A DAY TRIP TO JAPAN’S ART ISLAND - NAOSHIMA
Naoshima, known as Japan's Art Island, is a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea and one of my absolute favorite places in Japan. It's home to whimsical sculptures and installations, modern museums and galleries with stunning architecture by Tadao Ando, artworks by Yayoi Kusama and Lee Ufan - all enveloped in a serene ambiance amidst breathtaking scenery.
How to get to Naoshima:
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka to Okayama.
From there, take a regional train or private car south to Uno, a harbor town about an hour away.
Then, take a short 20-minute ferry ride from Uno to the Miyanoura Port of Naoshima.
While Naoshima is suitable for a day trip, I recommend extending your stay at Benesse House, an architectural gem designed by Tadao Ando, by at least a night or two so you can enjoy the town to the fullest without feeling rushed.
Getting around Naoshima:
Once on Naoshima, getting around is relatively easy. Guests of Benesse House can enjoy the convenience of a hotel shuttle that will take them to the island's main art sites.
For non-guests, there are a few options - from renting a Yayoi Kusama-themed car to riding over the hills on electric bicycles.
What to see on Naoshima:
Below are some of my favorite places on Naoshima Island
Chichu Art Museum
This museum is a must-see gem on Naoshima. Designed by the visionary Tadao Ando, this underground marvel harnesses natural light to transform artworks throughout the day—making every visit a unique experience.
Inside, discover a curated collection featuring masters like Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. Don't miss the chance to catch the Open Sky Night program on Fridays and Saturdays, where James Turrell's "Open Sky" takes center stage at sunset—an unforgettable sight.
Benesse House Museum
Once you've soaked in the artistic wonders of Chichu, venture to the heart of the island to explore Benesse House. This museum-hotel boasts a treasure trove of contemporary artworks by luminaries like Hiroshi Sugimoto, Gerhard Richter, and David Hockney, among others.
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin
No visit to Naoshima is complete without encountering Yayoi Kusama's iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture - with its distinctive dotted exterior and sunny hue located on the island's coastline, the Yellow Pumpkin is a symbol of Kusama's boundless imagination and playful spirit. As you approach this work of art, you can't help but be drawn to its magnetic presence, radiating warmth against the backdrop of the azure blue sea.
Lee Ufan Gallery
The Lee Ufan Gallery impresses with its minimalist elegance and invites you to immerse yourselves in the serene world of the well-known artist Lee Ufan. Here you will find his thought-provoking sculptures and paintings that reflect the harmony between nature and human existence.
Valley Gallery
Just a stone's throw away is the Valley Gallery, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery. Step into this verdant oasis and be transported into a realm of boundless imagination, where the vibrant works of Yayoi Kusama take center stage. Amidst the tranquil beauty of the garden, Kusama's iconic polka dots and whimsical sculptures come to life, offering a moment of peace and reflection.
Enjoy your visit to Naoshima Island, and also check out my posts about this place on Instagram and TikTok