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.
Getting there
The Oyu Onsen area is just under 20 minutes by taxi from Koide Station, which is served by the Joetsu Line and the Tadami Line.
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