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Park & Garden

Particles of the Sky

📍 Karato-oka, Teshima, Tonosho-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa 761-4662, Japan (by Karato no Shimizu)
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3.6/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan
Category
Park & Garden
Duration
20-30 min
Address
Karato-oka, Teshima, Tonosho-cho, Shozu-gun, Kagawa 761-4662, Japan (by Karato no Shimizu)
Coordinates
34.4845, 134.0720

Introduction

'Particles in the Air / Karato' (Sora no Tsubu) is a permanent Setouchi Triennale work (No. te08) by Japanese artist Noe Aoki, standing at Karato-oka on **Teshima island** beside the Karato spring — not on Shodoshima itself. Legend says Kobo Daishi struck the ground here to release the 'Reisen Echisui' spring, whose constant-temperature water feeds the island's rice terraces; in 1929 four stone basins were built with strictly separated uses for drinking, washing vegetables and laundry, and the site remains a centre of local life and worship. Aoki linked weathering-steel rings that rise from the lid of an old water tank, the open circles slicing the sky into dancing 'particles' that seem to welcome rain and echo the island's water cycle. Explanatory panels and viewing platforms stand nearby; low morning or evening light reveals the lines best.

✨ Highlights

1
Noe Aoki, te08
A permanent outdoor Triennale work.
2
Steel rings
Weathering-steel circles rising from an old tank.
3
Karato spring
The 'Reisen Echisui' said to be struck by Kukai.
4
Four basins
Built 1929, uses strictly separated.
5
Water cycle
Welcoming rain, echoing the island's springs.
6
Free, all hours
Outdoor work; best in low morning or dusk light.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：★ Karato-oka, Teshima, by the Karato spring; not Shodoshima.
→Closed：None.
→Note：Island buses are infrequent; fix return ferry and bus times first.

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday00:00-23:59
Tuesday00:00-23:59
Wednesday00:00-23:59
Thursday00:00-23:59
Friday00:00-23:59
Saturday00:00-23:59
Sunday00:00-23:59

Outdoor permanent work, freely viewable at any hour, year-round; early morning or dusk light best reveals the rings; guided tours may run during the Triennale

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Free AdmissionFree to view

Artwork No. te08; reaching Teshima requires a ferry from Takamatsu, Uno or Tonosho, fares separate

Transportation

Bus

Island bus to Shimizu-mae from Karato or Ieura Port, 1 min walk

Note

★ On Teshima, not Shodoshima; buses are infrequent

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Particles of the Sky?

Monday: 00:00-23:59; Tuesday: 00:00-23:59; Wednesday: 00:00-23:59; Thursday: 00:00-23:59; Friday: 00:00-23:59; Saturday: 00:00-23:59; Sunday: 00:00-23:59; Outdoor permanent work, freely viewable at any hour, year-round; early morning or dusk light best reveals the rings; guided tours may run during the Triennale

How much is the admission for Particles of the Sky?

Free Admission: Free to view; Artwork No. te08; reaching Teshima requires a ferry from Takamatsu, Uno or Tonosho, fares separate

How long should I spend at Particles of the Sky?

A typical visit takes 20-30 min.

How do I get to Particles of the Sky?

Bus: Island bus to Shimizu-mae from Karato or Ieura Port, 1 min walk