Art Festivals in Japan: Five to Check Out This Year

Art festivals might not be the first thing you think of when someone says “Japan.” However, the country hosts many exciting events yearly that showcase different aspects of Japanese art. These include visual art, music, theater, and traditional art forms such as noh and bunraku.

Today, we’ll focus on lesser-known art festivals in and outside Tokyo that showcase independent and local artists. Here are five art festivals in Japan that you need to check out this year. 

Tokyo Festival 

We kick off this list with two performing arts festivals. Tokyo Festival celebrates contemporary art and culture through events that also educate participants on being better global stewards. Tokyo Festival FARM organizes various workshops and lectures, and on September 28th, there is a performance session by attendees of the Asian Performing Arts Camp open to the public.

Other events include the kabuki play “The Three Kichisawas’ First Purchase,” the Japanese premiere of the musical drama “Metamorphosis of the Living Room,” and outdoor concerts by the dance group Condors. Trust us, you’ll want to check them out!! 

Locations: Tokyo Metropolitan Theater and GLOBAL RING THEATER (Ikebukuro)

Dates: September 15-29, 2024 

Admission: Varies by event

World Theater Festival Shizuoka

Organized by the Shizuoka Performing Arts Center (SPAC), this festival aims to help people search for hope instead of giving into despair or selfishness due to today’s world. Not confined to one medium, World Theater Festival Shizuoka showcases the best of film, live theater, dance, and more from national and international artists.

This year’s lineup included “The Legend of the White Fox,” an opera libretto by Okakura Tenshin, and “Parade and Lemonade,” an omnibus stories project by Naoyuki Miura.

Locations: Shizuoka Arts Theater, Shizuoka Performing Arts Park, Sumpu Castle Park, Aoba Symbol Road, and others 

Dates: The 2024 World Theater Festival Shizuoka was held from April 27th to May 6th

Admission: Varied by event. Discounts were available for SPAC members, students, and people with disabilities.

Alternative Kyoto 

If you’re in Kyoto this fall and looking to see Japanese modern art, look no further than Alternative Kyoto. The city’s history and culture come to life in various digital and contemporary art installations, including light shows and abstract sculptures. These installations can be found in castles, temples, parks, and the ocean.

Like our next festival, Alternative Kyoto highlights local initiatives and the everyday side of Kyoto that most tourists wouldn’t experience. The 2022 lineup included sculptor Nobuhiro Hanaoka, musician Tetsuji Ohno, and experimental group SPEKTRA. Stay tuned for information on the 2024 festival!

Locations: Various locations in Kyoto. None announced for 2024

Dates: October to November. No dates have been announced for 2024

Admission: Free

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Sado Island Galaxy Festival

A remote island in Niigata Prefecture, Sado Island promotes local art and culture to visitors from other prefectures and countries. In addition to traditional (and nontraditional) art pieces using textiles, paints, and lights, the Sado Island Galaxy Festival showcases music, including the island’s unique onidaiko (demon drumming).

It offers chances to participate in events like straw crafting and a snack bar tour. This year’s lineup includes Japanese artists Sugihara Noboyuki x Nakamura Ayaka and Taiwanese artist Wu Chien-Hsing.

Locations: Various parts of Ryotsu and other areas in Sado City

Dates: August 11 to November 10, 2024 (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, excluding public holidays)

Admission: 2500 JPY ($16 USD) for advance tickets, 3000 JPY ($19 USD) for same-day 

Reborn Art Festival  

Our final entry is held in Miyagi Prefecture’s Ishinomaki City and celebrates local cuisine, art, and music, gaining national and international attention. This year’s theme is “Indie Fish” (fish that aren’t eaten or used), highlighted through a unique art exhibition held at three different venues, with works by Kanji Yumisashi and Mariko Asabuki.

Participants will learn more about Ishinomaki’s fishing industry and try sardine tapas, among others (tapas are 400 JPY or $3 USD). Reborn Art Festival is the perfect introduction to Ishinomaki – don’t miss this exciting event! 

Locations: Ishinomaki Fisheries Promotion Center, Ishinomaki Fish Market, and Reborn-Art STAND

Dates: May 18-June 23 (each venue has its hours of operation)

Admission: Free

Why are these art festivals so unique?

First, the festivals focus on independent artists instead of big names that are popular outside Japan. Through daily events and social media promotions, they can more easily reach newer and larger audiences. 

These events also promote local industries, traditions, and businesses. Moreover, tourist participation and purchases allow organizers to continue hosting the festivals, knowing their work isn’t going unappreciated.

Finally, these celebrations inspire collaborations between artists of various mediums and nationalities, allowing them to grow and create something special together. Attendees will also make their connections and learn from each other. Have you attended any of these art festivals? Which one would you recommend? Let us know in the comments.