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

First Impressions: Naoshima's Artistic Soul
Arriving on Naoshima Island felt like stepping into a living canvas. The air hummed with creativity, and every corner seemed to whisper stories of art and innovation. As someone who juggles the world of IT with a passion for travel, I was eager to see how this island, renowned for its contemporary art, would capture the imagination of my family – Mei and Lina. Little did we know, our first day would be a whirlwind of awe-inspiring installations, architectural marvels, and delectable culinary experiences.

Our journey from Berlin to Osaka and then onto this art-filled haven had been long, and I was grateful we'd finally arrived at My Lodge Naoshima, our cozy base for the next ten days. While I regretted forgetting the portable phone charger, the excitement of exploring Naoshima quickly overshadowed any minor inconveniences.


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

A Morning with Monet and More: Chichu Art Museum

Our first stop was the Chichu Art Museum, a place I had been eagerly anticipating. Designed by Tadao Ando, the museum is an architectural marvel in itself, built mostly underground to minimize its impact on the landscape. As we approached, Lina was already captivated by the Chichu Garden lining the path, pointing out the various plants and flowers.

Inside, the museum was a symphony of light and space. Ando's minimalist concrete structures created a serene and contemplative environment. The first gallery we entered housed Claude Monet's Water Lilies. These weren't just paintings; they were immersive experiences. Bathed in natural light filtering through the carefully designed skylights, the colors seemed to shift and dance before our eyes. Mei, with her artistic sensibilities, was particularly moved. Lina, surprisingly, was also captivated, perhaps drawn in by the sheer scale and vibrant hues of Monet's masterpieces.

Next, we explored the works of James Turrell, an artist who uses light as his medium. His Open Sky installation was a revelation. We lay on our backs, gazing up at the perfectly framed square of the sky, watching as the colors subtly changed. It was a meditative experience, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. Even Lina, usually a bundle of energy, was still and quiet, completely absorbed in the spectacle of light and sky.

The final installation, Walter De Maria's Time/Timeless/No Time, was equally impressive. The sheer scale of the work, combined with the play of light and shadow, created a sense of awe and wonder. As we left the Chichu Art Museum, we were all a little bit changed, our perceptions subtly altered by the power of art and architecture.

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

Lunch at APRON CAFE: A Taste of Local Flavors

By lunchtime, we were all feeling a bit peckish. Following a recommendation, we headed to APRON CAFE for a bite to eat. This charming little café had a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious-sounding options. Mei opted for the spicy chickpea curry, while Lina chose the scones. I decided to try the lunch set, which featured fresh, local salad ingredients.


Experience culinary delights amidst the artistic beauty of Naoshima at APRON CAFE - where every meal tells a story.

The food was simple but incredibly flavorful. Mei raved about the curry, while Lina devoured her scones with gusto. My lunch set was a delightful mix of textures and tastes, a testament to the quality of the local produce. As we ate, we chatted about our morning at the Chichu Art Museum, sharing our favorite moments and impressions. It was the perfect way to recharge before our next adventure.

Benesse House Museum: Art in Nature

After lunch, we made our way to the Benesse House Museum, another iconic Naoshima landmark. This museum is unique in that it combines the functions of an art gallery and a hotel. Designed by Tadao Ando, the museum is seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, with artworks scattered throughout the building and grounds.


Discover the enchanting Benesse House Museum on Naoshima Island, where contemporary art meets stunning natural beauty in a harmonious setting.

As we explored the museum, we were struck by the way the art interacted with the surrounding environment. Sculptures were placed along the seashore, inviting us to contemplate the relationship between art and nature. Inside, the galleries were filled with thought-provoking contemporary works. We stumbled upon pieces by Yayoi Kusama and Niki de Saint Phalle. One of the pleasures of visiting Benesse House was unexpectedly encountering works of art, not only within the walls of the Museum but also while strolling around the grounds, enjoying the abundant natural beauty of the Inland Sea region.

Lina was particularly fascinated by the outdoor sculptures, running around them with glee. Mei and I appreciated the way the museum encouraged us to slow down and engage with art in a more mindful way. The museum’s seamless integration with the surrounding landscape is a testament to a profound respect for nature and a commitment to sustainable development. We also made a stop at the Benesse House Shop, picking up a few postcards and a small sculpture as mementos of our visit.


Explore the artistic offerings of Benesse House Shop in Naoshima, a unique souvenir store celebrating local art and craftsmanship with exclusive pieces.

A Sunset Dinner at Terrace Restaurant

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at the Terrace Restaurant, located within the Benesse House complex. The restaurant offered picturesque views of the beach, making it one of the best spots on the island to catch a sunset. The setting was beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a panoramic vista of the Seto Inland Sea.


Experience fine dining at Terrace Restaurant in Naoshima—where art meets exquisite cuisine amidst breathtaking views.

We opted for the degustation course, which featured highlights such as tempura fish and chilled corn soup. The food was exquisitely prepared and beautifully presented. Mei was particularly impressed with the chef's creative use of local ingredients. Lina, surprisingly, enjoyed the tempura fish, declaring it the best she had ever tasted.

As we ate, we watched the sun slowly sink below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a magical moment, a perfect ending to a day filled with art, beauty, and discovery. The Terrace Restaurant certainly lived up to its reputation, offering not just a meal but an experience.

Sushi Dreams at New Olympia (sushi)

But the day wasn't over yet. For dinner, we decided to try New Olympia (sushi), a local Izakaya run by a father-son duo. We had heard great things about their sushi and were eager to experience authentic Japanese cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy ambiance, and we were immediately made to feel welcome by the friendly staff. Luckily, the server was proficient in English and guided us through the menu.


Experience authentic sushi in Naoshima at New Olympia – where fresh ingredients meet traditional Japanese artistry.

We opted for the ume course, which featured a variety of seasonal dishes. The sashimi with local salmon was incredibly fresh, and the seared mackerel was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Lina, surprisingly adventurous, even tried a few pieces of sushi, declaring them not bad. The cozy ambiance of the old shop added character to the dining experience. It was a perfect way to end our first day on Naoshima, savoring the flavors of Japan while reflecting on the art we had seen.

Reflections on Day One

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Naoshima Island has exceeded all my expectations. It's not just a place to see art; it's a place to feel art, to be immersed in its beauty and power. And to share that experience with my family has made it all the more special.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Art House Project, including Go'o Shrine and Minamidera. I'm particularly intrigued by Minamidera, a collaboration between Tadao Ando and James Turrell. And in the evening, perhaps we'll unwind at Bar SARU. For now, though, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of art and adventure on Naoshima Island. I think I will need to remember to buy a portable phone charger tomorrow at the shop, so I can keep you all up to date on our adventures!

Visiting Naoshima in June has been wonderful so far, and I'm excited for what's to come.