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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Teshima.
Teshima, a tiny island nestled in the Seto Inland Sea, is a breath of fresh air amidst the bustling cities of Japan.
A hidden gem that boasts stunning natural beauty, Teshima is a tranquil oasis that offers visitors a chance to escape reality and immerse themselves in art, culture, and outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re looking to explore the island’s winding paths and lush forests, delve into its rich history and architecture, or simply relax on its pristine beaches, Teshima is sure to captivate and charm you in ways you never thought possible.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Teshima:
1. Teshima Art Museum
An architectural marvel and contemporary art museum located on the island of Teshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Admire the unique architecture of the museum and witness the mesmerizing display of water droplets that fall from the ceiling and create natural and ever-changing shapes on the museum floor.
Enjoy the captivating artwork by Rei Naito that seamlessly blends with the museum’s serene surroundings.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind artistic and architectural marvel that is unlike anything else in the world.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the tranquility of the museum’s setting. Also, don’t forget to wear slip-on shoes as no shoes are allowed inside the museum.
2. Les Archives du Coeur
A unique sound art installation housed in a former soy sauce factory on the island of Teshima in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.
What to see or do: Explore the vast collection of heartbeats, collected from people around the world by artist Christian Boltanski over a period of 40 years, which are stored on 400 Japanese-made speakers.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to record your own heartbeat, which can be added to the archive.
Insider travel tips: Take a ferry from Takamatsu or Okayama and then catch a shuttle bus on the island. The installation is quite remote, so be sure to plan for enough time, and bring snacks and water.
It’s also only open on weekends and national holidays.
3. Teshima Yokoo House
Teshima Yokoo House is a unique art museum and minimalist home designed by the renowned Japanese artist, Tadanori Yokoo.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the sleek interior of the house which features striking minimalist decor and distinctive artwork by Yokoo. Enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding island from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the merging of art and architecture embodied by Teshima Yokoo House. The simplicity of the home’s design and the powerful art that inhabits it create a thought-provoking space for contemplation.
Insider travel tips: – Book in advance because entry is limited to a small number of visitors per day.
4. Shima Kitchen
A small cafe and restaurant located on the island of Teshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Visit Shima Kitchen for a delicious meal made with locally sourced ingredients and enjoy the beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Don’t miss: Trying their signature dish, the Teshima burger, made with fresh island beef and vegetables.
Insider travel tips: Shima Kitchen is a popular spot, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. It’s also a great place to stop for lunch while exploring the island’s art installations.
5. Teshima Island Tours
Teshima is a small island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea that has become an art haven, with several contemporary art museums and installations scattered throughout its rural landscape.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the island to explore the various art installations, including the Teshima Art Museum and the Teshima Yokoo House.
Relax and enjoy the serene and picturesque environment of the island, with its rolling hills and stunning sea views.
Don’t miss: Visit the Teshima 8 Million Lab, where you can plant a flower and add it to a collection of eight million flowers, all representing the world’s population.
Insider travel tips: Book in advance for tours, especially during peak season. Wear comfortable shoes and sun-protection as you’ll be walking a lot.
Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, such as the “Teshima curry,” a delicious dish made with local seafood and vegetables.
6. Kou Tsushima
Kou Tsushima is a small, secluded island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan.
It is part of the Teshima island group and is known for its beautiful natural scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and traditional rural lifestyle.
What to see or do: Explore the island’s picturesque landscapes, including lush green hills, winding paths, and scenic viewpoints. Take a stroll through the local farming villages and see the small-scale traditional agriculture that characterizes this area.
There are also some beautiful beaches around the island where you can relax or swim.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to visit Kou Tsushima’s famous eco-museum, which is a renowned center for art and nature. The museum is designed to showcase the beauty of the natural world and the connection between art and the environment.
Visitors can enjoy a range of exhibitions, galleries, and installations throughout the year.
Insider travel tips: Take the ferry to visit Kou Tsushima, there are limited services each day, so plan your trip in advance. The best time to visit is during the cherry blossom season in spring or the autumnal foliage season in October.
Pack light when you visit, as the island is small and doesn’t have many shops or restaurants.
7. Teshima Seaweed
A seaside farm on Teshima Island in Japan that specializes in the cultivation of high-quality seaweed.
What to see or do: Take a tour of the farm and see how the seaweed is grown and harvested. Learn about the different types of seaweed and their uses in Japanese cuisine.
Sample some seaweed-based snacks and products.
Don’t miss: Trying the farm’s signature seaweed soba noodles. Made with fresh Teshima seaweed, these noodles have a unique and delicious flavor.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to book your tour ahead of time, as the farm has limited availability. Wear comfortable shoes as the farm is located on uneven terrain.
Bring cash to purchase souvenirs and products made from Teshima seaweed.
8. Seaside Teshima
Seaside Teshima is a picturesque coastal town located on the small island of Teshima in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Take a stroll through the charming coastal village and admire traditional Japanese architecture.
Visit the Teshima Art Museum, designed by Ryue Nishizawa and featuring stunning exhibits showcasing art and nature.
Don’t miss: The famous Teshima Yokoo House, an impressive artwork and architecture project designed by Tadanori Yokoo. The incredible sunset views from the beach are worth staying for.
Insider travel tips: Explore the island on an electric bike, offering a unique and eco-friendly way to see the sights.
Visit during the Teshima Art Festival, held every three years, to experience an explosion of art and culture throughout the island.
Be sure to try the local seafood, which is fresh and delicious.
9. Teshima 8 Million Lab
An art installation on Teshima Island, Japan, created by artist Ryo Abe.
What to see or do: Experience a multisensory art installation that combines technology, art, and nature to create an otherworldly experience. The main attraction is a giant, interactive installation that is designed to replicate the movements of the ocean.
Visitors can control the waves with their movements, creating a unique and immersive experience.
Don’t miss: Make sure to explore the surrounding nature trails, which are dotted with other art installations, including a series of mirrored cubes and a giant pebble sculpture.
Insider travel tips: Plan your trip in advance and book your tickets ahead of time, as this is a popular attraction. Consider visiting at sunset to see the installation come to life in the changing light.
Bring comfortable shoes for the nature trails, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
10. Teshima Ferry Terminal
The Teshima Ferry Terminal is a modern and impressive transportation hub located on the island of Teshima in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Admire the striking architecture and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea from the terminal’s observation deck. Catch a ferry to the neighboring islands of Naoshima or Shodoshima, both popular for their contemporary art scenes.
Don’t miss: The terminal’s unique design featuring a curved roof made of 2,500 individual wooden boards, which create a wave-like effect. The terminal also houses a small cafe and souvenir shop.
Insider travel tips: The observation deck is the perfect place to take photos of the surrounding islands and sea. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance, especially in the off-season when there may be fewer departures.
11. Te-shima Galleria
Te-shima Galleria is a stunning art installation on the island of Teshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk through a tunnel filled with thousands of hanging glass crystals that refract the light and create dazzling rainbow patterns.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the galleria at different times of day and in different weather conditions. The changing light and weather can create a variety of unique and beautiful effects.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit to Teshima in coordination with the Setouchi Triennale, an art festival that takes place every three years in the Seto Inland Sea area.
12. Go’oo Shrine
Go’oo Shrine is a stunning Shinto shrine located on the island of Teshima in Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the picturesque grounds and admire the unique architecture of the shrine. Visitors can also see various artifacts relating to the area’s history and culture.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the expansive views of the Seto Inland Sea from the shrine’s location atop a hill.
Insider travel tips: If you can, try to visit during one of the shrine’s festivals, which are held several times a year.
Also, be sure to explore the rest of Teshima’s attractions, such as the Teshima Art Museum and the island’s beautiful beaches.
13. Teshima no Oka
Teshima no Oka is an art museum located on the picturesque island of Teshima in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.
What to see or do: The museum is a sprawling facility that features a variety of installations and exhibits that showcase the work of some of Japan’s top contemporary artists.
Highlights include a stunning glass stairway that leads up to the main exhibition space, as well as a variety of outdoor installations that take advantage of the museum’s hillside location.
Don’t miss: One of the standout exhibits at Teshima no Oka is a piece by artist Christian Boltanski that consists of thousands of old clothes arranged in a labyrinthine structure.
Visitors are invited to navigate the maze, which creates a powerful commentary on memory, mortality, and the nature of human connection.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning to visit Teshima no Oka, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the museum’s many exhibits and installations.
The museum is also located near the “art island” of Naoshima, which is home to a number of other art museums and galleries and is well worth a visit.
Finally, be sure to take in the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea from the top of the museum’s glass stairway, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
14. Teshima no Mori
Teshima no Mori is an art museum nestled in the forested hills of Teshima island, showcasing contemporary works of art that explore the relationship between nature and humanity.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of indoor and outdoor installations that are seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape. The museum features works by international artists including Olafur Eliasson, Rei Naito, and Rikako Nagashima.
Don’t miss: The museum’s signature work is the “Les Archives du Cœur” by Christian Boltanski, a sound installation that collects and plays heartbeat recordings from around the world.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to allot at least half a day to explore the museum and the surrounding area. Arrive early to beat the crowds and to have ample time to experience the artwork.
Visitors can also take advantage of the island’s many hiking trails to explore the beautiful natural surroundings.