Step into a living masterpiece. Cycle through fishing villages where Tadao Ando's concrete architecture meets the pulse of contemporary Japan.
Buried light and seaside stone.
Built entirely underground to avoid disturbing the landscape. It uses only natural light to illuminate masterpieces by Monet and James Turrell.
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.
Arrive at SANAA's minimalist ferry terminal. It sets the tone for the island: light, transparent, and effortlessly modern.
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.
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!
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.
"The pumpkin speaks to the sun. The sea answers in silence."
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.
March - May. The most comfortable time for cycling. The island is dotted with wild cherry blossoms that contrast beautifully against the grey concrete of Tadao Ando’s architecture.
June - August. Intense blue skies and sparkling water. This is when the outdoor sculptures feel most vibrant, though the midday heat requires a fast electric bike.
September - November. The light turns golden and crisp. Ideal for the Art House Project in Honmura, where the shadows play deep against the ancient wood.
December - February. The island is quiet and contemplative. Perfect for those who want the Chichu Museum to themselves to experience the art in silence.
The Seto Inland Sea is known for its stable, sunny weather—perfect for outdoor installations.
Sharp Light.
Chilly Sea Breeze.
Mild Days.
Cycling Perfection.
High Sun.
Intense Blue Seas.
Golden Hue.
Crisp Art Walks.
Note: Naoshima has a "Mediterranean" feel. Sun protection is vital in Summer, even when on a bike.
Before the art, Naoshima was an industrial hub for copper refining. The Mitsubishi Materials refinery still operates on the north side of the island.
The island's transformation was funded by the Benesse Corporation, which made its fortune in education and... publishing. It was a vision to save a dying island.
Teshima, the neighboring island, houses an art museum that is just a single teardrop-shaped concrete shell with two holes in the roof.
Haisha, part of the Art House Project, used to be a local dentist's home. Now it houses a two-story Statue of Liberty inside.
While tourists come for the pumpkins, the island is actually ruled by its huge population of stray cats who lounge on the warm stone piers.
Pritzker Prize-winner **Tadao Ando** has defined Naoshima's skyline. His work is a dialogue between smooth, "silk-like" concrete and the natural play of light and shadow.
"I do not believe architecture should even speak too much. It should remain silent and let the nature in the guise of sunlight and wind speak."
— Tadao AndoA collaboration between Ando and James Turrell. Built on the site of a former temple, this wooden structure houses a sensory-deprivation experience that challenges your perception of light.
A 100-year-old traditional house in Honmura that contains a surprising inner core of concrete. It is a microcosm of Naoshima’s blend of old and new.
Part of Benesse House, this six-room sanctuary is built around a central, sky-facing pool. It is accessible only by a private monorail, representing the peak of island exclusivity.
Ando’s use of negative space is best seen in the stone plazas connecting the museums. These areas are designed for visitors to pause and listen to the Seto Inland Sea.
Two distinct villages, one shared canvas.
The Gateway & The Pulse
This is where your journey begins. Miyanoura is the island's main port, home to the **Red Pumpkin**, the **"I Love Yu" Sento**, and the majority of the island's small bars and cafes. It's vibrant, functional, and carries the industrial soul of the island.
The Living Gallery
The quiet heart of Naoshima. Honmura is a residential fishing village where the **Art House Project** lives. Walking through these narrow lanes feels like a treasure hunt, where every 200-year-old wooden wall might hide a million-dollar installation.
Step off the ferry and immediately secure an electric bicycle. Head straight to the Red Pumpkin for your first photo before the crowds arrive.
Experience the subterranean genius of Tadao Ando. Ensure you have pre-booked your timed entry online, slots sell out weeks in advance.
Wander through the old village. Visit 'Minamidera' and 'Ishibashi' to see how contemporary art breathes life into 200-year-old wooden structures.
End your day at the "I ♥湯" (I Love Yu) bathhouse. It’s a fully functional Sento covered in pop-art collages and an elephant statue.
Take the JR Line from Okayama to Uno Station. The ferry takes just 20 minutes and drops you at Miyanoura Port (The Red Pumpkin side).
If you are coming from Shikoku, take the ferry from Takamatsu Port. It takes about 50-60 minutes and offers incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea.
"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