Where Modern Art meets Ancient Seas

Curate
The Horizon.

Step into a living masterpiece. Cycle through fishing villages where Tadao Ando's concrete architecture meets the pulse of contemporary Japan.

Chichu & Benesse

Buried light and seaside stone.

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Chichu Museum

Built entirely underground to avoid disturbing the landscape. It uses only natural light to illuminate masterpieces by Monet and James Turrell.

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Benesse House

A museum where you can actually sleep. Every room features original art, and the gallery stays open for guests long after the day-trippers leave.

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The Ferry Port

Arrive at SANAA's minimalist ferry terminal. It sets the tone for the island: light, transparent, and effortlessly modern.

"Art House
Project."

In the village of Honmura, 200-year-old homes have been transformed into installations. Look for "Minamidera," where you sit in total darkness to discover the nature of sight.

Island Living

Naoshima is best explored on an electric bicycle. Feel the sea breeze as you glide between monumental outdoor sculptures and quiet shrines tucked into the hillside.

Traveler Tip

Most museums are closed on Mondays. Plan your trip for mid-week to avoid the crowds!

The Yellow Pumpkin

Yayoi Kusama’s iconic installation sits at the end of a pier, jutting out into the blue. It has survived typhoons and tides to become the unofficial symbol of Naoshima.

A Moment of Zen

"The pumpkin speaks to the sun. The sea answers in silence."

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Spot the Dots

Don't forget to visit the Red Pumpkin at the Miyanoura Port—you can actually step inside it to see the island through its polka-dot windows.

The canvas is endless.

"We are currently archiving the hidden installations of the nearby Teshima Island and the seasonal light shifts in the Lee Ufan Museum to build the most immersive art-path guide for your 2026 pilgrimage."

The ferry is departing. The guide is coming soon. Stay with us.

A Note to our Guests

Naoshima is not just a place to see art, but a place to see the world differently. Thank you for bringing your own perspective to our shores.

— The Naoshima Travel Team