Artistic Exploration on Naoshima Island

Art and Serenity on Naoshima's Second Day

Today, Hans and I dove deeper into the artistic heart of Naoshima, a journey that blended contemporary art with the island's serene spirituality. It's remarkable how art can transform a place, weaving new stories into its existing fabric. As a freelance content writer and social media manager, I'm always on the lookout for unique narratives, and Naoshima is certainly delivering.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Café Ippo. Tucked away near Minamidera, this café is a local gem, offering a cozy atmosphere and a taste of authentic Japanese hospitality. I opted for the traditional Japanese breakfast set, while Hans, ever the coffee aficionado, savored their expertly brewed coffee. The café is known for its vegan cuisine and using homemade vegetables. It felt like a warm embrace to start the day. It reminded me of our favorite little cafe back in Berlin.


Discover Café Ippo in Naoshima: A delightful fusion of authentic Japanese cuisine and warm hospitality awaits you in this charming café.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, we set out to explore the Art House Project, starting with Minamidera. This project, scattered throughout the Honmura district, repurposes empty houses, temples, and shrines into contemporary art spaces. Minamidera, designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, was an experience in itself. Inside, James Turrell's light installation, Backside of the Moon, played with our perception of light and darkness. The limited number of visitors allowed at a time created an intimate and introspective atmosphere. The experience was both disorienting and deeply moving, a testament to the power of art to challenge our senses. We had to make reservations in advance to secure our slot.


Discover the Art House Project: Minamidera in Naoshima, where modern art meets traditional Japanese architecture in a serene setting.

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 Go'o Shrine, another fascinating stop in the Art House Project. Designed by Hiroshi Sugimoto, this Shinto shrine has been given a modern makeover, blending traditional architecture with contemporary art. A glass staircase connects the worship hall to an underground chamber, symbolizing the unity of heaven and earth. The interplay of light and shadow in the underground chamber was particularly striking, creating a sense of serenity and contemplation. Hans was particularly captivated by the way Sugimoto incorporated light into the design, evoking a sense of the sacred. It was a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, a space where art and spirituality converged.


Discover the serene Art House Project: Go'o Shrine in Naoshima, where contemporary art meets traditional Shinto spirituality in a breathtaking setting.

Our artistic pilgrimage continued towards the iconic Yellow Pumpkin. As we approached the Benesse House area, the vibrant yellow sculpture stood out against the backdrop of the sea and sky. Created by Yayoi Kusama, the Yellow Pumpkin has become a symbol of Naoshima, representing the island's unique blend of art and nature. We spent some time admiring the pumpkin, taking photos, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. Despite the crowds, there was a sense of peace and tranquility, a feeling that we were in the presence of something special. It’s funny to think that this pumpkin was originally intended for temporary exhibition.


Discover the iconic Yellow Pumpkin in Naoshima, a vibrant sculpture by Yayoi Kusama, blending contemporary art with stunning coastal views.

Before heading back, we stopped by the Benesse House Shop for a bit of souvenir shopping. The shop offers a wide selection of art goods, local sweets, and hotel amenities. I picked up a beautiful art print inspired by the island's landscape, while Hans found a unique piece of jewelry crafted from local materials. It's always nice to bring a little piece of our travels back home with us.


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

For lunch, we enjoyed a delightful meal at Perma_Naoshima. This ramen restaurant is known for its exquisite flavors and warm hospitality. We savored each bite of the rich and savory ramen, crafted with carefully selected ingredients. The inviting ambiance made us feel right at home, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the island's art installations. It was the perfect way to refuel before continuing our artistic adventure.


Experience authentic ramen at Perma_Naoshima, where culinary tradition meets the artistic charm of Naoshima Island.

As evening approached, we made our way to Kinosaki Udon Naoshima for dinner. This popular restaurant is known for its handmade udon and delicious tempura. The cozy eatery was bustling with locals, giving it an authentic and trustworthy appeal. I opted for the Niku Udon, while Hans tried the tempura udon. The springy and chewy texture of the udon was simply divine, and the tempura was perfectly crispy and flavorful. It was a truly satisfying meal, a perfect end to a day filled with art and exploration. We even considered adding sea bream to enhance our udon dish.


Experience authentic Japanese udon noodles at Kinosaki Udon Naoshima - where tradition meets flavor in a cozy setting.

Reflecting on the day, I'm struck by how Naoshima seamlessly blends art, nature, and spirituality. The Art House Project is a testament to the island's commitment to transforming everyday spaces into works of art, weaving in the history and memories of the period when the buildings were lived in and used. It's a truly organic project that changes day-to-day, presenting a new model of community, characterized by positive interaction between urban and rural, young and old, residents, and visitors.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Lee Ufan Museum, Art House Project: Haisha, and Miyanoura Gallery 6. I'm particularly excited about visiting Haisha, the former home and office of a dentist that has been converted into a gallery for large sculptures. And perhaps we'll end the day at Naoshima Yokocho for a drink.

As I write this, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience Naoshima's unique artistic landscape. It's a place that inspires creativity, encourages contemplation, and celebrates the beauty of the human spirit. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Good night from Naoshima!