Naoshima Art Island
Explore world-class contemporary art on Japan's pioneering art island
Naoshima's transformation from declining industrial island to international art destination began in 1992 when Fukutake Publishing (now Benesse Holdings) opened the Benesse House Museum, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. The visionary project aimed to revitalize the depopulating island while creating a unique environment where art, architecture, and nature coexist. The museum-hotel concept, where guests sleep surrounded by contemporary art, was revolutionary and attracted global attention to this small Seto Inland Sea island.
The success of Benesse House led to the Chichu Art Museum (2004), also designed by Ando and built almost entirely underground to preserve the landscape. This museum permanently displays works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria in purpose-built rooms creating profound art experiences. The Art House Project (begun 1998) transformed abandoned houses in Honmura village into art installations by international artists including James Turrell and Hiroshi Sugimoto, integrating contemporary art into everyday village life.
Today, Naoshima has become a model for art-led regional revitalization, inspiring similar projects across Japan and globally. The island attracts over 700,000 visitors annually despite its small size (population under 3,000). Yayoi Kusama's iconic yellow pumpkin sculptures have become symbols of the island. The Setouchi Triennale art festival (held every three years) further elevated Naoshima's international profile. The island demonstrates how art and architecture can revitalize rural communities while creating world-class cultural destinations that respect and enhance local identity.
Key Highlights
- Chichu Art Museum - underground museum by Tadao Ando with Monet, Turrell, De Maria
- Benesse House Museum - stay overnight surrounded by contemporary art
- Lee Ufan Museum showcasing minimalist artist's work
- Art House Project - abandoned houses transformed into art installations
- Yayoi Kusama's iconic yellow and red pumpkin sculptures
- Ando Museum exploring Tadao Ando's architecture
- I Love Yu public bathhouse designed by Shinro Ohtake
- Ferry access from Okayama (1 hour) - easy day trip or overnight
Access Information
Location
Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa 761-3110
Nearest Stations
- • Uno Port (Okayama) - 20-minute ferry to Naoshima Miyanoura Port
Opening Hours
Chichu Art Museum: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March-September), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October-February), closed Mondays. Benesse House Museum: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Lee Ufan Museum: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (March-September), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (October-February), closed Mondays. Art House Project: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, varies by house.
Admission Fee
Chichu Art Museum: ¥2,100 (advance online reservation required). Benesse House Museum: ¥1,300. Lee Ufan Museum: ¥1,050. Art House Project: ¥1,050 per house or ¥3,300 for all 6 houses. I Love Yu bathhouse: ¥660. Overnight at Benesse House: ¥45,000-¥120,000.
How to Get There
From Okayama
Take JR Uno Line from Okayama Station to Uno Station (50 min, ¥580), walk 3 minutes to Uno Port, take ferry to Naoshima Miyanoura Port (20 min, ¥300). Ferries run every 1-2 hours.
60 minutes
From Osaka/Kyoto
Take Shinkansen to Okayama (50-60 min), then local train and ferry as above (60 min). Total approximately 2-2.5 hours.
2-2.5 hours
From Takamatsu
Ferry from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima (60 min, ¥520, 4-5 ferries daily). Less frequent than Uno route.
60 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Chichu Museum Reservations
MUST book online in advance - entry by timed reservation only. Reservations open 3 months ahead and popular times sell out quickly. Book immediately when planning trip. No walk-ins accepted. Other museums don't require reservations but Chichu is the island's highlight. Plan island visit around your Chichu reservation time.
Getting Around Island
Bicycle rental essential for efficient island exploration (¥300-¥1,000/day at Miyanoura Port). Island has hills but manageable. Buses run but infrequent (¥100). Electric bicycles available for easier riding (¥1,000/day). Main museums spread across island - cycling between them takes 10-30 minutes. Walking possible but time-consuming.
One Day vs Overnight
Day trip possible but rushed - arrive on early ferry, depart on last ferry (6-7 hours on island). Overnight stay highly recommended to experience island's evening atmosphere and early morning museums without crowds. Benesse House allows overnight guests exclusive museum access times. Multiple accommodations available beyond Benesse House (¥8,000-¥15,000).
Museum Priorities
If time limited: Chichu Art Museum is must-see (2 hours). Benesse House Museum second priority (2 hours). Lee Ufan Museum minimalist and quick (1 hour). Art House Project requires visiting multiple village houses (3-4 hours for all). Prioritize based on interests and time. Full museum circuit requires 2 days.
Photography Rules
Photography prohibited inside all museums - strictly enforced. Can photograph building exteriors and outdoor sculptures. Yayoi Kusama's pumpkins are outdoor - photography encouraged. Plan to experience art without camera inside museums. Outdoor art and architecture provide ample photo opportunities around island.
Dining on Island
Limited restaurants - reserve ahead if specific place desired. Museum cafes serve lunch (¥1,500-¥3,000). Honmura village has small cafes and restaurants. Bring snacks and water for cycling. Convenience store at Miyanoura Port. Benesse House restaurant requires reservation (excellent but expensive, ¥8,000-¥15,000 per person).
Setouchi Triennale
Major contemporary art festival held every 3 years across Seto Inland Sea islands (next in 2025). During Triennale, Naoshima has additional temporary installations and extremely crowded. Book accommodations 6+ months ahead for Triennale period. Off-Triennale years offer quieter experience with permanent collection.
Practical Planning
Summer (June-August) very hot and humid - bring sun protection and water. Autumn (September-November) ideal weather. Museums closed Mondays (except Benesse House). Check ferry schedules carefully - missing last ferry problematic. Bring cash - limited ATMs on island. English signage good at major museums. Art appreciation mindset essential - this is serious art destination, not theme park.
FAQ
How long should I spend on Naoshima?
A full day allows you to visit the major museums (Benesse House Museum, Chichu Art Museum, Art House Project) and see outdoor installations. Art enthusiasts often stay overnight to fully experience the island without rushing. A very focused visit could be done in half a day but would be rushed.
Do I need to book museum tickets in advance?
Chichu Art Museum requires online advance reservations, especially on weekends and holidays. It's often fully booked days or weeks ahead during peak seasons. Other museums generally allow walk-in entry, but Benesse House Museum can have timed entry during busy periods. Book Chichu tickets early.
What is the red and yellow pumpkin?
Yayoi Kusama's iconic polka-dot pumpkin sculptures are Naoshima's most photographed artworks. The yellow pumpkin sits on a pier at Benesse Art Site, while the red pumpkin is near Miyanoura Port. Both are free to photograph and have become symbols of the island's art scene.
Can I rent bicycles on the island?
Yes, bicycle rental is available near the ports and is the most popular way to explore the island. The island is small and relatively flat, making cycling pleasant. Electric bicycles are available for easier riding. Buses also operate but bikes provide more flexibility and freedom.
Are there English explanations at the museums?
Most museums provide English pamphlets and many artworks have English descriptions. Chichu Art Museum and Benesse museums cater to international visitors with English support. The Art House Project has varying levels of English information. Language is less critical when experiencing visual art.
Can I take photos inside the museums?
Photography policies vary by museum and specific artworks. Chichu Art Museum prohibits photography inside. Benesse House Museum allows photography in some areas. Outdoor installations can generally be photographed. Always check signs and ask staff if unsure. Outdoor art is freely photographable.
Where should I stay on Naoshima?
Accommodation options include Benesse House (luxury hotel integrated with museum), guesthouses, and small hotels. Staying overnight allows early access to Benesse museums and experiencing the island without day-tripper crowds. Book well in advance, especially for weekends. Some visitors stay in nearby Uno or Takamatsu.
What is the Art House Project?
This project transforms traditional houses in Honmura village into art installations by renowned artists. Each house becomes a unique artwork space blending art and architecture. Individual tickets for each house or combination tickets are available. Allow 2-3 hours to experience all houses properly.
How do I get to Naoshima?
Ferries depart from Uno Port (Okayama Prefecture) taking 20 minutes, or from Takamatsu Port (Kagawa Prefecture) taking 50 minutes. Uno is the main access point. Check ferry schedules carefully as frequency varies. Some services require reservations. Missing the last ferry means staying overnight unexpectedly.
Is Naoshima suitable for children?
Older children interested in art may enjoy Naoshima, but younger children might find the contemporary art museums less engaging. The outdoor sculptures, cycling, and beach areas provide some child-friendly activities. Museums can require quiet contemplation. Consider children's interests and attention spans before visiting.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Kotohira-gu Shrine (Konpira-san)
Historic shrine requiring a 1,368-step climb, revered by sailors and maritime travelers for over 1,000 years with stunning mountain views.
Ritsurin Garden
One of Japan's most celebrated Edo-period landscape gardens, featuring meticulously designed ponds, sculpted pine trees, tea houses, and Mount Shiun as borrowed scenery backdrop.
Shodoshima Island
Scenic Seto Inland Sea island famous for olive groves, soy sauce breweries, Kankakei Gorge, and the Angel Road tidal sandbar.