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

Island Rhythms and Artistic Echoes

Today was a beautiful blend of art, nature, and local charm here on Naoshima Island. It’s days like these that remind me why I started this blog – to capture the essence of slow travel, where every corner holds a new discovery and every moment is a chance to connect with the local culture. It’s hard to believe we’re already on Day 8 of our family adventure; time really does fly when you’re surrounded by such inspiring beauty.

Our day started with a delightful breakfast at Café Ippo. This charming little café, tucked away in Honmura, felt like stepping into someone's home. Mei loved the cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of a traditional German Kaffeehaus but with a Japanese twist. The owner was incredibly welcoming, and we enjoyed a simple yet satisfying meal of toast, eggs, and coffee. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. Lina, of course, was more interested in the cat napping by the window! According to some reviews, this place is known for its vegan cuisine and homey atmosphere. I can attest to that.


Discover Café Ippo in Naoshima: A delightful fusion of authentic Japanese cuisine and warm hospitality awaits you in this charming café.

After breakfast, we headed to the Art House Project: Kadoya. This project, which revitalizes old houses into art installations, is such a unique and thoughtful way to blend contemporary art with the island's history. Kadoya, the first house transformed, featured Tatsuo Miyajima’s Sea of Time '98. The artwork uses digital counters submerged in water to symbolize the flow of time and human connection. I found myself lost in contemplation as I watched the numbers flicker, each one representing a unique perspective on the passage of time. Lina was fascinated by the lights, asking endless questions about how they worked. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so special – seeing the world through her curious eyes.


Explore the harmonious blend of traditional Japanese architecture and contemporary art at Naoshima's Art House Project: Kadoya.

Art doesn't transform. It just plain forms things.

The blend of traditional architecture with contemporary art was seamless. As we wandered through the Honmura district, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the past and present. The installations are located within walking distance of each other, allowing visitors to experience the charm of Naoshima's local community as they wander between the houses. It's a testament to Naoshima's dedication to integrating art into everyday spaces.

After immersing ourselves in the Art House Project, we took a leisurely stroll to Yokobou Park. This park offered a welcome respite from the art-filled morning. The panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea were breathtaking, and we spent a good hour simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. Lina, ever the adventurous one, insisted on climbing every rock and exploring every hidden corner. Mei and I sat on a bench, watching her play and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It was a perfect moment of family bonding, surrounded by the beauty of nature. I read that the park dates back to 1642, offering picturesque views of lush green mountains and tranquil waters.


Experience peace and beauty in Naoshima's Yokobou Park, a tranquil retreat amidst nature's artistry, perfect for relaxation and reflection.

For lunch, we decided to try Chikurin, a local restaurant known for its traditional Japanese cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, unassuming atmosphere, and we were greeted warmly by the staff. We ordered a variety of dishes, including udon noodles, tempura, and some local seafood. The food was simple, fresh, and delicious – a true taste of Naoshima. Lina, who can be a picky eater, surprised us by devouring a whole bowl of udon! It's always a win when we find a restaurant that everyone enjoys. This place is run by an elderly local man. The atmosphere is really unique and nice. Everything was really tasty!


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

In the afternoon, we explored Shimacoya, a unique shop that blends a gallery, shop, and guesthouse. This 120-year-old traditional Japanese house has been renovated to create a space that truly captures the essence of Naoshima. We browsed through the local crafts, art books, and souvenirs, each one telling a story of the island's culture and history. Lina found a small, hand-painted ceramic cat that she insisted on buying as a memento of our trip. It's now proudly displayed on her bedside table back at My Lodge Naoshima. This place is located just a short 3 minute walk from Motomura Port. The building is actually a renovated 120 year old Japanese house, and appealingly the interior stays true to the architectural origins of an old Japanese home.


Discover Shimacoya: A unique café experience blending art, literature, and local crafts on the enchanting island of Naoshima.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to EAT LOCAL 直島食堂 for dinner. Located near the Yellow Pumpkin, this restaurant offered stunning views of the sea and the iconic artwork. We enjoyed a delicious meal of local specialties, including fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, and we chatted with some fellow travelers, sharing stories and recommendations. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and discovery.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at EAT LOCAL 直島食堂 on Naoshima Island, where fresh seafood meets local flavors in a cozy atmosphere.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how much Naoshima Island has to offer. It's not just about the art; it's about the people, the culture, and the natural beauty that surrounds it. It's about slowing down, connecting with the local community, and appreciating the simple things in life. As a freelance IT consultant who now spends his time traveling and blogging, I feel incredibly grateful for these experiences. They remind me that there's so much more to life than work and deadlines.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to visit George Rickey's Three Squares Vertical Diagonal, 1972-82 and Kasaneiwa. I'm also looking forward to trying Little Plum for breakfast, Yayoda for lunch, and Luke's Table for dinner. And perhaps, if we have time, we'll check out the maimai bar for a nightcap. Until then, おやすみ (Oyasumi) from Naoshima Island!

I’m really glad that Mei and Lina are sharing this experience with me. As much as I love my work, being away from them for extended periods while consulting in Berlin always feels like a piece of me is missing. These trips are essential for reconnecting and making memories that we’ll cherish for years to come. I feel like this experience is enriching Lina's understanding of the world. She's learning about different cultures, art forms, and ways of life, which is something you can't always get from a textbook. I hope that these travels will shape her into an open-minded, compassionate, and curious individual.

As we prepare for our next day of adventures, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Naoshima has a way of surprising you at every turn, and I’m excited to see what tomorrow brings. Good night from Naoshima!