The Oyu Onsen area of Uonuma is something of a hidden gem for those looking for a tranquil hot springs experience. However, it's also located in a rural part of Japan affected by urban migration and an aging population, meaning that abandoned buildings come with the territory.
The FLOU Art Festival is an event that finds utility in this, with abandoned inns, stores, and old private houses to be used for artistic displays. With illuminations, projection mapping, dance performances, traditional performing arts, ghost stories, night tours, workshops, food trucks, and more, the festival is set to breathe new life into this pocket of Niigata Prefecture.
Advance tickets can be purchased online at a slight discount – for adults, advance admission is priced at ¥1500 (¥2000 on the day). For university and high school students tickets are ¥1000 (¥1500 on the day) and admission is free for junior high school students and younger.
