Explore the Setouchi Triennale by Campervan!

The Setouchi Triennale, also known as the Setouchi International Art Festival, takes place every three years on islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Since its launch in 2010, it highlights art and the region’s unique culture.

Artists from Japan and abroad showcase their work across 12 islands, Takamatsu, and Uno ports. Many installations remain after the festival, making the area worth visiting anytime. You can explore art outdoors, in villages, or inside abandoned homes transformed into galleries. Naoshima, Inujima, and Teshima offer must-see museums.

The event lasts 107 days and runs in three seasons: spring (April 18–May 25, 2025), summer (August 1–31, 2025), and autumn (October 3–November 9, 2025).

With art spread across 12 locations, exploring the islands by campervan adds to the fun!

JAPAN ROAD TRIP has branches across Japan, so you can rent a campervan at a location that fits your travel route. We also offer early bird and long-term discounts to make your trip budget-friendly! Here are the list of the 12 islands, Takamatsu, and Uno ports that you can enjoy the Setouchi Triennale!

Naoshima

 

Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, famous for its contemporary art, museums, and sculptures. It has a Mediterranean feel with sunny weather, beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Benesse Corporation installed most of the art, with museums designed by architect Tadao Ando, like the Chichu Art Museum. Naoshima also hosts the Setouchi Triennale art festival.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/

Location:

Shodoshima

 

Shodoshima is the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, known for its olive plantations and soy sauce production. Its name means “small bean island,” referring to the azuki bean.

The island offers a Mediterranean feel with beaches, resorts, and the scenic Kankakei Gorge. It also serves as a venue for the Setouchi Triennale art festival, with permanent art installations spread across the island, especially along the southern coast.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/shodoshima/

Location:

Inujima

 

Inujima , or “Dog Island,” is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea named after a rock shaped like a sitting dog. Known for contemporary art, it hosts the Setouchi Triennale and can be explored on foot.

In the past, Inujima was an industrial hub, producing granite for castles and hosting a copper refinery. The refinery closed after just ten years due to falling copper prices, leading to a decline in population.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/inujima/

Location:

Megijima

 

Megijima is a small island near Takamatsu, about four kilometers long and one kilometer wide, with around 150 residents. Most of the island is forested mountains, with two small villages and fields.

Megijima is linked to the Momotaro legend as Onigashima, the Ogre Island. Near its highest peak, a cave said to be the ogres’ fortress has chambers with cartoon ogre statues showing scenes from the story.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/megijima/

Location:

Ogijima

 

Ogijima, the “brother island” of Megijima, is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, a 40-minute ferry ride from Takamatsu. With around 150 residents, it is two kilometers long and one kilometer wide.

The island is mostly mountainous, with a village and ferry terminal in the south and a lighthouse in the north. A 30-minute walk through fields and forests connects the two.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/ogijima/

Location:

Teshima

 

Teshima is a peaceful island in the Seto Inland Sea known for its contemporary art and role in the Setouchi Triennale.

The main highlight is the Teshima Art Museum, a unique concrete structure set among rice fields that engages visitors with water-themed art. Other artworks are spread across three fishing villages, with most open daily, though some smaller pieces are only available on weekends and holidays.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/teshima/

Location:

Oshima

 

Oshima is a peaceful island in the Seto Inland Sea and part of the Setouchi Triennale. Once a treatment site for Hansen’s disease, the island has deep cultural and historical importance. Its art reflects themes of healing and the struggles of those who lived there.

Visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and art, which blends with the island’s history. Access is limited, so advance planning is needed.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/oshima/

Location:

Takamatsu Port

 

Sunport Takamatsu is a business and shopping district around JR Takamatsu Station and Takamatsu Port, near Takamatsu Castle and Takamatsu-Chikko Station. The port was once the main entry to Shikoku until the Seto Ohashi Bridge opened in 1988. Now, it offers ferry connections to islands like Shodoshima, Naoshima, Megijima, and Ogijima. After the decrease in car ferry traffic, the area was redeveloped with a waterfront promenade, a large pedestrian plaza, JR Takamatsu Station, JR Hotel Clement, and the Symbol Tower. The 30-story Symbol Tower includes offices, shops, and dining options.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/takamatsu/

Location:

Uno Port

 

Uno Port, located in Okayama Prefecture, serves as a key gateway for the Setouchi Triennale. It connects visitors to the art-filled islands of the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima. The port itself features art installations and exhibits that set the tone for the festival experience. Its convenient ferry services and nearby attractions make it a central hub for exploring the contemporary art and natural beauty of the region.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/uno-port/

Location:

The following five venues are located west of the Seto Ohashi Bridge and each participate only during one of the festival’s three sessions.

Shamijima

 

Shamijima, originally a small island off Shikoku, was connected to the mainland through reclaimed land in 1967. It now marks the southern end of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, a 9.4-kilometer network linking Shikoku to Honshu. The area offers a peaceful fishing village, beaches, parks, temples, shrines, and a few museums, providing visitors with a relaxing and walkable destination to explore. Participates in spring only.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/setoohashi/

Location:

Honjima

 

Honjima is the second largest and most developed island in the Shiwaku Islands, a group of nearly 30 small islands in western Kagawa Prefecture. For centuries, the Shiwaku Islands were important for sea transportation in the Seto Inland Sea. Honjima was the main center of power and governance, and it still has several well-preserved historical sites from that time. Participates in autumn only.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/honjima/

Location:

Takamijima

 

Takamijima, part of the Shiwaku Islands in Kagawa Prefecture, is a small island known as “high view island” because it is the peak of a mountain in the Seto Inland Sea. With fewer than 30 residents, all living in a fishing village on the southeastern shore, the island faces severe depopulation. Visitors arrive at the ferry port in the village, where they can explore sites like Takami Hachiman Shrine and unique dual-grave burial grounds. The island is small, walkable, and home to many friendly cats roaming its streets and alleys. Participates in autumn only.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/takamijima/

Location:

Awashima

 

Awashima, a star-shaped island 4.5 kilometers off western Kagawa, was once a key port for the Shiwaku Navy during the warring states era. Known for producing top sailors, the island became home to the National Sailor School in 1897. The school operated for 90 years, training sailors for ships like the Kanrin Maru, Japan’s first vessel to cross the Pacific. After closing in 1987, the site was turned into Awashima Marine Memorial Park. Visitors can explore the preserved schoolhouse, now a naval museum with model ships, maritime tools, and historic artifacts. Participates in autumn only.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/awashima/

Location:

Ibukijima

 

Ibukijima, Kagawa Prefecture’s westernmost island, is known for its sardine and anchovy fishing. The small fishing village features narrow lanes, temples, shrines like Ibuki Hachimangu, and scenic viewpoints.

Facing population decline, the island joined the Setouchi Triennale to promote art tourism. Permanent artworks from past festivals can be enjoyed year-round.

Participates in autumn only.

 

Visit there website for more information:

https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/place/ibukijima/

Location:

Summary

The islands are spread out, and most are accessible by ferry. Check their website for access details. You can also enjoy the Setouchi Triennale and other Kagawa attractions by campervan. For more travel ideas, read our blog places that you should visit in shikoku. Feel free to contact us via mail or What’sApp for questions or bookings!