teamLab, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces © teamLab

TeamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces

Fusion of art that utilises digital technology and nature

teamLab, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces © teamLab
Japan Travel   - 6 min read

A new night forest museum where visitors can experience art in nature, teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces, opened in Izura, Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki Prefecture, at the end of September 2024. This museum, nestled deep in the forest, transforms the remnants of terraced rice fields and the surrounding woods into art created through digital technology as the evening approaches.

Izura in Kitaibaraki City is known as the place where Okakura Tenshin, a prominent modern Japanese artist, spent his later years. The area uniquely blends mountains, forests, and the sea. In this setting, teamLab has created a new art installation that fuses the natural beauty Okakura cherished with its digital technologies, resulting in a one-of-a-kind artwork. This blending of digital technologies with nature captures teamLab's vision of creating immersive art experiences that bring people closer to the natural world.

teamLab, Flowers Bloom When the Waves Rise - Sea of Izura © teamLab
teamLab, Flowers Bloom When the Waves Rise - Sea of Izura © teamLab
teamLab, Resonating Universe in the Tabunoki Tree © teamLab
teamLab, Resonating Universe in the Tabunoki Tree © teamLab

Unlike other teamLab artworks, where the artwork is entirely created by the artist, the natural landscape becomes the artwork. The outdoor museum allows visitors to feel the chirping of crickets as background music and even the spider's nest forming between the trees becomes part of the art experience.

teamLab, Concrete and Abstract © teamLab
teamLab, Concrete and Abstract © teamLab

As the exhibition is displayed outdoors all year round, visitors can enjoy different facets of the same artwork as the seasons change - from vibrant autumn leaves to lush summer greenery, to serene winter snow. The exhibition continues on rainy days, making the whole forest feel like a living art installation.

teamLab, Continuous Trajectories © teamLab
teamLab, Continuous Trajectories © teamLab

Kitaibaraki City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is located about a three-hour drive from central Tokyo. Since the museum opens after sunset, visitors are encouraged to stay at one of the nearby accommodations. Adjacent to the facility, there are glamping and cottage accommodations where guests can immerse themselves in the art and nature throughout the night.

Glamping, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura ~ Natural Hot Spring & Glamping ~, Izura, Ibaraki ©︎ Sohki
Glamping, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura ~ Natural Hot Spring & Glamping ~, Izura, Ibaraki ©︎ Sohki
Cottage, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura ~ Natural Hot Spring & Glamping ~, Izura, Ibaraki ©︎ Sohki
Cottage, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura ~ Natural Hot Spring & Glamping ~, Izura, Ibaraki ©︎ Sohki

The second floor of the cottages is designed like a kaleidoscope, covered with glass and mirrors, allowing visitors to continue experiencing teamLab's arts.

Photo: Tom Roseveare

Additionally, there is an onsen (hot spring) facility near the terraced rice fields where guests can enjoy an open-air bath while admiring the artwork, providing an even more extraordinary and otherworldly experience.

Hot Spring, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura ~Natural Hot Spring & Glamping~, Izura, Ibaraki ©︎ Sohki
Hot Spring, Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces Hot Spring - Izura ~Natural Hot Spring & Glamping~, Izura, Ibaraki ©︎ Sohki

The experience offered here captivates visitors by seamlessly merging art with the beauty of nature. Guests can immerse themselves in a unique outdoor art installation that evolves with the seasons and incorporates the sounds and sights of the surrounding forest. With nearby accommodations for an overnight stay and an onsen to enhance the experience, this destination is perfect for those seeking a magical escape.

For ticket information and access details, please refer to the official website. (English and other languages are available)

Don't miss the chance to explore this innovative fusion of art and nature!

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