#Japan #Setouchi Art Fest #Osaka Art Festival #Naoshima Museum #Takamatsu, Osaka, Naoshima

Japan's Art Festivals in 2025

In a recent announcement, Agoda Company Pte. Ltd., known for its digital travel platform, unveiled the top three art festivals in Japan that will captivate visitors in 2025. This comes amid projections of growing interest in art tourism, particularly among travelers from nearby regions like Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

1. Setouchi International Art Festival 2025 (Takamatsu)

The Setouchi International Art Festival is set to take place across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, showcasing a unique blend of nature, art, and island exploration. This festival, held every three years, is divided into three seasons: spring, summer, and autumn. Travelers will have the opportunity to experience local art, engage with the community, and participate in collaborative projects between artists and residents. The festivities are linked with the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, drawing international acclaim for its stunning art pieces and installations.

With a remarkable 226% increase in accommodation searches by domestic travelers compared to the previous year, the event also attracts significant numbers of international visitors, especially from countries such as South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and the USA. The rising popularity of “island tourism” emphasizes the appeal of combining scenic beauty with rich cultural experiences, making it a notable trend.

2. Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2025 (Osaka)

Next up is the Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival, an experimental event that explores the intersection of art and business within urban spaces. The festival is designed to foster collaborations with companies, providing a learning platform for both artists and attendees. With a 151% rise in domestic accommodation searches, Osaka is increasingly recognized as a hub for contemporary art and access to unique market opportunities. Visitors from Taiwan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Thailand are expected to contribute to this surge, driven by their interest in artistic activities complemented by the economic vibrancy of Osaka.

3. Naoshima New Art Museum (Opening on May 31, 2025)

On May 31, 2025, the Naoshima New Art Museum will open its doors, designed by the renowned architectural team SANAA, led by Ryue Nishizawa. This facility aims to harmonize with the surrounding natural beauty while offering innovative art experiences. With a 176% increase in accommodation searches from domestic travelers, it emphasizes the growing interest in art and architectural fusion in Naoshima. The museum is poised to attract not only local art enthusiasts but also international visitors, facilitating enriched interactions with contemporary art in an extraordinary setting.

Conclusion

Agoda's analysis, based on accommodation search data from April 2024 and April 2025, indicates a vibrant trend toward art tourism in Japan. These festivals and the new museum exemplify a cultural shift that merges travel with artistic exploration, promising unforgettable experiences for both domestic and international travelers. With support from Agoda, art lovers can immerse themselves in these enriching events while enjoying top-notch travel accommodations and services through its platform.