be accessible by train, bus, or a combination of both in some capacity, making it an ideal journey for those already holding passes.
See a list of art installation venues:
