Art and Adventure on Naoshima Island: A Cultural Journey with Friends

A Day of Artistic Immersion

Today marked the beginning of our Naoshima adventure, and what a start it was! From the moment we stepped off the ferry, I knew this island was unlike any other place I’d ever visited. The air hummed with creativity, and every corner seemed to reveal a new artistic treasure. It’s a place where art isn't just observed; it's lived and breathed.

Our journey from Bonn to Osaka, and then the train and ferry to Naoshima, felt like a pilgrimage to a sacred space for art lovers. Stepping onto the island, I felt a sense of anticipation. I was eager to dive into the unique blend of contemporary art and the serene beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. I was so glad to be here with friends, sharing this unique experience.

Our first stop was breakfast at APRON CAFE. It was a small, quaint place tucked away in the Honmura district. The cafe had a homely feel and the staff were so welcoming. I ordered a seasonal set lunch that included fried local Spanish mackerel with a Spanish-style omelette and a medley of fresh vegetables. It was delicious! What made APRON CAFE special was that the menu is designed by a certified nutritionist using local ingredients from Setouchi. It was the perfect way to start a day of art exploration.


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

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

Fueled by a delightful breakfast, we headed to the Chichu Art Museum. The museum is primarily built underground, with the intention to rethink the relationship between nature and people. As we approached, the architecture itself was a marvel, blending seamlessly into the landscape. The natural light filtering through the carefully designed spaces created an ethereal atmosphere, enhancing the artwork it housed. The museum houses works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. Monet's Water Lilies glowed under the ambient light, and I felt as though I was in a futuristic cave discovering relics from the past. James Turrell's light installations were mesmerizing. They played with my perception and made me question the very nature of reality. Walter De Maria's Time/Timeless/No Time was an impressive installation. It took up the largest room of the museum.


Explore the Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima Island, where modern art meets nature in a breathtaking architectural masterpiece.

I was particularly struck by the way Tadao Ando, the architect, used natural light to illuminate the art. It felt as though the sun itself was a curator, constantly changing the exhibit with its shifting rays. The Chichu Museum is an unforgettable experience, a testament to the power of art and architecture working in harmony.

Next on our itinerary was the Benesse House Museum. It offered a different but equally captivating experience. The museum is part of a larger complex that includes a hotel. As we walked through the grounds, we encountered numerous outdoor sculptures, each one thoughtfully placed to interact with the surrounding environment. The Benesse House Museum is known for creating art and architectural projects and revitalizing island communities.


Discover the enchanting Benesse House Museum on Naoshima Island, where contemporary art meets stunning natural beauty in a harmonious setting.

Inside, the collection spanned a wide range of contemporary artists. I was particularly drawn to the works by Yayoi Kusama, whose iconic Yellow Pumpkin has become a symbol of Naoshima. The museum also had pieces by Gerhard Richter, Jasper Johns, and Frank Stella. One of the unique aspects of Benesse House is the opportunity to stay overnight in the museum itself. Imagine having after-hours access to these incredible works of art! Perhaps Hans and I will do that next time, as he would have loved to wander through the exhibits in the quiet of the night.

After immersing ourselves in art all day, we were ready for a late lunch. We stopped at Café Ippo. It was a cozy cafe with a lounge room feel. I ordered a cake and coffee. The staff were super apologetic that they were out of most food, giving us delicious sliced apple to say sorry. I made a mental note to come back earlier another day to try some of their vegan fare.


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

As evening approached, it was time for dinner. We chose New Olympia, a sushi restaurant known for its refined fish dishes. The restaurant had a tranquil atmosphere. The sushi was incredibly fresh, a testament to the island’s proximity to the sea. The chef surprised me with a small plate as a gift. It was the best sushi I've ever had. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with artistic inspiration and cultural immersion. The balance of seasoning and the sincerity of the preparation allowed the quality of the ingredients to shine.


Experience authentic sushi in Naoshima at New Olympia – where fresh ingredients meet traditional Japanese artistry.

To cap off our first day, we ventured to Bar SARU. It was a small, intimate space. It felt like a true neighborhood spot. We passed it earlier when it was closed and were sold based on the paint job alone. I enjoyed a Naoshima beer, while chatting with some locals and fellow travelers. The bar had a homely atmosphere. It was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences. The owner was super friendly and the drinks were great.


Discover the vibrant nightlife of Naoshima at Bar SARU, where local beers and a cozy atmosphere await every traveler.

As I sit here now, writing this entry, I can still feel the energy of Naoshima swirling around me. It’s a place that stimulates the senses and nourishes the soul. The blend of art, nature, and culture is truly unique, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Art House Project: Minamidera and the Lee Ufan Museum. I’m particularly excited about the Art House Project, which involves transforming empty houses into contemporary art spaces. We will start the day with breakfast at maimai, have lunch at Perma_Naoshima, and end the day with dinner at Ebisukamo. Hopefully, we will also have the chance to visit Cin.na.mon bar.

Despite the cold February weather, with temperatures ranging from 3 to 10°C, the island's artistic warmth kept us cozy. I was glad I had packed layers, as suggested by the weather forecasts, to stay comfortable while exploring.

Naoshima has already exceeded my expectations. It's a reminder that art isn't confined to museums; it's a way of life, a way of seeing the world. And I’m so grateful to be experiencing it with my friends. I am sure Hans would have loved this place, too. It’s the kind of destination that stays with you long after you’ve left, inspiring creativity and a deeper appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. I am also glad that I remembered to bring my camera to capture the art installations, my comfortable walking shoes, and my travel journal. However, I regret not bringing sunscreen, as the sun was stronger than I expected, and a travel adapter for Japan. I will have to buy these items tomorrow. Good night from Naoshima!