Art and Adventure: Discovering Naoshima Island

A Day of Artistic Immersion

Today was all about diving deeper into the unique atmosphere of Naoshima. It’s incredible how this small island manages to blend world-class art with everyday life. Liam and I were excited to explore more of what Naoshima had to offer, and today’s itinerary promised a mix of art, relaxation, and local flavor. I was especially looking forward to seeing how the art interacted with the natural landscape, a theme that seems to run through everything here.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Little Plum. It's a cozy spot, and I was eager to try their take on a traditional Japanese breakfast. After a satisfying meal, we set out to explore the island, camera in hand and ready to capture the beauty around us.

Seaside Gallery: A Fusion of Art and Architecture

Our first stop was the Seaside Gallery. The gallery itself is a work of art, designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando. The building is extraordinary, and the art collection is very diverse and interesting. As we walked through the exhibits, I was struck by how well the art and architecture complemented each other. The natural light streaming in through the windows highlighted the textures and colors of the pieces, creating a truly immersive experience. Liam, with his engineering background, was particularly impressed by the structural design of the gallery. We spent a good couple of hours here, discussing our favorite pieces and taking photos of the stunning views from the gallery's windows.


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

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

Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu: Bathing in Art

Next on our list was the Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu. This was perhaps the most unconventional experience of the day. Created by artist Shinro Ohtake, this public bathhouse is a vibrant collage of colors, materials, and found objects. From the outside, it looks like a whimsical, slightly chaotic structure, and the inside is even more surprising.


Experience the unique blend of relaxation and art at Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu, a must-visit destination for tranquility and cultural immersion.

Before going in, I did some research and found out that the name is a play on words – the Japanese character for hot water (湯) is read as yu. Inside, the bathhouse is decorated with mosaics, sculptures, and even a live succulent greenhouse. It's a fully functioning public bath, so we followed the local customs, washing thoroughly before stepping into the hot water. Soaking in the bath while surrounded by such quirky art was a surreal and wonderful experience. It was a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the best way to experience art is to immerse yourself in it completely. Liam, ever the adventurer, loved the novelty of it all. We even bought some of the bathhouse's original toiletries as souvenirs.

Benesse House Park: Serenity Amidst Sculpture

After our refreshing bath, we headed to Benesse House Park. This sprawling park is part of the Benesse Art Site, and it features a collection of outdoor sculptures set against the backdrop of the island's natural beauty. As we strolled through the park, we encountered works by renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Niki de Saint Phalle. Each sculpture seemed to interact with its surroundings in a unique way, creating a sense of harmony between art and nature.


Discover the serene beauty and artistic spirit of Naoshima at Benesse House Park, a luxurious retreat blending nature, art, and hospitality.

The Benesse House itself is a hotel and museum complex designed by Tadao Ando. The Park building, where we spent most of our time, felt like a traditional hotel with restaurants and shops, but with the added bonus of art spaces. We explored the grounds, admiring the sculptures and enjoying the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. The combination of art, architecture, and nature made for a truly inspiring experience.

A Culinary Journey: Local Flavors of Naoshima

For lunch, we decided to try Cin.na.mon, a restaurant known for its Naoshima Curry. This curry is made with fresh, local seafood and simmered for over six hours. The restaurant itself has a cozy and spacious interior, with an elegant wooden wall that creates a relaxed mood. I opted for the Naoshima Curry, while Liam chose the Setouchi sashimi set meal. Both dishes were delicious, and the seafood was incredibly fresh. It was a perfect way to refuel after a morning of art exploration. The owner goes to a fish market in Uno every day to buy fresh, in-season seafood.


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

In the late afternoon, we stopped by Naoshima Shop Umihotaru. This charming shop offers a variety of local snacks and beverages, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape. We picked up some local crafts and souvenirs, and I couldn’t resist trying one of their specialty drinks. The cafe's design harmonizes with Naoshima's artistic vibe, showcasing local craftsmanship.


Experience the artistic spirit of Naoshima at Shop Umihotaru, where local flavors meet breathtaking views in a charming cafe setting.

As evening approached, we made our way to Perma_Naoshima for dinner. This ramen restaurant is renowned for its exquisite flavors and warm hospitality. The inviting ambiance made us feel right at home, and the ramen was crafted with carefully selected ingredients. I chose the classic shoyu ramen, while Liam went for the tonkotsu. Each bowl was a masterpiece, and we savored every bite. Perma_Naoshima is not just a place to eat; it's an experience that embodies the essence of Japanese culinary tradition. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with art and adventure.


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

Reflections on Art and Life

Today was a reminder of how art can enrich our lives in so many ways. From the thought-provoking exhibits at the Seaside Gallery to the whimsical charm of the Naoshima Public Bath and the serene beauty of Benesse House Park, every experience was a feast for the senses. It’s amazing how Naoshima has managed to create a space where art is not just something to be observed, but something to be lived and breathed. As we headed back to My Lodge Naoshima, I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique and inspiring place.


Discover affordable comfort at My Lodge Naoshima, an ideal base for exploring the art-laden island while enjoying local cuisine and free parking.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to visit the Teshima Art Museum and explore more of the Art House Project. I’m excited to see what other hidden gems this island has in store for us. I also plan to pack the portable phone charger and lightweight rain jacket that I forgot. Good thing Liam packed his!

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” - Pablo Picasso