Family Art Adventure on Naoshima Island

Finding Tranquility in Honmura's Art
Today was a day of gentle exploration in the Honmura district of Naoshima, a place where art and everyday life intertwine seamlessly. It’s amazing how this island continues to surprise me with its unique blend of creativity and calm. Umar, Aisha and I set out with open minds, ready to immerse ourselves in the local culture and artistic expressions that Honmura had to offer. It was a day of discovery, delicious food, and delightful moments that I'm excited to share.

Our morning started with a hearty breakfast at Cin.na.mon, a cozy café known for its Naoshima curry. The interior was inviting, with its wooden walls and relaxed atmosphere. I opted for their seafood curry, and it was absolutely divine. The fresh seafood, sourced locally, added a unique depth of flavor to the spicy and aromatic curry. Aisha, surprisingly, enjoyed a smaller portion of the curry as well, while Umar went for a traditional Japanese breakfast set. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. Cin.na.mon seems to blend seamlessly into Naoshima's serene streetscape, marked only by a small, inviting sign. The natural light flooding the interior created a bright and open atmosphere, making it a tranquil spot to start the day.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors in an artistic setting at Cin.na.mon, Naoshima's charming café and restaurant.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Ando Museum. This museum is dedicated to the works of Tadao Ando, the architect behind many of Naoshima's iconic structures. What’s fascinating about this museum is its design. From the outside, it looks like a regular, traditional Japanese residence, blending perfectly into the neighborhood. However, the inside is a different world altogether. Ando has combined the traditional interior design with his signature use of concrete, creating an intriguing contrast between the old and the new. It felt like stepping into a different dimension, where the past and present coexist in harmony. The museum provided a comprehensive overview of Ando's activities on Naoshima and elsewhere, with explanatory signs, photographs, and models detailing his architectural journey.


Discover the Ando Museum in Naoshima, a stunning fusion of contemporary art and architecture by Tadao Ando, set against a backdrop of natural beauty.

As we strolled through Honmura, I couldn't help but appreciate the town's commitment to preserving its traditional architecture. The smoked cedar board walls and traditional roof tiles gave the area a distinct charm, making it feel like stepping back in time. It’s this blend of the old and the new that makes Honmura so special, with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered around every corner.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Next on our itinerary was the Honmura Lounge & Archive. This place serves as an information center for the Art House Project, a unique initiative that transforms abandoned houses, temples, and shrines into art installations. The lounge itself is housed in a former agricultural cooperative supermarket, retaining much of its original architecture. It was fascinating to learn about the artists and architects involved in the Art House Project and to get a sense of the history and stories behind each installation. We purchased our tickets here, excited to explore the various art houses scattered throughout the town.


Explore Naoshima's artistic essence at Honmura Lounge & Archive, where culture meets relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.

The Art House Project is an immersive experience that encourages visitors to explore the town and discover art in unexpected places. We visited several of the art houses, each offering a unique perspective and artistic vision. One of my favorites was Haisha, the former home and office of a local dentist that has been converted into a gallery for large sculptures. The artworks were spread across different floors of the two-storied house, creating a sense of discovery as we moved from room to room. Aisha was particularly intrigued by the replica of the Statue of Liberty, a whimsical addition to the space. Another standout was Gokaisho, built on the site of a gathering place where people came to play go, a type of Japanese chess. The hand-carved wooden camellia flowers arranged on the tatami mat floors were exquisite, and the small garden with real camellia flowers added a touch of serenity to the space.


After immersing ourselves in the Art House Project, we were ready for lunch. We decided to try Little Plum, a café-bar housed in a renovated marine container. The atmosphere was vibrant and open, with a red tent marking its presence. I opted for their homemade dry curry, while Umar tried the curried pilaf. Both were delicious and satisfying, and we enjoyed them with refreshing Naoshima beer. Aisha was thrilled with her juice. Little Plum is known for its wide variety of drinks, including about 100 different kinds of cocktails. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment.


Experience the essence of Naoshima at Little Plum, where local flavors meet warm hospitality in a serene setting.

In the afternoon, we visited the Seaside Gallery, a Tadao Ando-designed gallery located in a terraced plaza on the south side of Benesse House Museum. The gallery overlooks the ocean, offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. The space is long and narrow, with light pouring in through a large opening facing the east. The Seaside Gallery is not just about viewing art; it's about engaging with the creative process and fostering a dialogue between artists and art appreciators. It felt like a modern art haven, where the beauty of nature and the creativity of humans come together in perfect harmony.


Experience the intersection of contemporary art and nature at the Seaside Gallery on Naoshima Island, a must-visit modern art museum.

As the day drew to a close, we treated ourselves to dinner at Nagomi, a communal canteen-like restaurant. The cozy interiors and friendly staff created a welcoming atmosphere, and we enjoyed interacting with other travelers and locals over shared tables. The menu featured a variety of local dishes, and we opted for a selection of seasonal fish and miso soup. It was a comforting and satisfying meal, a perfect way to end a day of exploration.


Discover Nagomi in Naoshima - where authentic Japanese dining meets community spirit in a cozy setting.

Before heading back to My Lodge Naoshima, Umar and I decided to check out BAR Queen's-Q Naoshima for a nightcap. We were pleasantly surprised to find an authentic coffee and cocktail bar on the island. The bartender was skilled and made us classic cocktails to our liking. It was a relaxing way to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. Aisha was fast asleep by then, so it was a real treat for Umar and I to have some time together.


Discover the serene ambiance and exquisite drinks at BAR Queen's-Q Naoshima, the perfect retreat after exploring the island's art and culture.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the natural side of Naoshima, with visits to Tsunosaki, Naoshima Fishing Park, and Yokobou Park. I’m looking forward to seeing a different facet of this island, away from the art museums and installations. I'm sure Aisha will be happy to spend some time outdoors, running around and enjoying the fresh air. Maybe I'll even try my hand at fishing!

Today in Honmura was a reminder that art is not confined to museums and galleries; it's woven into the fabric of everyday life. It’s in the architecture, the food, the conversations, and the connections we make with the people around us. Naoshima continues to inspire me, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.