Family Adventure on Naoshima Island: Art, Culture, and Nature

Honmura's Artistic Heartbeat

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the Honmura district of Naoshima, a place where art and everyday life intertwine seamlessly. I was particularly excited to see how Lina would react to the unique blend of contemporary art nestled within traditional Japanese architecture. Mei and I have always believed in exposing Lina to different cultural experiences, and Naoshima has been the perfect canvas for this. It's amazing how this little island can offer so much inspiration!

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Yuunagi. Nestled near the Umi no Eki Naoshima, this restaurant is renowned for its fresh flounder dishes sourced directly from the local Noumi Coast. I opted for the traditional Japanese teishoku, while Mei enjoyed a comforting bowl of Shodo Island somen. Lina, ever adventurous, tried a bit of both, declaring the flounder super yummy! It's moments like these, sharing local flavors, that truly make our family trips special. The restaurant also uses UV sterilization, so that the flounder is safe to eat, which is great to know.


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

With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off to explore the Honmura district. Our first stop was the Honmura Lounge & Archive. This unassuming building, once an agricultural cooperative supermarket, now serves as the information hub for the Art House Project. Designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa, the lounge is a great place to get oriented and purchase tickets for the various art houses. We spent some time browsing the exhibits, learning about the artists and the history of the project. It's always fascinating to delve deeper into the context behind the art we're seeing. I picked up a few brochures and a map, feeling like a proper explorer ready to uncover hidden treasures.


Experience the fusion of art and culture at Honmura Lounge & Archive, your gateway to Naoshima's vibrant creative scene and unique local souvenirs.

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

Next on our list was the Art House Project: Haisha. This was perhaps the most intriguing of all the art houses. Haisha means dentist in Japanese, and this building was once the home and office of a local dentist. Artist Shinro Ohtake transformed the entire building into a mind-bending work of art. The exterior is a riot of colors and textures, with old signboards, metal sheets, and found objects collaged together in a chaotic yet captivating way. Lina was immediately drawn to the replica of the Statue of Liberty perched atop the building, a quirky and unexpected element that added to the surreal atmosphere.


Experience the captivating blend of traditional Japanese architecture and contemporary art at Art House Project: Haisha on Naoshima Island.

Stepping inside Haisha was like entering another world. The interior is just as chaotic and mesmerizing as the exterior, with sculptures, paintings, and installations filling every nook and cranny. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and metal, adding to the sensory overload. Lina was wide-eyed with wonder, pointing out different details and asking questions about everything she saw. It was wonderful to see her so engaged and curious. Mei and I were equally impressed by Ohtake's creativity and vision. He managed to transform a mundane space into something truly extraordinary.

After immersing ourselves in the artistic chaos of Haisha, we decided to take a break for lunch. We strolled over to Okonomiyaki Umikko, a local favorite known for its savory Japanese pancakes. The restaurant has a charming Japanese garden, which added to the tranquil atmosphere. I ordered the classic okonomiyaki with pork and cabbage, while Mei opted for the vegetarian version with tofu and mushrooms. Lina, of course, wanted to try everything, so we shared our dishes and sampled each other's creations. The okonomiyaki was delicious, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It was the perfect comfort food after a morning of art exploration.


Savor authentic okonomiyaki at Okonomiyaki Umikko on Naoshima Island—where every bite celebrates local flavors and culinary artistry.

As the afternoon wore on, we made our way to Aisunao for dinner, a restaurant housed in a converted traditional house, offering a delightful array of vegan dishes. We savored the innovative creations featuring organically-grown unpolished rice and fresh vegetables. The restaurant's commitment to vegan cuisine and affordable prices made it a perfect choice for a satisfying and ethical meal. Lina particularly enjoyed the vegan desserts, made without eggs or dairy products, proving that plant-based food can be both delicious and exciting.


Discover Aisunao in Naoshima: Delight in creative vegan dishes amidst Japan's stunning art island.

Before calling it a night, Mei and I decided to sneak away for a quick drink at Cin.na.mon, a cozy bar not far from Miyanoura Port. The atmosphere was laid-back and inviting, with soft lighting and mellow music. We sipped on local sake and reflected on our day, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience the art and culture of Naoshima together. It's these quiet moments, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, that allow us to connect and recharge as a couple.


Discover the flavors of Japan at Cin.na.mon, a cozy cafe in Naoshima offering fresh, local cuisine and a delightful dining experience.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Ando Museum and explore the Walking Ark. I'm particularly interested in seeing the Ando Museum, as I've always admired his minimalist aesthetic and his ability to create spaces that are both serene and thought-provoking. I also want to check out the Chichu Art Museum Ticket Center to plan our visit there. It sounds like it requires a bit of planning, but I'm sure it will be worth it. We'll be having breakfast at APRON CAFE, lunch at Nagomi, and dinner at Restaurant EN.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Today was a perfect blend of art, culture, and family time. Naoshima has a way of slowing down time and allowing you to appreciate the simple things in life. I'm so glad we decided to come here, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Maybe I'll even remember to pack that portable charger I forgot!

The gentle sea breeze whispers through the window, carrying with it the promise of another day filled with art and adventure. Goodnight from Naoshima!