Cover photo: Egashira Makoto courtesy of Biwako Biennale
Naoshima is famous for its art, but just a stone's throw from the big cities of Kyoto and Osaka lies another hidden art gem: the Biwako Biennale in Shiga. This peaceful area hosts its own impressive art festival, an experience for art lovers seeking new areas away from the crowds. The 2-month long event invites artists from Japan and all over the world to showcase their work in the historic towns of Omihachiman and near Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture.
Left: Robert Hais, Right: Uno Hiromi courtesy of Biwako Biennale
This Biwako Biennale aims to revitalize the community by turning abandoned houses or historic buildings like an old sake brewery into art exhibition spaces. Local residents and volunteers kick things off by cleaning up these spaces. Then, artists use the spaces to create works that connect with the venues, bringing life and charm back to the towns. It’s a celebration of culture and contemporary art. The whole town comes alive with creativity and transforms into an outdoor museum. The installations change each year as new artists are invited, but some artists have continued to show work at the Biennale.
Omihachiman town has a rich history as a big merchant hub dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). Omihachiman flourished due to its strategic location along major trade routes connecting the region to Kyoto and other important cities. Since the area was once brimming with opulent merchants, most of their homes still stand today, giving the area a nostalgic feel with its old architecture. One example of just how affluent this merchant area was were the festival floats. The gigantic floats were made from food items like grains, seaweed, nuts, and seeds! A tradition that continues to this day, the food offerings and intricate work on the floats reflect the community’s prosperous trade history. And they take this very seriously. These floats take half a year to make! The float from last year was a Year of the Rabbit float pictured above. Since this year is the Year of the Dragon, the floats from this year must be quite fierce. Be sure not to miss it!
One converted building which used to be a merchant’s house and warehouse, now found new life as The Borderless Art Gallery. What makes it special is their dedication to showcasing artwork by people with disabilities. This allows visitors to really appreciate the universal nature of human creativity. It helps break down any barriers between people, showing that art is for everyone, thus their gallery name: Borderless! The exhibitions change periodically giving visitors a chance to see a variety of work and witness how the space transforms with it.
Walking through the town reminded me of the traditional streets of Kyoto and I found it great to stroll at a leisurely pace. One of the iconic sights of the quaint town is the Hachiman-bori man-made canal that connects the town to the lake. The moat once served as a hub for water transport, connecting goods to Osaka, Tokyo, and beyond via Lake Biwa. The merchants of the past traveled all over Japan from this lively Hachiman-bori. Even more, it is a beloved sakura and autumn leaf viewing sport amongst the locals.
If you get the chance to travel to Japan, definitely check out the art festival! It’s an amazing experience that lets you connect with the living history, culture, and community through art. Next year festival will be held from September 20th to November 16th, 2025.
Inspired to take a trip to Japan? Whether you need a guide, transportation, and accommodations, or want to experience this yourself, get in touch! We can make it happen.