Naoshima
Japan · Kagawa · 5 m
Description
Naoshima (直島) is a small island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, renowned worldwide as the country’s “Art Island”. The island combines contemporary art, exceptional architecture, and idyllic coastal landscapes into a unique cultural experience. Naoshima is shaped by the Benesse Art Site, with major institutions such as Tadao Ando’s Chichu Art Museum, the Benesse House Museum, and the Naoshima New Museum of Art, alongside numerous installations in traditional houses and outdoor settings. Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow “Pumpkin” by the sea has become a symbol of the island. Surrounded by quiet villages, beaches, and wooded hills, Naoshima creates a fascinating dialogue between art, architecture, and nature, making it one of Japan’s most distinctive destinations for art and design enthusiasts.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or October – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Chichu Art Museum
- Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin
- Art House Project in Honmura
- Benesse House Museum
- Lee Ufan Museum
- Yayoi Kusama's Red Pumpkin
- Naoshima New Museum of Art
- Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridors
- Valley Gallery
- Ando Museum
- Naoshima Bath 'I Love Yu'
- Honmura historic village
- Art House Project: Minamidera
- Art House Project: Kadoya
- Art House Project: Go'o Shrine
- Art House Project: Haisha
- Art House Project: Ishibashi
- Art House Project: Gokaisho
- Art House Project: Kinza
- Cycling around Naoshima
- Gotanji Beach
- Miyanoura Port
- Naoshima Pavilion
- Setouchi Triennale on Naoshima (April - November)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Uno
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry