Solo Art Exploration on Naoshima Island

Art, Nature, and Culinary Delights: A Day of Discovery on Naoshima

Today was a day of wandering, of letting the art and nature of Naoshima Island seep into my soul. It was about more than just seeing; it was about experiencing, feeling, and connecting with the island's unique energy. From the whispering forests to the savory local cuisine, every moment was a sensory delight.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Tee's DELI GROCERY. This place is a gem ! The falafel sandwich was the perfect fuel for a day of exploration. The atmosphere was so chill, with cool tunes playing in the background. It's the kind of place where you can easily strike up a conversation with fellow travelers, sharing tips and stories of your Naoshima adventures.


Discover the flavors of Naoshima at Tee's DELI GROCERY, where great food meets artistic vibes in an unforgettable dining experience.
With a full stomach and a sense of excitement, I set off to find the Walking Ark. Nestled in Ogicho, this open-air museum is a hidden treasure. As I strolled through the curated paths, I was captivated by the sculptures that blended seamlessly with the natural landscape. The themes of community, nature, and culture resonated deeply, sparking contemplation and a sense of connection. It was a reminder that art isn't confined to museums; it can be found in the most unexpected places, inviting you to reflect on self and reality.


Experience the harmony of art and nature at the Walking Ark, an open-air museum in Ogicho, Takamatsu, where creativity thrives.
Next on my list was La forêt des murmures, or the Whispering Forest. This installation was truly magical. Countless wind chimes hang in the forest, each carrying the names of loved ones written by past visitors. As the breeze rustled through the trees, the chimes created a symphony of delicate whispers. It was a deeply moving experience, a reminder of the interconnectedness of life and memory. Christian Boltanski's vision for this art installation is truly remarkable.


Immerse yourself in La forêt des murmures, a stunning art exhibit harmonizing nature and creativity in the heart of Tonosho, Kagawa.

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

For lunch, I ventured to Aisunao, a charming restaurant in a converted traditional house in the Honmura district. It's easily recognizable by the blue entrance curtain featuring a cute rice bowl. Aisunao is known for its healthy, vegetarian-friendly dishes featuring organically-grown rice and vegetables. I opted for the lunch set, which included a variety of flavorful dishes. The aged organic brown rice was particularly delicious, with a pleasantly chewy consistency. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with some seating on tatami mats overlooking a pretty courtyard. It was the perfect place to recharge after a morning of art exploration.


Discover Aisunao in Naoshima: Delight in creative vegan dishes amidst Japan's stunning art island.
After lunch, I made a quick stop at the Chichu Art Museum Ticket Center to secure my ticket for tomorrow. The museum is supposed to be incredible, and I didn't want to miss out. Plus, I've heard that the surrounding area is beautiful, so I'm looking forward to exploring it further.


Explore the enchanting Chichu Art Museum Ticket Center, your gateway to contemporary art on the scenic island of Naoshima.
As the day drew to a close, I treated myself to dinner at RestaurantEN. I savored every bite, reflecting on the day's experiences. The ambiance was relaxed, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with art, nature, and culinary delights.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at this charming restaurant in Naoshima, where tradition meets culinary excellence.
Naoshima has a way of captivating your senses and stirring your soul. It's a place where art and nature intertwine, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. As I walked back to My Lodge Naoshima, I felt grateful for the opportunity to explore this enchanting island. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventure on Teshima Island, where I plan to visit the Teshima Art Museum and see George Rickey's Three Squares Vertical Diagonal. And perhaps, if I have time, I'll treat myself to a drink at Ebisukamo.


Discover affordable comfort at My Lodge Naoshima, an ideal base for exploring the art-laden island while enjoying local cuisine and free parking.
Tomorrow promises new discoveries and artistic wonders. Good night from Naoshima!

As I reflect on today and anticipate tomorrow, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this solo journey. It's a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with myself, surrounded by beauty and inspiration. I am so glad I decided to come to Naoshima! I even managed to communicate with the locals despite my limited Japanese, and they were so kind and patient. I even picked up a few new phrases! I also found a charming little stationery shop and bought some beautiful washi tape to use in my travel journal. Small moments like these make the trip so special.

The more I travel, the more I realize that it's not just about seeing new places; it's about the experiences you have and the connections you make along the way. It's about stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. It's about discovering new perspectives and finding inspiration in unexpected corners of the world.

I'm also reminded of the importance of being present in the moment. It's so easy to get caught up in taking photos and documenting everything, but sometimes you just need to put the camera down and soak it all in. To truly experience a place, you need to engage all your senses, to be fully present in the here and now.

And speaking of senses, the food on Naoshima has been incredible ! From the savory falafel at Tee's DELI GROCERY to the healthy vegetarian dishes at Aisunao, every meal has been a delight. I'm already looking forward to trying more of the local cuisine. Maybe tomorrow I'll try the seafood curry at Cin.na.mon or the okonomiyaki at Umikko.

But for now, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of exploration. Goodnight, Naoshima.

I am excited to visit the Teshima Art Museum tomorrow. I've heard so many wonderful things about it. It's supposed to be a truly unique and immersive experience. I'm also looking forward to seeing George Rickey's Three Squares Vertical Diagonal, 1972-82. I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm always open to new artistic experiences.

And who knows, maybe I'll even find some time to relax at Ebisukamo. A drink or two would be the perfect way to end another day of art and adventure. But for now, it's time to sleep. Goodnight from Naoshima.

I have been thinking a lot about Maximilian since I left Berlin. I miss him dearly, but I know that this solo trip is something I need to do for myself. It's a chance to rediscover my passions and reconnect with my inner self. But I can't wait to see him again and share all my stories and photos. I'm already planning our next trip together. Maybe we'll come back to Japan, or maybe we'll explore a new corner of the world. The possibilities are endless.

I'm also grateful for the flexibility that my freelance translating work allows me. It's not always easy, but it gives me the freedom to travel and explore the world. I'm so lucky to have a job that I enjoy and that allows me to pursue my passions. And who knows, maybe this blog will even lead to new opportunities and collaborations. The future is full of possibilities, and I'm excited to see what it holds.

And with that, I bid you goodnight from Naoshima. I hope you enjoyed reading about my day of art, nature, and culinary delights. Stay tuned for more adventures tomorrow.

I also need to remember to buy a power adapter when I get back to Berlin! It was silly of me to forget that. And sunscreen! The Japanese sun can be quite strong. It's little things like these that you only realize when you're already on the road. But that's part of the adventure, right ?

I am looking forward to planning future travels. Maybe I'll convince Maximilian to come to Japan with me next time. Or perhaps we'll explore South America, a place I've always dreamed of visiting. There are so many places to see and so many cultures to experience. And I want to see and experience them all !

But for now, it's time to sleep. Goodnight from Naoshima.