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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Naoshima.
Welcome to the island of art, where each corner is a canvas and every piece of architecture an art installation.
Naoshima, Japan’s hidden gem of creativity and innovation, invites you to embark on a journey where your senses will be heightened, your perspective broadened, and your soul nourished.
Whether you’re a lover of contemporary art, a seeker of cultural experiences, or simply in pursuit of beauty, Naoshima has something for you.
Get ready to ignite your imagination as we take you on a tour of the best things to do in Naoshima.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Naoshima:
1. Benesse House Museum
A contemporary art museum and hotel located on the island of Naoshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Explore the various galleries and installations featuring contemporary art from both Japanese and international artists. The museum also offers guided tours and hosts a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Don’t miss: The stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Seto Inland Sea from the outdoor terrace.
Be sure to also check out the hotel rooms which are designed by different artists and offer a unique accommodation experience.
Insider travel tips: Book your stay at the Benesse House well in advance as rooms fill up quickly. Consider visiting during the quieter shoulder seasons to avoid crowds.
Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes as the museum is spread out across multiple buildings and outdoor spaces.
2. Chichu Art Museum
Chichu Art Museum is a unique and stunning museum on the island of Naoshima in Japan that showcases contemporary art.
What to see or do: The museum houses works by renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell, all of which are displayed within purpose-built structures that are integrated seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty of the island, which is dotted with art installations and sculptures.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is arguably the room containing Monet’s Water Lilies series, which is displayed in a specially designed space that uses natural light to create an immersive experience.
Insider travel tips: – Visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance, as entry to the museum is strictly limited and tickets often sell out quickly.
3. Lee Ufan Museum
Lee Ufan Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Naoshima, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum features the works of Lee Ufan, a Korean painter, sculptor, and philosopher, and other contemporary art exhibitions. Visitors can wander through the tranquil landscape and enjoy the architectural beauty of the building.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the works of Lee Ufan, one of the most significant contemporary East Asian artists. The serene atmosphere of the museum is a perfect place to contemplate the harmony between art, nature, and architecture.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is small, so it won’t take much time to explore. However, visitors are required to reserve a time slot in advance.
4. Ando Museum
The Ando Museum is a small exhibition space located on the island of Naoshima, Japan, dedicated to the renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the carefully curated collection of architectural models, sketches, and photographs that showcase Ando’s signature minimalistic style. The museum also features a replica of Ando’s workspace, providing an insight into his design process.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the stunning concrete courtyard, which exemplifies Ando’s focus on light and shadow, as well as the adjacent Chichu Art Museum, designed by the architect himself.
Insider travel tips: – Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
5. Art House Project
A contemporary art museum located on the island of Naoshima, Japan.
What to see or do: The Art House Project consists of several abandoned houses and other structures that have been transformed into works of art by internationally acclaimed artists.
Visitors can explore the different houses and installations, each with their own unique theme and style.
Don’t miss: One of the most popular installations is “Kusama Pumpkin” by Yayoi Kusama, a giant yellow and black polka-dotted pumpkin sculpture located outside one of the houses.
Other must-see installations include “Haisha” by Shinro Ohtake and “Backside of the Moon” by James Turrell.
Insider travel tips: The Art House Project can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. It’s recommended to visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Also, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be exploring the houses on foot. Finally, be sure to take in the stunning island views and other art installations scattered throughout Naoshima.
6. Yayoi Kusama’s “Pumpkin”
A large, vibrant, yellow and black pumpkin sculpture created by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
What to see or do: Admire the outdoor sculpture and take photos of the pumpkin in its beautiful surroundings on Naoshima Island.
Don’t miss: The chance to see one of Kusama’s most iconic and recognizable works of art.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, and make sure to bring a camera to capture the pumpkin’s stunning colors in the natural light.
Take time to explore the rest of Naoshima Island, which is filled with other contemporary art installations and museums.
7. Naoshima Pavilion
A striking architectural structure designed by renowned Japanese architect, Sou Fujimoto, located on the island of Naoshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Naoshima Pavilion is a unique architectural masterpiece that seamlessly blends in with its natural surroundings.
Visitors can admire the beautiful structure from the outside, or experience the interior space and enjoy the stunning views from the top floor.
Don’t miss: The Pavilion is located close to Benesse House, an art museum that showcases contemporary art, making it an ideal spot for combining art and architecture.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful island and its art scene while visiting the Pavilion.
Insider travel tip: The Pavilion can be crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid long queues.
Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as Naoshima is best explored on foot.
8. Tsutsujiso Lodge
A traditional Japanese ryokan-style lodge on the island of Naoshima, known for its contemporary art installations.
What to see or do: Explore the island’s art museums and installations, such as the famous Yayoi Kusama’s “Pumpkin” sculpture and the Benesse House Museum. Enjoy the lodge’s beautiful garden and hot spring baths.
Don’t miss: The lodge’s delicious traditional kaiseki dinner, made with fresh local ingredients. Take a walk to the nearby Tsutsuji Shrine for a glimpse of a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine.
Insider travel tips: Book in advance as the lodge fills up quickly, especially during peak season. Rent a bicycle to explore the island more easily.
Ask the staff for recommendations on lesser-known art installations to visit.
9. Honmura District
A charming and artistic district located on the island of Naoshima, known for its contemporary art installations and traditional Japanese architecture.
What to see or do: Visit the Art House Project, which features installations by contemporary artists in traditional Japanese houses. See the outdoor sculptures throughout the district, including works by Yayoi Kusama and James Turrell.
Walk the streets and admire the stunning architecture, including the Honmura Lounge & Archive designed by architect Tadao Ando.
Don’t miss: The Benesse House Museum, which combines an art museum with a boutique hotel. The museum’s collection includes works by Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and many other contemporary artists.
Insider travel tips: Rent a bike to explore the island and take in the beautiful scenery.
Visit during the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival held every three years in the Seto Inland Sea, which includes Naoshima and other nearby islands.
Be sure to check the ferry schedule to ensure you have enough time to explore the island at your leisure.
10. Naoshima Bath
The Naoshima Bath, also known as I♥︎湯 (I Love Yu), is an art installation and public bathhouse located on the island of Naoshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors to the Naoshima Bath can take a relaxing soak in the warm waters while admiring the surrounding contemporary art installations by various artists, including Shinro Ohtake and Pipilotti Rist.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese bathhouse in a unique and artistic setting. Be sure to check out the various artwork throughout the bathhouse, including the intricate tile designs and hand-painted murals.
Insider travel tips: – Towels and toiletries can be rented for an additional fee, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own.
11. Gokaisho
Gokaisho is a contemporary art museum located on the island of Naoshima in Japan.
What to see or do: The museum features a stunning collection of contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Richard Artschwager, and Bruce Nauman.
Visitors can also take in the unique architectural design of the museum building itself.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out Yayoi Kusama’s “Pumpkin,” a unique sculpture that has become an iconic symbol of Naoshima.
Insider travel tips: To beat the crowds, visit the museum early in the morning or late in the day. It’s also a good idea to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
And don’t forget to take some time to explore the rest of Naoshima Island, which is home to several other amazing contemporary art museums and outdoor installations.
12. Go’o Shrine
Go’o Shrine is a picturesque Shinto shrine located on the island of Naoshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll around the serene grounds and admire the traditional architecture and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. The shrine’s vermilion torii gate is a popular photo spot.
Don’t miss: The giant camphor tree on the grounds is said to be over 800 years old and is considered a natural monument of Japan.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many steps to climb to reach the shrine.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful views.
13. Tom Na H-iu
Tom Na H-iu is a public art project in Naoshima, a small island known for its contemporary art museums and installations.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the outdoor installation, which is made up of giant stone sculptures, each weighing up to 18 tons. The sculptures are arranged in a way that allows visitors to walk through and interact with them.
Don’t miss: Make sure to catch the sculptures at different times of day to see how the light and shadows change their appearance.
Insider travel tips: Tom Na H-iu is an open-air installation, so plan accordingly for weather conditions. Bring comfortable shoes as there is a bit of walking involved in seeing everything.
The artwork is best accessed by bicycle, which can be rented on the island.
14. Soy Sauce Factory
A soy sauce factory that has been turned into an art installation on the island of Naoshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the factory and see the various artworks created by artist Shinro Ohtake. The factory has been transformed into an immersive art experience with colorful murals, sculptures, and installations throughout the space.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to learn about the soy sauce making process and try some of the delicious soy sauce produced on site.
Also, make sure to check out the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea from the factory.
Insider travel tips:
15. Naoshima Beach
Naoshima Beach, also known as the “Art Beach,” is a man-made beach on Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan.
It is part of the Benesse Art Site, which includes several art museums and outdoor sculptures.
What to see or do: The beach itself is a work of art, designed by architect Tadao Ando to blend with the natural landscape. Visitors can relax on the sand or swim in the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
The beach is also an ideal spot for sunset views.
Don’t miss: The beach is located near the Benesse House Museum, which features contemporary art installations and stunning views of the sea.
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Chichu Art Museum, showcasing works by Claude Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to visit Naoshima Beach during weekdays to avoid crowds on weekends.