6 Best Things to do in the Naoshima Island

Naoshima is best known for its famous Contemporary art museums and installations. It is an Island in Japan’s Seto Inland Se and part of Kagawa Prefecture. Naoshima museums equally showcase the art of modern artists around the world. You may just have seen pictures of a large pumpkin, but there is much to see and do on this paradisiac island. In this article, I will discuss some of the things to do in the Naoshima Island as well as different museums you should visit when planning to go to Naoshima

Top things you should do in Naoshima

Planning to go to Naoshima but you don’t know what to do or where to go there? No worries, this is a list of top things you should do during your trip.

1. Visit the Best Museums in Naoshima

Naoshima is home to numerous museums and contemporary artworks like painting, sculpture or drawing. It has many art galleries, each exhibiting various artwork you really need to see. Some of these museums you need to visit are:

Visiting the Chichu Art Museum

This is one of the most visited museums in Naoshima. Chichu Art Museum is a unique modern art museum built into the hillside. The first gallery displays artworks from Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” series. Then we have the work of James Turrell who uses light as a medium. Beside that we have the deepest part of the Chichu Art Museum which houses Walter De Maria’s installation “Time/Timeless/No Time”.

The Lee Ufan Museum

Another museum to visit is the Lee Ufan Museum. It was recently added to Naoshima and it features works of Korean contemporary artist Lee Ufan. This museum displays large installations made of stone, iron and concrete and equally some paintings in his earlier career.

Visiting the Ando Museum

The Ando Museum opened in March 2013. This museum is designed after Ando Tadao, one of the most famous architects in Japan who equally designed other museums still in Naoshima.

A Little tour in the Benesse House

This is a modern art museum and resort hotel on the southern coast of Naoshima Island. It has four building which are:

1. The museum
2. Oval
3. Park and
4. Beach

These buildings were all designed by Ando Tadao and it features unique artwork. The principal attraction of the Benesse House is it’s modern art museum. The museum exhibits works designed by different artists around the world.

Besides the art exhibited, there are approximately twenty other art pieces found on the lawns and beaches aroundthe the Benesse House plus the famous pumpkin.

2. Visit Best Art Galleries

Aside from Museums, you can also visit other art galleries that displays great artworks like

• Naoshima Honmura Gallery

• Miyanoura Gallery Rokku

3. Relax in the Naoshima I Lu Yu Public Bath

Nothing is better than relaxing in a hot bath while admiring artworks pieces around you. It’s a real feast for the eyes. In addition, this bath was created for social interaction between tourist from around the world and Japan. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience of the collaboration of a bathhouse and art.

4. Take part in Great Events and Festivals

Each year Naoshima hosts many events and festivals related to art and traditional cultures. some of these events are:

• Naoshima Himatsuri or Fire Festival is held every August and you have the chance to watch gorgeous firework shows.
• The art Setouchi. This event is held once every three years in Japan. If you are a fan of artwork, I recommend attending this event due to its abundance in modern art.
• Naoshima Akimatsuri. This event is held every year at three locations in Naoshima namely: Tsumuura, Miyanoura, and Honmura districts. In addition to this, each location held this event on separate days. So you have the opportunity to attend all or choose which day to attend a single event.

5. Visiting the Art House Project.

The next thing to do in Naoshima is visiting the Art House Project. This is a collection of abandoned houses, workshops, a temple and a shrine that have been converted into art installations and venues for contemporary art by artists and architects from Japan and abroad.

6. Buy Souvenirs

One of the best things to do in Naoshima is buying some awesome souvenirs for your loved one or as a token to remember all the beauties of this island.

Umino-eki Naoshima or Miyanoura ferry terminal is the best place to shop souvenirs

Other funny things to do in Naoshima island

1. Rent a bicycle
2. Visit the Giant Pumpkin
3. Take great pictures and selfies
4. Visit and eat in restaurants and stylish cafes

Best Places to stay in Naoshima

Some of the best places to rest while in Naoshima are:

1. Naoshima Furusato Umi No Ie Tsutsujiso
2. Benesse House
3. Yado Seven Beach
4. Guest Hous Oomiyake
5. One Rest Private House
6. Hoshikuzu

Top restaurants in Naoshima

Don’t forget to treat yourself with some authentic Japanese dishes during your stay in Naoshima. In order to facilitate things for you we have selected the best restaurant for you.

• Cafe Salon Naka-Oku

One of the few restaurants that opens in the evening. Their speciality is Naka-Oku. This restaurant opens all days of the week, from 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm.

• Shioya Diner

If you like enjoying your meal while listening to rock and roll music, you should definitely go to Shioya Diner. It is generally reputed for serving a combination of Japanese dish and American food. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 5pm to 8:45pm. 

• Museum Restaurant Issen

It’s known for its artful display of dishes. Menu in this restaurant changes along with the seasons. It is open from 7:30am to 9:30am, 11:30am to 2:30pm and 6pm to 9:45pm. 

Hopefully you should enjoy a tour with some of these things to do in Naoshima and have a great experience. I also recommend you visit these places in Tokyo or these great temples in Kyoto.

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