Family Art Adventure on Naoshima Island

Island Hopping: Teshima's Artistic Serenity

Day 6 on Naoshima Island was a blend of serene art, delightful culinary experiences, and the simple joys of family travel. We ventured beyond Naoshima to the tranquil island of Teshima, and then returned to explore more of Naoshima's hidden gems. It was a day that touched our souls and reminded us of the beauty in simplicity.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ebisukamo. The cozy atmosphere and the promise of fresh seafood made it an ideal spot to fuel up for our adventures. I opted for the grilled yellowfin and rice, while Umar chose the garlic clams. Aisha, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by trying and enjoying the local pickled beans. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so rewarding – watching her embrace new flavors and experiences.

After breakfast, we hopped on a ferry to Teshima Island, eager to visit the renowned Teshima Art Museum.


Discover the Teshima Art Museum, where contemporary art transcends into nature, creating an inspiring and tranquil experience on Teshima Island.
The ferry ride itself was a treat, with the gentle sea breeze and the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. The islands dotting the horizon looked like emerald jewels scattered on a sapphire canvas.

Upon arrival, we made our way to the Teshima Art Museum. The museum is a collaborative masterpiece by architect Ryue Nishizawa and artist Rei Naito. The structure resembles a water droplet or a giant shell nestled into the landscape. Inside, the space is minimalist, with natural light streaming through openings in the ceiling, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Water droplets trickle across the floor, merging and separating, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow.

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

The experience was profoundly moving. The simplicity of the space allowed for deep contemplation, and I found myself lost in thought, reflecting on the beauty of nature and the passage of time. Aisha was equally captivated, chasing the water droplets and whispering about the shapes they formed. Umar, ever the pragmatist, was impressed by the architectural ingenuity and the way the building seamlessly blended with its surroundings.

Photography is not allowed inside the Teshima Art Museum, which I appreciated because it allowed us to be fully present in the moment. It was an experience that transcended the visual, engaging all our senses and leaving a lasting impression on our souls.

After the museum, we decided to explore more of Teshima. The island is much more rural compared to Naoshima, with terraced rice fields and quaint villages dotting the landscape. We walked through a charming village, admiring the traditional Japanese houses and the vibrant gardens. The locals were friendly and welcoming, offering us smiles and nods as we passed by.

For lunch, we headed back to Naoshima and made our way to Gumbo Hut Shioya.


Experience authentic Cajun cuisine at Gumbo Hut Shioya on Naoshima Island - where flavor meets art in an unforgettable dining adventure.
I had read about this place online and was intrigued by the idea of Cajun cuisine in the heart of Japan. The restaurant is small and cozy, with a retro vibe and a friendly owner. Buddy, the owner, welcomed us with open arms and shared stories of his travels through Louisiana and Mississippi.

I ordered the gumbo with shrimp, while Umar opted for the jambalaya. Aisha, surprisingly, chose the mac and cheese. The gumbo was delicious, with a rich, flavorful broth and generous portions of shrimp. It was a taste of the American South in the middle of Japan, and it was surprisingly comforting. Umar enjoyed his jambalaya, praising the spicy kick and the perfectly cooked rice. Aisha devoured her mac and cheese, declaring it the best she had ever tasted.

After lunch, we decided to explore more of Naoshima. We made our way to Uno Port to see Chinu, the Black Sea Bream of Uno.


Explore the artistic brilliance of Chinu - the Black Sea Bream of Uno, where recycled materials transform into stunning sculptures celebrating marine beauty.
This massive sculpture, made from recycled materials, is a whimsical and thought-provoking piece of art. It's a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the local artists, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation. Aisha was fascinated by the sculpture, pointing out the different materials used and marveling at the sheer size of the fish.

Our final stop for the day was Miyanoura Gallery 6.


Discover contemporary art in a serene setting at Miyanoura Gallery 6 on Naoshima, a unique blend of nature and creativity.
Once a Pachinko parlor, it has been transformed into a small art gallery. The current exhibition features stories from local island residents, offering a glimpse into the unique culture and history of the Seto Inland Sea. The stories were captivating, and I appreciated the way the gallery preserved and celebrated the voices of the community. Umar enjoyed the architecture of the space, noting how the original structure had been cleverly repurposed to create a modern and inviting gallery. Aisha enjoyed the colorful lighters that were on display.

Before dinner, we stopped by Honmura Lounge & Archive.


Explore art, culture, and local insights at Honmura Lounge & Archive, Naoshima's vibrant tourist information hub.
This multi-purpose space serves as an information center, ticket vendor, and shop. It's also a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere of Honmura. I picked up a few books about the Art House Project, while Umar enjoyed a cup of coffee. Aisha, of course, was drawn to the gift shop, where she found a cute Naoshima-themed keychain.

For dinner, we decided on Yayoda.


Discover Yayoda: A seafood haven in Naoshima offering exquisite Japanese cuisine with fresh local ingredients.
This seafood restaurant came highly recommended, and we were eager to try some local delicacies. The restaurant is small and unassuming, but the food was exceptional. I ordered the assorted sashimi, while Umar chose the grilled fish. Aisha, surprisingly, opted for the seafood tempura.

The sashimi was incredibly fresh, with a variety of flavors and textures that danced on my palate. Umar raved about his grilled fish, praising the delicate flavor and the perfectly crispy skin. Aisha loved her tempura, devouring every last piece with gusto. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with art, exploration, and family bonding.

As we walked back to My Lodge Naoshima, under the starlit sky, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me.


Discover affordable comfort at My Lodge Naoshima, an ideal base for exploring the art-laden island while enjoying local cuisine and free parking.
Today was a reminder of why we embarked on this journey in the first place – to experience new cultures, to connect with art and nature, and to create lasting memories with our family.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Naoshima's outdoor art installations, including Walking Ark, George Rickey Three Squares Vertical Diagonal, 1972-82, and La forêt des murmures. We'll also be trying out RestaurantEN for breakfast, NaoPAM/ Shima-Shoku-Do Miyanda for lunch, and Luke's Table for dinner. And, of course, we'll be making a stop at the 7-Eleven Naoshima Shop for some snacks and supplies. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us on this enchanting island.

Naoshima continues to surprise and delight us at every turn. I'm so grateful for this experience and for the opportunity to share it with my family. I hope our journey inspires you to embark on your own art adventure, wherever it may lead.