art Residency Program in japan (2026)

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
Creative Writing
Photography
Performing Arts
art residency program in japan

Application Requirements

We accept one artist or one family at a time.

Artist statement (200 to 300 words)
A brief residency proposal (casual & flexible, just share your vision.)
3-5 images or links to your work
Preferred dates (include flexibility)
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: 1st10th19th28th

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
10 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 tatami rooms upstairs overlooking the river.

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

Access to riverbanks, local cultural experiences, and Lake Biwa
Riverfront Japanese rock garden
Fishing, water sports
Bicycles available for free (adults & kids)
Lakeshore bike lanes
Traditional quiet neigborhood
Wi-Fi available
TV
art residency program in japan

Fees

Pre Launch Price Available for the month of June 2026.
(Additional fees for added family members)

Early Bird: Application Fee $0 until February 28th, 2026

Regular Application fee: $10
$700 per 1-week session only for Pre-Launch sessions in June 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.