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

Farewell, Naoshima!

As our family adventure on Naoshima Island draws to a close, I wanted to dedicate this final blog post to the charming Honmura district. Today was all about immersing ourselves in the local culture and savoring the last moments of artistic inspiration this island has to offer. It's hard to believe our 11 days here are already up, but I'm excited to share our experiences from today before we head back to Berlin.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at APRON CAFE. The cafe is nestled in one of Honmura's narrow alleyways, and with its charming black wood facade, it was easy to spot. Mei and Lina were particularly excited about the Happy Scones, and I have to admit, they lived up to the hype. They were the perfect start to a day of exploration and art. APRON CAFE is known for its seasonal menu using local Setouchi ingredients. It’s run by a certified Nutrition Manager who tailors the menu seasonally, using plenty of fresh ingredients and locally grown vegetables from the Setouchi region. I really appreciated the focus on fresh, local ingredients – a testament to the island's commitment to sustainability.


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

After breakfast, we made our way to Naoshima Hall. Designed by architect Hiroshi Sambuichi, Naoshima Hall is a multi-purpose facility for the residents of Naoshima, used as a centre for sports, recreation, local festivals and the performing arts. Sambuichi spent two and a half years visiting the Honmura district on Naoshima, and surveying its natural surroundings. The hall is designed to harness natural energy. An opening in the hipped roof allows the southerly winds to pass into the space, eliminating the need for additional air circulation. It's a simple solution that required a profound knowledge of the site. While it's primarily for the locals, we were able to appreciate its architecture and the thought put into its design, blending seamlessly with the townscape. The sleek lines and thoughtful integration with the environment were truly impressive. It’s a testament to how modern architecture can respect and enhance its surroundings.


Discover the artistic heart of Naoshima at Naoshima Hall, a community center that showcases local culture and creativity in a serene island setting.

Next on our list was the Art House Project: Kadoya. This project transforms empty houses scattered throughout the residential areas into works of art, weaving in the history and memories of the period when the buildings were lived in and used. Kadoya was the first house to be completed as part of the Art House Project. The townspeople of Naoshima participated in the creation of the work Sea of Time '98 by Tatsuo Miyajima. The house was constructed roughly 200 years ago, and it was restored to its original appearance with a stucco finish, smoked cedar boards, and traditional roof tiles. The kids were fascinated by the blend of traditional architecture and contemporary art. It felt like stepping back in time, only to be surprised by modern installations that played with light, water, and perception. The artist, Tatsuo Miyajima, even involved the island residents in creating one of the exhibits, which I found particularly touching.


Explore the Art House Project: Kadoya on Naoshima Island, where contemporary art meets traditional Japanese architecture in a serene setting.

Art doesn't transform. It just plain forms.

We took a break for lunch at Ishii Shouten, a cozy udon restaurant in a renovated old shop. The Beef Udon was a highlight. It felt like dining in someone's grandmother's kitchen, which added to the charm. The restaurant had a homely atmosphere. Since I don't speak Japanese, I had to point to the menu to convey my order. It was a fun, authentic experience. The udon was delicious and comforting, exactly what we needed after a morning of exploring.


Experience authentic handmade udon noodles at Ishii Shouten in Naoshima - where tradition meets taste in every bowl.

After lunch, we decided to explore Honmura a bit more. We wandered through the narrow streets, admiring the traditional Japanese houses and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. It’s amazing how art is integrated into everyday life here. We stumbled upon the Honmura Lounge & Archive, which was once used as an agricultural cooperative supermarket. The lounge serves as an archive and information center for the Art House Project. Here you can find material on the artists and architects involved with the projects as well as information on the various art houses. It's also a place to purchase tickets for the Art House Project. It was a great place to learn more about the artists and the history behind the project. The space was designed by the architect Ryue Nishizawa. Mei picked up a few postcards, and Lina found a cute little sculpture to remind her of our trip.


Explore art, culture, and local insights at Honmura Lounge & Archive, Naoshima's vibrant tourist information hub.

As the day wound down, we treated ourselves to dinner at Kon'nichiwa, a restaurant conveniently nestled near Honmura Port. It's a cosy restaurant with tasty home-cooked dishes. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the food was simple but delicious. It was the perfect way to end our last day on Naoshima.

Reflecting on our time here, Naoshima Island has been an unforgettable experience for our family. From the iconic Benesse House Museum to the hidden gems of the Art House Project, every corner of this island has inspired us. The blend of art, nature, and community is truly unique, and I’m so glad we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in it. As we prepare to leave tomorrow, I know we’ll carry the memories and inspiration from Naoshima with us.

Naoshima is more than just an art island; it’s a place where art and life intertwine, where creativity flourishes, and where community thrives. It’s a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones that open our minds and hearts to new perspectives.

Before I sign off, I wanted to share a funny anecdote from our trip. On our second day, Lina was convinced that one of Yayoi Kusama's pumpkins was actually a giant ladybug. We had to gently explain to her that it was, in fact, a work of art. It became a running joke throughout our trip, and every time we saw a pumpkin, Lina would giggle and say, Look, Papa, a giant ladybug! It's moments like these that make traveling with family so special.

As we prepare to leave Naoshima tomorrow, I'm already thinking about our next adventure. Perhaps we'll explore the art scene in Berlin, or maybe we'll venture further afield to discover new cultural treasures. Whatever we do, I know that the memories and inspiration from Naoshima will stay with us for a long time.

Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Until next time, happy travels!

One last thing - I'm kicking myself for forgetting a portable phone charger. It would have been so useful for capturing all these memories without worrying about battery life! And snacks for the ferry ride would have been great too. Oh well, live and learn!

As I mentioned, tomorrow marks the end of our trip. We'll be packing our bags, saying goodbye to My Lodge Naoshima, and heading back to the mainland. It's always bittersweet to leave a place that has captured our hearts, but I know we'll be back someday. Naoshima has a way of drawing you in, and I have a feeling we'll be dreaming of its art and beauty for years to come.


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

Before I forget, I wanted to give a shout-out to Mei for being the best travel companion a guy could ask for. Her patience, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit made this trip even more special. And of course, Lina, who never fails to surprise me with her curiosity and enthusiasm. Traveling with family is not always easy, but it's always worth it.

I'm also grateful for the opportunity to share our experiences with you, my readers. Your comments, questions, and support have made this blogging journey so much more rewarding. I hope our adventures have inspired you to explore the world and discover the art and beauty that awaits you.

So, as the sun sets over Naoshima, I raise a glass (of green tea, of course) to art, family, and the joy of travel. Until next time, sayōnara!

And that’s a wrap folks! Time to pack my bags and get ready to head back to Berlin. I hope you’ve enjoyed following along on our Naoshima adventure. It’s been an absolute blast sharing our experiences with you all. Stay tuned for more travel tales from around the globe!

Before I completely sign off, I have to mention how much I enjoyed the local cuisine. From the fresh seafood to the savory udon, every meal was a culinary adventure. I'm definitely going to try to recreate some of these dishes back in Berlin. Wish me luck!

And finally, a big thank you to the people of Naoshima for their warm hospitality and their dedication to art and culture. You've created something truly special here, and I feel honored to have experienced it.

Alright, that's really it for now. Time to say goodbye to Naoshima and hello to the next chapter of our lives. Keep exploring, keep creating, and keep spreading the love!

Until we meet again, Naoshima. You'll always hold a special place in my heart.

Goodbye from Jason, Mei and Lina!

Safe travels everyone!