Family Adventure to the Artistic Wonders of Naoshima Island

Naoshima's Artistic Heartbeat

Today was a deep dive into the artistic soul of Naoshima. The island's blend of contemporary art, traditional architecture, and serene landscapes has completely captivated me. It's a place where art isn't just observed; it's experienced, lived, and breathed. Sharing this with Ana and Luka makes it even more special, as we uncover hidden gems and create lasting memories together.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Café Ippo. Tucked away near Minamidera, this charming café felt like stepping into a traditional Japanese home. The friendly couple who run it greeted us warmly, and we enjoyed delicious coffee and a simple, satisfying breakfast. Luka especially loved the homemade cake, which gave us the energy we needed for a day of exploring. It’s these small, authentic experiences that I cherish most when traveling with my family.


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

Exploring the Art House Project

Next on our itinerary was the Art House Project in the Honmura district. This project transforms abandoned houses, temples, and shrines into contemporary art installations. Walking through the town, we felt like we were stepping back in time, with traditional Japanese houses lining the streets. The Art House Project is spread throughout the Honmura district, blending seamlessly into the daily life of the island. It's a unique experience, as you're not just visiting art; you're walking through a living, breathing community.

Our first stop was Minamidera, a building designed by Tadao Ando to house James Turrell's artwork, Backside of the Moon. The experience was unlike anything I’ve ever encountered. We entered a pitch-black room and were guided to a bench, where we waited for our eyes to adjust. Slowly, a faint light emerged, revealing a mysterious space that played with our perception. It was an exercise in patience and sensory awareness, a true testament to Turrell's genius.


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

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

After the thought-provoking experience at Minamidera, we made our way to Kadoya, the first house in the Art House Project. This 200-year-old house has been restored and features Tatsuo Miyajima's Sea of Time '98, an installation with figures that change rhythm in collaboration with the island's residents. It was fascinating to see how the artist incorporated the community into his work, creating a piece that reflects the island's history and spirit.


Explore the harmonious blend of traditional Japanese architecture and contemporary art at Naoshima's Art House Project: Kadoya.

Lee Ufan Museum: A Dialogue with Minimalism

In the afternoon, we visited the Lee Ufan Museum, a semi-subterranean structure designed by Tadao Ando. This museum is dedicated to the works of Korean contemporary artist Lee Ufan, a central figure in the Mono-ha movement. The museum itself is a work of art, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.

The museum features large installations made of stone, concrete, and iron, as well as a number of paintings from earlier in Lee’s career. The architecture and the art complement each other perfectly, creating a space that encourages contemplation and reflection. I was particularly struck by the way Ando used light and space to enhance the artwork, creating a truly immersive experience.


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

Luka, with his boundless energy, was surprisingly engaged by the museum's minimalist aesthetic. He spent a good amount of time examining the stone sculptures, asking questions about their texture and form. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so rewarding – seeing the world through my son's curious eyes.

Culinary Delights at Cin.na.mon and Ebisukamo

As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves near Miyanoura Port, where we decided to have lunch at Cin.na.mon. This stylish restaurant and bar has a funky ambiance and serves delicious curried seafood. We sat in traditional tatami rooms and enjoyed the Naoshima seafood curry, which was packed with fresh, local ingredients. Ana loved the nanban chili mayo fried chicken, and Luka devoured his portion of curry with gusto.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors in an artistic setting at Cin.na.mon, Naoshima's charming café and restaurant.

For dinner, we ventured to Ebisukamo, a cozy restaurant in the Honmura district. This small izakaya is known for its incredible food and friendly service. The owner went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, and the chef, Kazuya, prepared some truly delicious dishes. We tried the clams in sake and the yellowtail sashimi, both of which were incredibly fresh and flavorful. The portions were on the smaller side, but that just meant we got to try more dishes.


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

After dinner, while Ana and Luka headed back to My Lodge Naoshima, I decided to explore the nightlife a bit. I stopped by BAR Queen's-Q Naoshima for a nightcap. The bar had a serene ambiance and served exquisite drinks. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of art and exploration.


Discover the serene ambiance and exquisite drinks at BAR Queen's-Q Naoshima, the perfect retreat after exploring the island's art and culture.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu, the Red Pumpkin, and the Miyanoura Gallery 6. I’m particularly excited about the bathhouse, which I’ve heard is a unique and immersive art experience. I’m also looking forward to exploring the Miyanoura area a bit more, perhaps doing some souvenir shopping at Naoshima Shop Umihotaru.

Naoshima continues to surprise and inspire me. The way the island seamlessly blends art, nature, and community is truly remarkable. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down, appreciate the beauty around you, and connect with the world in a deeper way. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm reminded of a quote by Lee Ufan:

Through the act of placing a stone, one confronts the world.

Naoshima has certainly made me confront the world in new and profound ways. Good night from this enchanting island.

Tomorrow promises more artistic discoveries, and I can't wait to share them with you all. Until then, stay tuned!