Destinations

Naoshima

Naoshima

“Officially my favourite place in Japan! Cycling around Naoshima on a sunny day, stopping off to enjoy the outdoor sculptures and installations, is the perfect antidote to the hectic cities on the mainland.”

Jocelyn Knightly Brown - Travel Consultant

Amongst the 3000 scattered islands of the Seto Island Sea lies Naoshima, an island known for its sandy beaches, relaxed atmosphere and most importantly the modern art.

A small island of just 3,400 people, Naoshima first came to the fore of the art world when Benesse House opened in 1992 with the theme of "coexistence of nature, architecture and art". The building, designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando, provides individually designed rooms alongside gallery space for contemporary art, installations and sculptures. Dotted around the museum and coastline are sculptures from artists at home and abroad, with yellow pumpkins out at sea, rocking squares of steel and boats sunk in to the sand. The Mediterranean atmosphere, sandy beaches and renowned sunny weather give the island a laid back, rural feel – seemingly light years away from the large cities merely a few hours away by train.

With the success of Benesse House came the Art House Project with artists renovating empty houses, transforming the house, the space inside and sometimes out into a new work of art. The houses and artworks are shaped by Japanese tradition and aesthetics, weaving in the history and memories of the period when the houses were homes. The Chichu museum, established in 2004, contains works from Claude Monet, Walter De Maria and James Turrell housed in buildings from Tadao Ando. The museum itself is mainly underground in order not to ruin the natural scenery, but receives plenty of natural light, changing the appearance of the artworks and the ambience of the space itself.

Hailed as one of the ‘seven places in the world you should see next’ by Conde Nast Traveller, Naoshima is a unique destination within Japan, with an international, original approach unlike anywhere else in the country. As part of the art route throughout the Inland Sea, a visit to the island takes you just a couple of hours from the main tourist route, but a long way from the ubiquitous crowds, high rises, shops and stereotypes found elsewhere.

Products featuring Naoshima...

Self Guided Adventure

Paths Less Travelled

Our Paths Less Travelled itinerary circumnavigates the valleys and mountains of beautiful rural Shikoku and includes time on the art island of Naoshima as well as stays in historic Kyoto and buzzing Osaka.

15 Nights: £1860

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