[2025 Tokamachi Attraction] Travel Guide for Echigo-Tsumari Art Field (Updated Jul)

#exhibition "Echigo-Tsumari" is not the official name on the map. It comes from the ancient Japanese place name "Echigo-kun, Tsumari-so". Today it refers to Tokamachi City and Tsunan Town in southern Niigata Prefecture. Due to the rapid economic growth of Japan after the war, the population gradually emigrated to cities. Problems such as aging, empty houses, abandoned schools, abandoned farmland, etc. have profoundly affected the Echigo-Tsumari area. Faced with this situation, the Land Art Festival, which was launched with the goal of revitalizing the place, began to bring a new breath to Echigo-Tsumari. Since 2000, it has been held every three years in Echigo-Tsumari and is the world's largest international outdoor art season. With the concept of "human beings are in nature" and the goal of local redevelopment, we use art as a bridge and farmland as a stage to connect people and nature, and explore the inheritance and development of regional culture, explore the value contained in the place, and unleash the potential of the place. The charm revitalizes the agricultural areas that have become increasingly declining and aging in the process of modernization. The artistic works are scattered across a vast land of 760 square kilometers. Exhibition time: July 13th to November 10th, 2024 (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) Opening hours: 10:00~17:00 (10:00~16:00 in October and November) Transportation guide: Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then transfer to the local train "HOKUHOKU LINE" to Tokamachi Station, which takes 40 minutes. There are not many flights on the North-North Line, so be sure to check the timetable, otherwise you will spend a lot of time waiting. Itinerary guide: It is recommended to arrange at least three days to visit. If you can drive yourself, it is the most convenient way to reach each exhibition venue. If it is less than three days or you mainly take the train, it is recommended to focus on Tokamachi Station and pick a few favorite exhibitions. Near Tokamachi Station is the Satoyama Museum of Modern Art, which was established as the base of the "Land Art Festival". The most distinctive feature of the museum is the large pond surrounded by the central corridor and the highlight of the museum. The "Farm Stage" next to Matsushiro Station is not only a highlight of the building itself, but it was also chosen for the work "Tanabata". There are dozens of art works around it, including Yayoi Kusama's "Blooming Flowers Tsumari". If you still have time, go to the "Forest School" in the Matsunoyama area. These three areas are the main exhibition areas. Several major exhibition venues require tickets to enter, so you can purchase the "Echigo-Tsumari Land Art Season Passport" in advance. If you don’t want to study the itinerary, you can take a local half-day or one-day guided tour. There is a special tour guide, but unfortunately it is only in Japanese at the moment. This is a well-known art festival. In addition to local Japanese creators, there are also works by artists from all over the world. Some are hidden in the mountains. It is recommended to travel lightly, not to carry too much luggage, and a pair of good sneakers. #Echigo Tsumari#Echigo Tsumari Land Art Festival#Art Festival#Niigata#Tukamachi#Matsudai#Satoyama Modern Art Museum#Agriculture Stage#Forest School#Tanata#Chongjin Canyon Tunnel#Light Tunnel#Kusama Yayoi# Flower Blossom Wife has #100 Ways to Travel# exhibition

Tokamachi is the snow country of Japan🇯🇵😌 It is a historical town famous for its ceramic culture and unique textiles🤭 Tokamachi to this day has a very close connection with art 👍🏻 such as the Every Echigo Wife has the Earth Art Festival Triennial ❤️ It can be used by artists at home and abroad 👩‍🎨 to exhibit their very meaningful works 😌 And their works can not be limited to indoor spaces 🤭 So you can see quite a few installation art is displayed outdoors 🫶🏻 can give a very different experience to visitors 😬 Among them is the Echigo Wife has the earth art festival inside there is a farm stage 🤣 is the most visited exhibition In winter the building does not accumulate snow and in summer it can block the sun ☀️ The terraces of the building exactly display agricultural art works to depict farmers 👩‍🌾 working in the rice fields 🤣 If you are going to Niigata then remember to go #HolidayGood Places #ChristmasGood Places2022 #HongKongGood Places #FamilyGood Places #OverseasTravel #SummerGood Places #OverseasTravel #ResidentWriter #I miss #JapaneseCooking #JapanGood Places

#aprilblooms If you’re looking for a unique spring getaway, I highly recommend visiting Echigo-Tsumari in Niigata! This area, covering Tokamachi and Tsunan towns, has been home to the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale for over 20 years. Spread across the stunning rural landscape, you’ll find incredible art installations blended beautifully with nature — it’s like walking through a living, breathing art museum! Even outside of the festival season, many artworks are permanently on display, so there’s always something to discover. The mix of mountains, rice fields, and modern art makes for an unforgettable experience! Why You Should Visit: ✔ Massive open-air art installations set in breathtaking natural surroundings. ✔ Perfect for those who love combining outdoor adventures with creative exploration. 📍Address: Echigo-Tsumari, Niigata Prefecture, Japan #Niigata #Japan #EchigoTsumari #ArtInNature #SpringInJapan

Echigo-Tsumari Art Field is a unique and expansive art project located in the rural region of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Spanning over 760 square kilometers, this extraordinary art field integrates contemporary art into the natural and cultural landscape of the Echigo-Tsumari region, creating a profound dialogue between art, nature, and local communities. The project was initiated in 2000 and has since become one of the largest and most significant art events in the world. It is best known for its triennial event, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, which attracts artists, curators, and visitors from around the globe. During the triennale, the entire region is transformed into an open-air museum, with hundreds of art installations, sculptures, and interactive pieces scattered across rice fields, mountains, villages, and abandoned buildings. One of the core philosophies of Echigo-Tsumari Art Field is the concept of "art in harmony with nature." The artworks are designed to interact with the environment, often using natural materials and drawing inspiration from the local landscape. This approach not only highlights the beauty of the region but also encourages visitors to explore and appreciate the rural surroundings. The project also emphasizes the importance of community involvement. Local residents actively participate in the creation and maintenance of the artworks, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. This collaboration between artists and the community helps to revitalize the area, bringing economic and cultural benefits to a region that has faced challenges such as depopulation and economic decline. Notable artworks in Echigo-Tsumari Art Field include "House of Light" by James Turrell, a traditional Japanese house transformed into an immersive light installation, and "The Rice Field" by Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, which blends agricultural landscapes with artistic expression. These and many other installations offer visitors a diverse and enriching experience, blending contemporary art with the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Niigata is renowned for its stunning hydrangea displays, particularly during the rainy season in June and July. These flowers, known as "ajisai" in Japanese, thrive in the moist climate and are celebrated for their vibrant colors, ranging from deep blues and purples to pinks and whites. Here are some highlights of hydrangea viewing in Niigata: 1. Yahiko Shrine Hydrangea Festival This annual festival is held in the picturesque grounds of Yahiko Shrine. The shrine is surrounded by thousands of hydrangea plants, creating a vivid and enchanting landscape. The festival features evening illuminations, traditional performances, and local food stalls. 2. Takada Park Famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, Takada Park transforms into a hydrangea wonderland in early summer. The park's tranquil atmosphere and scenic views make it an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll amidst the blooming hydrangeas. 3. Echigo Hillside Park This expansive park offers a variety of seasonal flowers, including a spectacular display of hydrangeas. The park's rolling hills and well-maintained gardens provide a picturesque setting for flower enthusiasts. 4. Walking Trails Various walking trails around Niigata are adorned with hydrangeas, offering a serene and picturesque experience. These trails are perfect for nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty. 5. Cultural Significance In Japanese culture, hydrangeas are often associated with heartfelt emotion and gratitude. Their presence in Niigata during the rainy season adds a sense of poetic beauty and reflection to the region. 6. Local Festivals and Events Various local communities in Niigata celebrate the hydrangea season with small festivals, tea ceremonies, and cultural events, providing visitors with a deeper appreciation of the flower's significance in Japanese culture. The hydrangeas in Niigata not only enhance the natural beauty of the region but also offer a unique cultural experience for both locals and tourists.