Two years ago, I went to my first art festival in Japan – the Nakanojo Biennale. It was amazing. There was art installed in open fields, along forest paths, in once abandoned schools. I was just blown away. There were artists from around the world as well as local artists. To be out in nature and seeing the work of an artist either in harmony or discord with their surroundings was refreshing and inspirational. There was also art in the city, hidden in little industrial areas or rundown shops. To see carefully placed objects or interact with the art (i.e. becoming a sushi topping) was such a great experience.

So why do I bring this up? Because I will be going to the Japan Alps Art Festival this weekend. It will be the first year for this event so I am very excited to see what they have to offer. I have been trying very hard not to look at their website as I would like to be semi-spoiler free tomorrow. We will be camping, of course, on a lake. Why pay for a hotel room when you can enjoy a couple nights in nature?

I will also be enjoying the Nakanojo Biennale as that will be happening this year. There is another art festival in Yokohama which I am also looking forward to…not really art in the wild but Yokohama has its own kind of wildness.

Last year, we attended the Saitama Triennale, which was its first year. I really enjoyed the installations for that one. Sadly we missed the island-hopping Setouchi Triennale. I want to do that one so much! I hope I will get the chance to enjoy it in 2019.

I am hoping for a much needed recharge to my mind, soul and body.