At a glance
Culture
Art
Food
Off-the-beaten-path
Curator's statement
An art lover’s dream escape to a remote island. Both serene and awe-inducing, Naoshima is a must-stop on your trip to Japan. Aside from the art, it’s fascinating to be in a place that is so un-commercial. You’ll see other tourists, but nothing is too crowded and it all feels very peaceful.
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Things to do
Arts & culture
Naoshima is all about art and the experiences created around it. There are so many to choose from and the size of the island makes it easy to visit them all.
At the Chichu Art Museum, Claude Monet paintings meet Walter de Maria pieces in naturally-lit galleries, but the James Turrell installation is the true highlight. While sparse, the Lee Ufan Museum features a mix of paintings, sculptures, and installations by the artist in a beautiful environment. The Ando Museum, dedicated to Tadao Ando’s architecture, is also worth a stop.
Last but not least, the Benesse House Museum, located in the hotel’s main building, is open late for guests, which means you could have it all to yourself to explore at your leisure. There are also outdoor sculptures (by Yayoi Kusama, Walter De Maria, George Rickey and more) dotted all around the property.
A note from
David
I strongly recommend visiting Naoshima even if you don’t think you’re an art buff. Each site is designed to fully immerse yourself into the artwork, and to experience the spaces and pieces in multisensory ways. It’s also fascinating to be in such a remote, quiet place. Even though you’ll encounter other tourists, the island feels very serene.
Eat & drink
Breakfast & coffee
Benesse House Terrace Restaurant: The buffet is included when staying at Benesse House and the assortment of Japanese and Western breakfast foods will please everyone.
Mikazukishoten: A small coffee stand near the ferry station. The place is adorable and the coffee is A+++.
Shimacoya: This funny little coffee shop doubles as a bookstore, as well as a hostel. Great place to take a break between Art House stops.
Lunch & dinner
Cafe Salon Naka-Oku: This traditional Japanese restaurant is tucked away from the main town area. So delicious and cozy, especially when you sit on tatami mats or in the little nook with armchairs. Order the egg over rice with curry!
Issen at Benesse House Museum: If you want to try a traditional kaiseki meal, you’ll enjoy a lovely dining experience within the museum. It’s slightly overpriced, but worth it for the surroundings.
Things to know
Keep in mind
Many of the sites require that you remove your shoes upon entry. You’ll save time and hassle by choosing footwear you can easily slip on and off.
Getting around
Take a long walk (or go for a run) throughout the Benesse property, and you’ll discover many more sculptures and installations scattered around the park. Plus you’ll see more of the island, too!
If you have more time
Adjacent to Naoshima, Teshima island features more art installations and is well worth a visit, if you can spare another half day.
Curator
David Rosenberg
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Advisor
David Rosenberg
Advisor
David Rosenberg
