One of the world's largest art festivals, Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is held across this mountainous Niigata region every three years. Its goal is to revive the area by encouraging visitors to interact with the countryside and its locals.

The festival showcases artworks located in around 200 villages and it includes shows in abandoned schools, outdoor exhibits, events and other activities. This year's highlights include Christian Boltanski's "No Man's Land" and works at the East Asia Art Village in Tsunan town; July 29-Sept. 17.

Echigo-Tsumari, Niigata; (025) 595-6688; Tokamachi Station, Iiyama Line. ¥3,500 for a passport to all artworks, with discounts to some events. www.echigo-tsumari.jp/eng.