A special painting exhibition themed on the World Heritage Site Daigoji Temple opens on October 17, 2026 (Saturday) at Akita Art Village Senboku Workplex (あきた芸術村 センボク・ワークプレックス) in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture. The exhibition is organized by Akita Art Village Co., Ltd. (株式会社あきた芸術村), an APAMAN Group company.
It is the second exhibition in the company's autumn painting series, and it displays 19 prize-winning works from the 2nd EL CAMINO ART AWARD. Contemporary artists express Kyoto's history, culture, and natural beauty through their own sensibilities, including the cherry blossom scenery loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Experience Kyoto's History and Beauty While in Akita
In Senboku City, autumn events such as the autumn leaves light-up at Kakunodate Samurai Residences Street and the Dakigaeri Autumn Leaves Festival are scheduled. Adding art appreciation to a trip centered on autumn leaves, hot springs, and historic townscapes gives visitors another way to enjoy Akita's culture and local charm.
Akita's Autumn Leaves and Kyoto's Cherry Blossoms
Senboku City is home to sightseeing spots such as Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate Samurai Residences Street, and Dakigaeri Gorge, where visitors can enjoy rich nature and history. During the autumn season, when the mountains turn red and yellow, Akita Art Village holds a special exhibition themed on Daigoji Temple, one of the leading historical and cultural sites of Kyoto.
Daigoji Temple is known as the setting of the "Daigo no Hanami" (醍醐の花見), the grand cherry blossom viewing party Toyotomi Hideyoshi held in 1598. The works on display depict the history and natural beauty of Daigoji Temple in a variety of styles, using motifs such as cherry blossoms, gardens, lotus flowers, and Buddhist statues.
Visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves of Akita while thinking of the cherry blossoms of Kyoto through art, taking in two kinds of beauty that cross regions and seasons.
19 Prize-Winning Works From the 2nd EL CAMINO ART AWARD
The exhibition features 19 prize-winning works from the 2nd EL CAMINO ART AWARD, all created on the theme of the World Heritage Site Daigoji Temple.
Works include 「風と土と醍醐の桜」 by 幸山ひかり, the Gold Prize winner, "A Wish at Daigoji Temple" by 平野早依子, the Silver Prize winner, and 「醍醐の桜不動紋」 by ERINA MUKAIJO, a Special Prize winner. Each artist expresses the charm of Daigoji Temple from their own perspective.
Although they all come from the same theme, the 19 works differ in color, composition, and technique, offering a fresh way to enjoy Japan's history and culture.
The exhibition follows the first painting exhibition held from September 1 to September 30, 2026, which displayed 25 works by 中島淳一. The second exhibition changes the subject significantly and presents the world of history and culture as drawn by contemporary artists.
Akita Art Village aims to create ongoing encounters with artworks and artists beyond a single exhibition, and to share the appeal of diverse art from the region.
Details of the works and artists: https://warabi.jp/lp/daigoji/
Enjoy Art Along With Autumn Sightseeing in Senboku
Senboku City, where Akita Art Village is located, hosts events during the autumn leaves season that can be enjoyed together with sightseeing.
Kakunodate Samurai Residences Street Autumn Leaves Light-Up 2026
- Dates: October 16, 2026 (Friday) to November 23, 2026 (Monday, holiday)
- Lighting hours: 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Location: Kakunodate Samurai Residences Street
Visitors can enjoy a scene unique to Kakunodate, where the black plank fences of the historic samurai residences contrast with brilliant autumn leaves. The autumn leaves are also illuminated at night, showing a different look from the daytime.
7 minutes by car from Akita Art Village Senboku Workplex
Dakigaeri Autumn Leaves Festival
- Dates: October 20, 2026 (Tuesday) to November 15, 2026 (Sunday)
- Location: Dakigaeri Gorge, Tazawako Sotsuda (田沢湖卒田), Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
Dakigaeri Gorge is known as a spot for both fresh greenery and autumn leaves. Besides the scenery of the gorge, various events are planned during the festival period.
7 minutes by car from Akita Art Village Senboku Workplex
After enjoying the autumn leaves and the historic townscape, visitors can stop by the special painting exhibition at Akita Art Village. Combining nature walks with art appreciation offers a more varied way to experience Senboku in autumn.
The best time to see autumn leaves varies by location and weather conditions. Please check official sightseeing information, such as that from Senboku City and the Tazawako-Kakunodate Tourism Association (田沢湖角館観光協会), for the latest details.
An Autumn Day at Akita Art Village: Paintings, Theater, Hot Springs, and Meals
In addition to the painting exhibition, Akita Art Village offers performing arts, hot springs, and food that let visitors experience Akita's culture.
Theater: Warabi Theater
At Warabi Theater (わらび劇場) in Akita Art Village, the theater company Warabi-za (劇団わらび座) performs stage works including original musicals.
Warabi-za was founded in 1951 and is based in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture. It performs original works based on Japan's folk traditions across the country, and it celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2026.
Warabi-za 75th anniversary commemorative production, figure theater 「黒紙の魔術師と白銀の龍」
Details and tickets: https://warabi.jp/
Hot Springs: Onsen Yupopo
On the grounds is Onsen Yupopo (温泉ゆぽぽ), which has a hot spring and accommodation, so visitors can combine sightseeing and theater with a stay. Relaxing in the hot spring after an autumn leaves walk is one way to spend autumn with Akita Art Village as a base.
Local Craft Beer: Tazawako Beer
The local craft beer Tazawako Beer (田沢湖ビール) is another attraction of Akita Art Village, to be enjoyed along with art and theater during a stay in Akita.
Exhibition Details
- Name: Special Painting Exhibition on the Theme of Daigoji Temple (醍醐寺をテーマにした特別絵画展)
- Dates: October 17, 2026 (Saturday) to November 30, 2026 (Monday)
- Venue: Akita Art Village Senboku Workplex (あきた芸術村 センボク・ワークプレックス)
- Address: Akita Prefecture, Senboku City, 田沢湖卒田字早稲田430
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays
- Admission: 1,500 yen
- Organizer: Akita Art Village Co., Ltd. (株式会社あきた芸術村)
- Access: About 7 minutes from JR Akita Shinkansen Kakunodate Station by route bus or reservation-based free shuttle bus. It takes about 3 hours by Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kakunodate Station.
- Official website: https://warabi.jp/lp/daigoji/
Please check the official website before your visit for the admission reception and payment location.
