Family Art Adventure on Naoshima Island

Art and Ablutions: Adventures in Naoshima
Today was a day of embracing the quirky and the beautiful on Naoshima Island. From vibrant sculptures to a communal bathhouse, every corner held a surprise, sparking joy and wonder in all of us. It was a reminder of why we embarked on this artistic adventure in the first place – to open our minds, connect with each other, and find beauty in the unexpected.
maimai. I had read that they were known for their Naoshima Burger, made with local fish, but Aisha was in the mood for something familiar, so she had a plate of pancakes. Umar and I decided to try the local craft beer with our burgers, which was a refreshing start to a day of exploring. Fuelled up, we set out to see the famous pumpkins that have become synonymous with Naoshima Island.
Yellow Pumpkin. As we approached the Benesse Art Site, there it was, perched at the end of a pier, its vibrant yellow hue popping against the backdrop of the sea. Aisha was immediately captivated by the polka dots, running around it with glee. I remembered reading that Yayoi Kusama, the artist behind these pumpkins, has had a lifelong fascination with them, finding comfort and joy in their form.


Discover the iconic Yellow Pumpkin in Naoshima, a vibrant sculpture by Yayoi Kusama, blending contemporary art with stunning coastal views.
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.Red Pumpkin. This one was different – we could actually go inside! Aisha was thrilled, crawling through the holes and posing for pictures. It was a fun, interactive experience that brought out the child in all of us. The contrast between the two pumpkins was striking; the Yellow Pumpkin stood in serene solitude, while the Red Pumpkin was a hub of activity and playfulness.


Explore the vibrant Red Pumpkin in Naoshima, a masterpiece of contemporary art by Yayoi Kusama, set against stunning coastal views.
Okonomiyaki Umikko , a local spot known for its savory pancakes. Umar was excited, as Okonomiyaki is one of his favorite Japanese dishes, reminiscent of the street food we enjoyed during our brief stay in Osaka years ago. We all shared a large okonomiyaki, topped with generous amounts of bonito flakes and a sweet, tangy sauce. It was the perfect comfort food after a morning of exploring. Aisha enjoyed watching the chef cook our meal on a big hot plate.


Savor authentic okonomiyaki at Okonomiyaki Umikko on Naoshima Island—where every bite celebrates local flavors and culinary artistry.
Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu. I was a little apprehensive at first, as I had read that it was a traditional Japanese bathhouse, meaning we would be bathing in the nude. However, I also knew that it was a unique art installation by Shinro Ohtake, an artist also known for Haisha.


Experience the unique blend of relaxation and art at Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu, a must-visit destination for tranquility and cultural immersion.
Art Island Center. It was a great place to pick up some souvenirs and learn more about the local art scene. I bought a beautiful handcrafted notebook, while Aisha chose a colorful art set. It's wonderful to support local artisans and take home a piece of Naoshima's creative spirit.


Discover the serene beauty of Art Island Center in Naoshima, where literature meets art in an inspiring setting that captivates every visitor.
Chikurin , an izakaya recommended for its authentic Japanese cuisine. It was a small, cozy place, run by a friendly man who did everything from taking orders to cooking the food. We ordered a selection of dishes, including sashimi and grilled fish, all incredibly fresh and flavorful. Aisha surprised us by trying the sashimi and actually enjoying it! It was heartwarming to see her embrace new culinary experiences. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and we felt like we were getting a true taste of local life.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Chikurin in Naoshima, where tradition meets flavor in a cozy izakaya setting.