Naoshima, a picturesque island in the Seto Inland Sea, offers a unique blend of contemporary art installations, serene natural landscapes, and a laid-back island atmosphere. Once a sleepy fishing village, Naoshima has transformed into a leading art destination, attracting visitors eager to experience a dynamic interplay between art, nature, and local heritage. From exploring world-renowned museums showcasing modern masterpieces to cycling through charming villages and soaking in natural hot springs, Naoshima promises a stimulating and enriching experience for art enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.
Artistic Canvas:
- Chichu Art Museum: Delve into the world of contemporary art at the Chichu Art Museum, a subterranean masterpiece designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. The museum seamlessly integrates art and architecture, showcasing permanent installations by James Turrell, Claude Monet, and Walter de Maria within a light-controlled environment. Prepare to be awestruck by the immersive and thought-provoking art experiences offered here.
- The Art House Project: Embark on a self-guided exploration of the Art House Project, a series of abandoned houses transformed into quirky and interactive art installations. Each house features unique artistic concepts, encouraging visitors to participate and engage with the artworks. Explore the “Kanayama House” adorned with yellow pumpkins, the mirrored “Ando Museum,” or the “Yellow Sign” house pulsating with vibrant colors.
- Benesse House Museum: Perched atop a hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the Benesse House Museum offers not only a stunning art collection but also breathtaking panoramic views. Explore the museum’s permanent collection featuring works by modern masters like Andy Warhol and Claude Monet, and take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Island Delights:
- Cycling Adventure: Rent a bicycle and explore the island at your own pace. Naoshima’s relatively flat terrain and well-maintained roads make cycling an enjoyable way to navigate charming villages, hidden coves, and art installations scattered throughout the island. Stop by local shops, grab a refreshing drink at a waterfront cafe, or simply soak up the tranquil island atmosphere.
- Honmura Area: Stroll through the charming Honmura area, a collection of narrow streets lined with traditional Japanese houses. Explore the numerous art installations seamlessly integrated into the neighborhood, browse through local craft shops, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant.
- Natural Hot Springs: After a day of exploring art and the island, unwind and rejuvenate at a natural hot spring (onsen) facility. Naoshima boasts several hot springs offering stunning views and the opportunity to relax in soothing geothermal waters. Consider visiting the Ikeda Onsen “I Love Yu” for a truly unique hot spring experience.
Local Flavors:
- Fresh Seafood: With its proximity to the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Sample delicious sushi featuring local catches, savor a steaming bowl of seafood donburi (rice bowl), or explore the lively fish markets where the freshest seasonal offerings are on display.
- Shoyu Cuisine: Kagawa Prefecture, where Naoshima is located, boasts a rich tradition of shoyu (soy sauce) production. Indulge in regional dishes that incorporate this flavorful ingredient, from savory noodles to marinated fish dishes.
- Island Delights: Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of Naoshima’s unique island specialties. Sample “amaebi” (sweet shrimp), a local delicacy, or grab a refreshing cup of “hiyashi chuuka” (cold ramen) on a hot summer day.
Naoshima offers a unique opportunity to combine your love of art with a serene island escape. From exploring world-class contemporary art installations and cycling through charming villages to relaxing in natural hot springs and indulging in delicious regional cuisine, Naoshima promises a stimulating and unforgettable experience for all types of travelers.
Things to do in Naoshima
Tickets and Passes
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Naoshima’s artistic treasures are accessible from key locations:
- Honshu Connections: Ferry connections serve as the primary mode of transportation for reaching Naoshima. Several ferries depart from Uno Port (Okayama Prefecture) and Takamatsu Port (Kagawa Prefecture), with travel times ranging from roughly 60 minutes to 2 hours depending on the chosen route and ferry type.
- Island Hopping: For travelers exploring the Seto Inland Sea region, ferry connections are available from neighboring islands like Teshima Island (Kagawa Prefecture) and Megijima Island (Okayama Prefecture). These connections allow you to experience the beauty of the island archipelago while island hopping.
- Limited Flights: While infrequent, some domestic flights connect Okayama Airport (OKJ) on Honshu to Naoshima Airport (SYT). Depending on your origin city, explore flight options or consider a combination of flights and ferry connections for a more flexible itinerary.
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Klook.com“Naoshima Tribute” by saitowitz is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.