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    Naoshima Naoshima - Japanese

    Amongst the 3,000 islands that pepper the Seto Island Sea lies Naoshima, a tiny island known for its sandy beaches, relaxed atmosphere and most importantly its extraordinary collection of modern art.

    Naoshima Map

    “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 of the mainland.”

    Claire Brothers, Sales Team Leader

    A small island with a population of just 3,400, Naoshima first came to prominence in 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, combines individually designed guestrooms with gallery space to create an entirely original and completely unique accommodation experience.

    Since the opening of Benesse House, Naoshima's artistic credentials have gone from strength to strength. Today, visitors will find the island scattered with galleries and installations - not just housed in conventional museums but in disused shrines, ordinary houses, old workshops, and out on the beaches.

    In 1998, the artist Tatsuo Miyajima began the celebrated "Art House Project", whereby abandoned houses on Naoshima have been turned into works of art. These buildings, of which there are now seven, are shaped by Japanese tradition and aesthetics, weaving in the history and memories of the period when the houses were built.

    The Chichu Museum, meanwhile, was established in 2004 and contains works from Claude Monet, Walter De Maria and James Turrell housed in buildings designed by Tadao Ando. Though the museum itself is mainly underground in order not to impose on the natural scenery, one of its most celebrated features is the way it makes use of natural light to bring the artworks to life. Watching as the light ripples across Monet's Water Lilies, you can hardly help but be spellbound.

    Even for those who know Japan well, Naoshima is refreshing, unexpected, and utterly unlike anything else you'll experience on your trip. Through the originality and industry of a few innovative artists, architects and thinkers, a lovely yet obscure fishing island has turned itself into one of Japan's most fascinating destinations: it is a truly remarkable success story.

    While visiting Naoshima, we highly recommend paying a visit to the delightfully kitsch "I Love Yuu" bathhouse (a play on words: yuu means "hot water" in Japanese). Designed by artist Otake Shinro, this unique twist on the traditional Japanese pastime of hot spring bathing features video displays, stained glass, tiled mosaics, erotica, and even a giant elephant statue.

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    • Accommodation
    • Experiences
    • Weather & Climate

    Recommended Accommodation in Naoshima

    The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Naoshima.

    • Benesse House  Image
      Naoshima
      Benesse House

      Deluxe

    • Wright Style Image
      Naoshima
      Wright Style

      Budget

    • Aoitori Guest House Image
      Naoshima
      Aoitori Guest House

      Budget

    Experiences in Naoshima

    Naoshima offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

    • Tadao Ando's architecture Image
      Tadao Ando's architecture

      Read more >

    • I Love Yuu bath house  Image
      I Love Yuu bath house

      Read more >

    • Setouchi Art Festival Image
      Setouchi Art Festival

      Read more >

    • Monet's Water Lilies Image
      Monet's Water Lilies

      Read more >

    Weather in Naoshima

    The Climate Guide for Naoshima, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Max Daytime Temperature (°C) 9 9 12 18 22 26 30 31 27 22 16 11
    Min Night-time Temperature (°C) 1 1 3 9 13 18 22 23 19 13 8 3
    Hours of Sunshine (Daily) 5 5 6 6 7 5 6 7 5 5 5 5
    Hours of Daylight (Daily) 10 11 12 13 14 14 14 13 12 11 10 10
    Heat and Humidity Discomfort None None None None None Low High High Moderate None None None
    Days with some Rainfall 15 15 16 14 14 16 16 13 16 13 11 13
    Monthly Rainfall (mm) 33 49 83 111 122 191 148 110 198 96 58 27
    UV Index (Maximum) 3 4 6 8 9 10 11 10 8 6 4 3
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    Tour Gallery

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    Make an Enquiry

    For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

    Make an Enquiry

    For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

    • View our Gallery > Naoshima Gallery
    • Video Gallery > Watch video Naoshima Video Gallery

    Featured trips including Naoshima

    • Japan Arts Trail

      Self-Guided Adventure

      Japan Arts Trail (Deluxe)

      • Tokyo
      • Kawaguchiko
      • Matsumoto
      • Kyoto
      • Matsue
      • Naoshima
      • Tokyo

      This deluxe itinerary introduces the best of Japan's arts scene, with five-star accommodation, exclusive experiences and top-class cuisine included.

      14 nights: from US$13897 pp (twin share) Read more >

      View more Self-Guided Adventures

    • Japan Arts Trail

      Self-Guided Adventure

      Japan Arts Trail (Superior)

      • Tokyo
      • Kawaguchiko
      • Matsumoto
      • Kyoto
      • Matsue
      • Naoshima
      • Tokyo

      A superior 14-night itinerary for those who want to discover Japan's exciting arts scene in comfort and style.

      14 nights: from US$6240 pp (twin share) Read more >

      View more Self-Guided Adventures

    • Japan Arts Trail

      Self-Guided Adventure

      Japan Arts Trail (Classic)

      • Tokyo
      • Kawaguchiko
      • Matsumoto
      • Kyoto
      • Matsue
      • Naoshima
      • Tokyo

      The best of Japan's arts scene, from Naoshima "Art Island" to the Adachi Museum, with moderate accommodation and some delicious meals included.

      14 nights: from US$3666 pp (twin share) Read more >

      View more Self-Guided Adventures

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    Order a brochure or enquire today

    If you'd like any help or want to know more about Japan, feel free to either enquire today, give our Japan travel experts a call, or why not get one of our beautiful Japan brochures.

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