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

Illuminations and Introspection

Today on Naoshima, the air was crisp, carrying with it a sense of artistic anticipation. The island, known for its unique blend of contemporary art and serene landscapes, promised a day of exploration and reflection. I was excited to explore further, and experience the cultural richness of this unique island.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at maimai. The fish burger was delicious! It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day dedicated to wandering through art installations and architectural marvels. It reminded me of the fresh seafood back home in the Seychelles, a comforting taste of the ocean.


Discover Maimai: A charming hamburger café on Naoshima offering delicious meals amidst stunning art installations.

First on our itinerary was the Art House Project, specifically Minamidera. Finding the location was easy. The Honmura district is a charming maze of traditional Japanese houses, blending seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. The project itself is an ingenious concept: abandoned houses transformed into contemporary art spaces. Minamidera, designed by Tadao Ando to house a work by James Turrell, was particularly intriguing.


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

The experience inside Minamidera was unlike anything I’ve encountered before. I won’t spoil the surprise for future visitors, but it involves a play of light and darkness that challenges your perception. It was a deeply introspective experience, prompting me to consider the nature of reality and how we perceive it. The stillness and the quiet intensity of the space were captivating.

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

After the thought-provoking experience at Minamidera, we strolled through the streets of Honmura, soaking in the atmosphere. We popped into Art Island Center, a gallery, bookshop, and art center. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and learn more about the island’s art scene. I found a beautiful print that reminded me of the colors of the Seychelles, a little piece of home to bring back to Bonn.


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

For lunch, we headed to Perma_Naoshima. This ramen restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. The cozy atmosphere was perfect for a midday break. The ramen was delicious and warming, exactly what we needed on a chilly February day. Hans particularly enjoyed the vegetarian options, always a plus when we're trying to balance our culinary experiences.


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

In the afternoon, we visited the Lee Ufan Museum, another architectural masterpiece by Tadao Ando. This museum is dedicated to the work of Lee Ufan, a Korean contemporary artist known for his minimalist sculptures and paintings. The museum itself is semi-subterranean, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. The approach to the museum, weaving around parallel walls, was an experience in itself, creating a sense of anticipation and reverence.


Explore the serene Lee Ufan Museum in Naoshima, where modern art meets nature in a harmonious blend of minimalism and tranquility.

The installations at the Lee Ufan Museum were powerful and thought-provoking. The use of stone, concrete, and iron created a sense of permanence and weight, while the open spaces allowed for contemplation and reflection. The museum's design accentuated the artwork, creating a harmonious blend of art and architecture. It struck me how Ando's designs, while modern, still managed to incorporate the natural elements of Naoshima, like the sea breeze and the sunlight.

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at Cin.na.mon, a stylish restaurant and bar near Miyanoura Port. The funky ambiance and delicious curried seafood were the perfect way to unwind after a day of art exploration. We enjoyed some local craft beers and reflected on the day’s experiences. It was a lovely way to relax and enjoy each other’s company.


Savor the essence of Japanese cuisine at Cin.na.mon, a charming cafe in the heart of Naoshima, where tradition meets modernity.

Tonight, we dined at Ebisukamo. This cozy restaurant is known for its incredible food and friendly, efficient staff. The owner truly goes above and beyond for their customers. The menu offered a variety of options perfect for an evening of chilling out. It was a delightful way to end our second day on Naoshima.


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

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into the Art House Project, visiting Kadoya and Go'o Shrine. I’m particularly excited to see Kadoya, the first house transformed in the project, and Go'o Shrine, which combines traditional Shinto architecture with contemporary art. I am also looking forward to trying the local cuisine at Chikurin, Issen and Yuunagi. I also plan on visiting Shimacoya. And to end the day, we'll visit Naoshima Yokocho.

Naoshima continues to surprise and inspire me. The island is a testament to the power of art to transform not only spaces but also perspectives. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in beauty and find yourself in contemplation. I am grateful for this opportunity to experience such a unique and enriching destination.

The temperature today was between 3°C and 10°C, so it was cold and breezy. I am glad I packed appropriately. I almost forgot my sunscreen, but luckily Hans reminded me. It is important to protect your skin, even in the winter.

As I reflect on today's journey, I'm reminded of the simple beauty of Anse Boileau, where I grew up. The way the light filters through the palm trees, the gentle rhythm of the waves – it's a different kind of art, but equally profound. Perhaps that's why I'm so drawn to islands; they offer a sense of peace and connection that's hard to find elsewhere. And Naoshima, with its unique blend of art and nature, is a perfect example of this.

Goodnight from Naoshima!