Solo Art Exploration on Naoshima Island

A Day Immersed in Miyanoura's Soul

Today was a day of wandering through the heart of Miyanoura, the port town of Naoshima. It was a blend of art, history, and culinary delights that painted a vivid picture of this island's unique character. I started with a hearty breakfast, explored captivating galleries, and ended the day with a taste of local nightlife. It was a day that truly enriched my understanding of Naoshima.

The morning began with a visit to Little Plum for breakfast. It's conveniently located near My Lodge Naoshima, where I'm staying. The staff was incredibly welcoming, and the atmosphere was cozy. I opted for the house special dry curry, which was flavorful without being too spicy. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. I even considered renting one of their colorful bicycles, but decided to explore on foot today. I wanted to take my time and soak in the atmosphere.


Discover affordable comfort at My Lodge Naoshima, an ideal base for exploring the art-laden island while enjoying local cuisine and free parking.

Next up was Miyanoura Gallery 6. Finding it was a little bit of a treasure hunt in itself, wandering through the charming streets of Miyanoura. The gallery was once a Pachinko parlour, but now it's a space for contemporary art. The current exhibition, 'Artist at Gallery 6 2016,' was particularly captivating. I spent a good hour reading the short stories displayed on wooden placards. They were collected from residents of the Okayama and Kagawa prefectures, each recounting strange or unexplainable experiences on the island. It gave me a deeper sense of the local culture and beliefs.


Discover contemporary art in a serene setting at Miyanoura Gallery 6 on Naoshima, a unique blend of nature and creativity.

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

After the gallery, I ventured to the Ando Museum. This was a fascinating look into the work of Tadao Ando, the architect behind many of Naoshima's iconic structures. What surprised me was that the museum itself was housed in a traditional wooden building. Inside, Ando had preserved much of the original structure, blending it with his signature concrete designs. It was a beautiful juxtaposition of old and new, showcasing his architectural philosophy. The museum displayed a timeline of Ando's projects, complete with his comments and scale models. It was incredibly insightful to see how his works were conceived.


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

For lunch, I headed to NaoPAM/ Shima-Shoku-Do Miyanda. This charming eatery specializes in fish set meals featuring the freshest catches of the day. The menu changes daily, offering options like sashimi, grilled fish, and boiled fish sets. I opted for the sashimi set, which included local favorites such as Spanish mackerel and sea bream. The fish was incredibly fresh, and the set came with rice, miso soup, and pickles. It was a simple yet delicious meal that showcased the local flavors.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at NaoPAM in Naoshima - where tradition meets flavor in a cozy atmosphere.

In the afternoon, I visited Shipyard Works by Shinro Otake. This outdoor installation was a unique blend of art and industry. Otake repurposed elements of the shipyard, transforming them into striking works of art. As I wandered through the exhibit, I was struck by how well the art complemented the coastal landscape. The dramatic structures against the backdrop of the sea and sky made for some great photo opportunities. It was a perfect spot to reflect on the relationship between art and the environment.


Experience the transformative power of art at Shipyard Works by Shinro Otake, a unique exhibit blending creativity with Naoshima's serene coastal beauty.

As the day wound down, I decided to try Yuunagi for dinner. They are known for their flounder dishes, and I was eager to try some local seafood. The founder was delicious and the service was friendly. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring Miyanoura.


Discover Yuunagi: A Seafood Haven on Naoshima Island Offering Authentic Japanese Teishoku Cuisine.

Finally, I decided to check out BAR Queen's-Q Naoshima for a nightcap. I wasn't expecting to find such a cozy and intimate bar on the island. The bartender was incredibly skilled, crafting cocktails with passion and attention to detail. I had an espresso martini, which was superb. The atmosphere was relaxed, and I enjoyed chatting with the bartender about the island's art scene. It was a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.


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

As I walked back to My Lodge Naoshima, I reflected on the day's experiences. Miyanoura had truly captured my heart with its blend of art, history, and local charm. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when I plan to explore the Seaside Gallery and Honmura district. I’m particularly excited to see the Red Pumpkin, which I somehow missed seeing when arriving at the port. I'm also curious about the Honmura Lounge & Archive. It sounds like a great place to learn more about the island's history and culture. And of course, I can’t forget to grab a bite at New Olympia for some authentic sushi. I might even do some shopping at the Art Island Center to find a unique souvenir to bring back home to James and Eglė. The only thing I am slightly concerned about is that tomorrow is Monday, and I know that some places might be closed, so I will need to check opening hours in advance.

Naoshima continues to surprise me with its unique blend of art and culture. I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore this island and share my experiences with you all. This solo trip is proving to be an enriching and inspiring journey, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Perhaps I'll even find some inspiration for my own creative pursuits when I return to Toronto. I'm already thinking about how I can incorporate some of the island's artistic elements into my garden back home.

I know James and Eglė would love it here, and I'm already planning a return trip with them in the future. Eglė would be especially fascinated by the art installations, and James would appreciate the island's peaceful atmosphere. Maybe we can even convince them to join me for the Setouchi Triennale in 2028! It is being held again in 2025, but it is already July 13th, and the Spring session ended in May, and the Summer session does not begin until August. The BBC included Naoshima on their list of best places to travel in 2025, and I can certainly see why! This is a place that nourishes the soul and inspires creativity. It is also amazing that the Naoshima New Museum of Art opened in Spring this year!

Tomorrow, I must remember to pack my camera, comfortable walking shoes, and my travel guidebook. I should also remember to charge my portable phone charger, as I don't want to run out of battery while exploring. It’s easy to forget these small but essential things when you’re so immersed in your surroundings. I also wish I had brought my umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable here. But overall, I am well-prepared for this adventure, and I'm excited to continue exploring Naoshima's artistic treasures.

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” I think this perfectly captures the essence of Naoshima, where art is not just something to be seen, but something to be experienced and felt. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!