Artistic Exploration on Naoshima Island

Discovering Naoshima's Soul: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Today, Hans and I ventured deeper into the artistic heart of Naoshima, seeking out the island's more intimate and perhaps lesser-known treasures. Leaving behind the grand museums for a day, we immersed ourselves in the local culture and quirky art installations that dot the island's landscape. It was a day of delightful surprises and a deeper connection with Naoshima's unique spirit.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Akaito Coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the cozy atmosphere, filled with books and magazines, was the perfect way to start our artistic exploration. I opted for a classic espresso, while Hans tried one of their seasonal blends. Sipping our coffee, we planned our route for the day, eager to uncover the hidden gems of Naoshima. I made a mental note to pick up a travel guidebook at Art Island Center, since I forgot mine at home.


Discover Akaito Coffee on Naoshima Island, where art, literature, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee create an unforgettable experience.

First stop: the Ando Museum. Tucked away in a traditional wooden house in the Honmura district, this museum is a tribute to the renowned architect Tadao Ando and his work on Naoshima. The contrast between the traditional exterior and the modern concrete interior was striking, a perfect example of Ando's architectural philosophy. We wandered through the maze of concrete walls, admiring the interplay of light and shadow, and learning about Ando's vision for the island. It's amazing how he can create something so modern and minimalist within such a traditional setting. Hans, being an engineer, was particularly fascinated by the structural design and the way Ando incorporated natural light into the space.


Discover the Ando Museum in Naoshima, a stunning fusion of contemporary art and architecture by Tadao Ando, set against a backdrop of natural beauty.

Art doesn't need to be locked away in galleries to be profound; it can sit by the sea, fade in the rain, glow in the sunset, and still move us, perhaps more than ever.

Next on our list was the Seaside Gallery. Located in a terraced plaza with stunning ocean views, this gallery showcases contemporary works in a breathtaking coastal setting. The minimalist architecture of the gallery blended seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating a serene and contemplative space. We strolled through the exhibitions, admiring the works of both local and international artists, and taking in the panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. The sea breeze and the sound of the waves added an extra layer of tranquility to the experience.


Experience the intersection of contemporary art and nature at the Seaside Gallery on Naoshima Island, a must-visit modern art museum.

After a morning of architectural and artistic immersion, our stomachs started to rumble. We decided to have lunch at Nagomi, a local eatery located within the Naoshima welfare center. This was a truly authentic experience, dining alongside locals and enjoying hearty Japanese meals at affordable prices. I opted for one of their set meals, featuring fresh, local ingredients prepared in traditional styles. Hans chose a seasonal specialty, eager to savor the true essence of Kagawa's culinary heritage. The communal canteen-like environment encouraged social interaction, and we struck up a conversation with a friendly local who shared some insider tips about the island.


Discover Nagomi in Naoshima - where authentic Japanese dining meets community spirit in a cozy setting.

With renewed energy, we continued our exploration, heading towards the iconic Red Pumpkin. As we approached Miyanoura Port, the vibrant red shape came into view, its bold black polka dots standing out against the backdrop of the sea and sky. This whimsical sculpture by Yayoi Kusama is impossible to miss, a playful welcome to the island's artistic spirit. We joined the queue of visitors waiting to step inside the pumpkin, eager to experience the artwork from within. Through the dotted apertures carved into its shell, the surrounding scenery appeared slightly distorted, framed by Kusama's hallucination-inspired patterns. It was a whimsical and disorienting experience, capturing a glimpse of the surreal world through the artist's eyes. I snapped some fun photos of Hans inside the pumpkin, capturing the playful spirit of the artwork.


Explore the vibrant Red Pumpkin in Naoshima, a masterpiece of contemporary art by Yayoi Kusama, set against stunning coastal views.

Before dinner, we stopped by the Art Island Center. This unique space functions as an art and research center, a gallery, and a bookshop. We browsed the collection of art books, children's books, and stationery, admiring the curated selection of local and international goods. I finally picked up a new travel guidebook, determined not to forget it again! Hans found a fascinating book on Japanese architecture, adding to his growing collection. The center's commitment to exploring the identity and resilience of the Setouchi region was inspiring, and we learned more about Naoshima's role as an international art destination.


Discover the serene beauty of Art Island Center in Naoshima, where literature meets art in an inspiring setting that captivates every visitor.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Ebisukamo for dinner. This cozy restaurant in the Honmura district is known for its incredible food and friendly atmosphere. We savored a variety of traditional Japanese dishes, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The owner was incredibly welcoming, making us feel right at home. We chatted with him about the island's art scene and his experiences running a restaurant in such a unique place. The portions were on the smaller side, but the flavors were exquisite, and we enjoyed sampling a variety of dishes. It was the perfect way to end our day of artistic immersion.


Discover authentic Japanese cuisine at Ebisukamo on Naoshima Island—where local flavors meet serene beauty.

As we walked back to My Lodge Naoshima, the island was bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. Reflecting on the day, I realized that Naoshima is more than just a collection of museums and art installations. It's a living, breathing work of art, where creativity and community intertwine. Tomorrow, we plan to continue our exploration of the Honmura district, visiting the Honmura Lounge & Archive and experiencing the Art House Project. I'm particularly excited to see the Cultural Melting Bath: Project for Naoshima, eager to experience another unique blend of art and culture. And perhaps we'll end the day with a drink at Bar SARU, soaking in the island's nightlife.

Naoshima continues to surprise and inspire me. It's a place where art is not just something to be observed, but something to be experienced, lived, and breathed. And I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.