Solo Art Exploration on Naoshima Island

A Final Embrace of Naoshima
As my Naoshima adventure draws to a close, I wanted to soak in every last bit of this artful island. Today was about embracing the natural beauty that complements the art, revisiting some favorite spots in spirit, and savoring the local flavors one last time. It's amazing how a place can feel like home in just under two weeks, and I'm already feeling a pang of longing.
Akaito Coffee. The red-brick exterior and the nostalgic interior always made me feel welcome. I enjoyed a hand-dripped coffee and a scone. The cafe is known for its selection of books and local crafts, so I picked up a small, handcrafted notebook as a memento.


Discover Akaito Coffee on Naoshima Island, where art, literature, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee create an unforgettable experience.
Yokobou Park. The park offered a serene retreat, and I found myself reflecting on my journey. The park's landscape provided a calming backdrop, allowing me to appreciate the simple beauty of nature.


Experience peace and beauty in Naoshima's Yokobou Park, a tranquil retreat amidst nature's artistry, perfect for relaxation and reflection.
Sometimes, the most profound art experiences are found not within gallery walls, but in the quiet corners of nature that inspire them.Danyama, a mountain at the center of the island. The views from the top were breathtaking, offering a panoramic perspective of the Seto Inland Sea. I took my time, snapping photos and committing the scenery to memory. The hike was invigorating, and the summit provided a sense of accomplishment.


Experience breathtaking views and tranquility at Danyama, a must-visit observation deck in Japan's stunning Teshimaieura region.
NaoPAM/ Shima-Shoku-Do Miyanda. The restaurant is known for its delicious fish set meals, and I was eager to try their daily special. I savored every bite, appreciating the freshness and the local flavors. The staff were incredibly welcoming, adding to the cozy atmosphere. I had a delightful fish set meal, featuring local favorites.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at NaoPAM in Naoshima - where tradition meets flavor in a cozy atmosphere.
Art House Project, specifically Kadoya. This time, I wanted to experience it with a different perspective, allowing myself to linger and absorb the details I might have missed before. Kadoya was the first building in the Art House Project to be completed. The townspeople of Naoshima participated in the creation of the work *Sea of Time '98* by Tatsuo Miyajima.


Explore the Art House Project: Kadoya on Naoshima Island, where contemporary art meets traditional Japanese architecture in a serene setting.
Yayoda for a final dinner. This seafood restaurant had been on my list, and I was excited to try their locally sourced dishes. I opted for a selection of sashimi and grilled seafood skewers, each prepared with precision and care. The flavors were exquisite, a perfect culmination of my culinary explorations on the island. Yayoda embodies the essence of Japanese culinary artistry.


Discover Yayoda: A seafood haven in Naoshima offering exquisite Japanese cuisine with fresh local ingredients.
Just a short walk from Miyanoura Port, Akaito Coffee welcomes travelers as they arrive by ferry. With its warm red-brick exterior and nostalgic interior, this cozy café has become a cherished spot—not only for visitors, but also for the locals who call this island home. The building features bricks once made on Naoshima itself, preserving a sense of the island's past. Inside, vintage signage, wooden furniture, and soft lighting create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and inviting.
Yokobou Park offers a serene escape from the bustling art scene of Naoshima. The park provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and reflection. Walking through the park, I found myself appreciating the simple beauty of nature. The lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere made it an ideal spot to unwind and clear my mind.
Danyama, a mountain at the center of Teshima Island, offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. The hike to the summit was invigorating, and the panoramic vista was well worth the effort. From the top, I could see the surrounding islands and the sparkling waters below. Primeval forests of sudajii evergreens, sawtooth oak and other trees remain on Danyama.
Nestled on the picturesque island of Naoshima, NaoPAM/Shima-Shoku-Do Miyanda is a must-visit for seafood lovers. This charming eatery specializes in delectable fish set meals that highlight the freshest catches of the day. With a menu that changes daily, diners can savor options like sashimi, grilled fish, and boiled fish sets featuring local favorites such as Spanish mackerel and sea bream. The staff are described as welcoming and helpful, providing insights into the menu items.
The Art House Project is an art project underway in Naoshima's Honmura district. It began in 1998 with Kadoya, and currently comprises seven locations: Kadoya, Minamidera, Kinza, Go'o Shrine, Ishibashi, Gokaisho, and Haisha. In this project, artists take empty houses scattered about residential areas and turn the spaces themselves into works of art, weaving in history and memories of the period when the buildings were lived in and used. Kadoya was the first building in the Art House Project to be completed. 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.
Nestled on the picturesque island of Naoshima, Yayoda is a seafood restaurant that embodies the essence of Japanese culinary artistry. With its focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood, this charming eatery invites tourists to immerse themselves in an authentic dining experience. The restaurant operates on limited hours, primarily serving dinner on select days of the week. Yayoda serves excellent, traditional Japanese fare, emphasizing fresh fish caught locally. Included with your meal is a cup of light broth made from barnacles foraged from the Naoshima shore. Sake flights are available for the adventurous and the indecisive alike.