art Residency Program in japan

Open to Creatives at Any Stage

Whether you’re just beginning or decades into your practice.

art residency program in japan

Ideal Residents

Emerging and established artists across disciplines who seek a quiet environment for reflection, exploration, and immersion in rural Japanese life.

We accept a small number of residents per season to maintain an intimate, focused atmosphere.

Painting
Drawing
Mixed Media
Textile & Fiber Arts
Creative Writing
Photography
Performing Arts
Interdisciplinary
art residency program in japan

Application Requirements

We accept one artist or one family at a time.

Primary art medium
A brief residency proposal (casual & flexible, just share your vision.)
3-5 images or links to your work
Preferred dates
Application fee
art residency program in japan

Session Dates & Length Options

We offer flexible stays of 1, 2, or 3 weeks, with extended stays considered when the calendar allows. Our regular residency season runs from April to November, with a 2026 launch period from August to November.

All sessions begin on fixed arrival dates: 1st • 10th • 19th • 28th

Sample Stays
– Aug 1–7 (1 week)
– Sept 10–23 (2 weeks)
– Oct 19–Nov 9 (3 weeks)

Extended stays available upon request and availability
Flexible lengths
One resident or one family at a time
No residency during winter
art residency program in japan

Location

Located in Takashima, Shiga prefecture, along the western edge of Lake Biwa, the residency is surrounded by water, farmland, and mountain trails.

25 minutes to the nearest JR train station on foot or 5 minute taxi ride
7 minutes to the nearby JR station by bike
45 minutes to Kyoto Station by JR train
On local bus line
Located in the traditional Japanese residential area
20 minutes on foot or 5 miniutes by bike to Lake Biwa
art residency program in japan

Facility

An entire house with two wooden floor studio areas on the ground level, and two rooms upstairs overlooking the river.

-Fully equipped kitchen, dining area, bathroom, laundry, bedding, and essentials

Work tables
A/C and fans
Riverfront Japanese rock garden
Traditional quiet neigborhood
Bicycles available for free (adults & kids)
Wi-Fi available
TV
Lakeshore bike lanes
art residency program in japan

Fees

Regular Application fee: US $20*
(Additional fees for added family members)

*Application fee waived until December 31st, 2026

Regular Session: $900 per week
Artists may stay 1–3 weeks.
Example:
1 week = $900
2 weeks = $1800
3 weeks = $2700

Retreat to Create.

Where your next idea finds you.