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Note: The opinions and views expressed in this user report are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of japan-guide.com.

October 13, 2016 - Biwako Biennale

In a year in which the larger and more famous Setouchi Triennale is going on, a smaller festival like the BIWAKO Biennale may get overlooked, but it's a great festival. It was started in 2001 in the scenic historic district of Omihachiman. There are a variety of works scattered over a handful of venues (10 total). It features both local Japanese as well as foreign artists. They also have bilingual pamphlets to help international visitors locate the spaces, many of which are located in historic buildings. The art is interesting to look at and you are free to take pictures of the works, which is not always the case at other art festivals.

The area itself is a great destination, as the historic area dates back hundreds of years to the days when Hidetsugu Toyotomi constructed it. The canal is particularly famous and visitors can take boat rides down it.

It was a bustling castle town in its heyday with the famous Omi merchants originating here. Only some of the castle walls remain of the castle itself but you can ride the ropeway to the former ruins to get a nice view of the area from the lookout point and visit Zuiryuji Temple. Both the temple and lookout point contain artwork from the festival. The town also offers many opportunities to try Omi beef, one of the nation's most famous beefs and akakonnyaku.

The art here is definitely comparable to (but not the same as) that of the Setouchi Triennale, so if you enjoy modern art, the BIWAKO Biennale is highly worthwhile. It's also nice because you can see all of the works in one day. I will say that if you also intend to visit a lot of the other sightseeing spots, it may be difficult, but you will definitely be able to appreciate the town through the festival along with seeing a variety of interesting works of art.

The art pass costs 2500 yen and can be purchased at the Machiya Club (the first venue) or the Tourist Information Center at Omihachiman Station. The pass provides one entry to each exhibit anytime during the festival period which ends on November 6.

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List of Posts:
2017/08/17 - Obon Festivals and Events
2016/10/13 - Biwako Biennale
2013/10/20 - Setouchi Triennale 2013 Autumn Session
2013/09/18 - Setouchi Triennale 2013 Summer Session (Part 2)
2013/09/18 - Setouchi Triennale 2013 Summer Session (Part 1)
2013/01/03 - New Years in Okayama