Solo Art Adventure on Naoshima Island

Naoshima's Living Art: A Day of Discovery

The Art House Project on Naoshima Island is more than just a collection of installations; it's an invitation to step into a living, breathing canvas where art, architecture, and community intertwine. Today, I embarked on a journey through this unique project, weaving my way through the charming streets of Honmura, engaging with art that blurs the lines between the past and present. It was a day of quiet contemplation, unexpected encounters, and a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of art.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Little Plum. This cozy spot, housed in a renovated marine container, was just the ticket to fuel my artistic explorations. The warm September air held a hint of the sea, a perfect complement to the strong coffee and simple fare. Energized, I set off to explore the Art House Project, a series of renovated traditional houses and buildings transformed into art installations scattered throughout the Honmura district.

My first stop was the Go'o Shrine. This isn't your typical Shinto shrine; it's a reimagining of sacred space by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. The main building and underground rock chamber are connected by a glass staircase, creating a mystical link between heaven and earth. As I descended the stairs, the sunlight filtering through the glass evoked a sense of the kami, the Shinto deities, shining into the cavern. It was a truly unique and contemplative experience.


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

Art doesn't transform. It just plain forms things.

Next on my list was Minamidera, a building designed by Tadao Ando to house the works of James Turrell. Knowing that Minamidera is a very popular attraction, I had booked my visit in advance. This space was once home to five temples and shrines, making it the center of history and culture in Naoshima. Inside, Turrell's "Backside of the Moon" played with my perception of light. Entering the pitch-black space, I waited, and slowly, my eyes adjusted, revealing a hidden world of subtle illumination. It was an exercise in patience and perception, a reminder to slow down and truly see.


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

Continuing through Honmura, I arrived at Kadoya, the first building completed as part of the Art House Project. This 200-year-old house has been restored to its original appearance. Inside, Tatsuo Miyajima's "Sea of Time '98" uses LED displays set in water to create an immersive experience. The numbers blinked and shifted, reflecting in the water, a mesmerizing dance of light and time. It struck me as an opportunity to interject modern art into the lives of the islanders and the local area.


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

For lunch, I ventured to Perma_Naoshima, drawn in by the promise of authentic ramen. The savory broth and perfectly cooked noodles were a welcome treat, and the restaurant's artistic vibe was a perfect fit for the island.


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

As the day wore on, I found myself reflecting on the unique character of Naoshima. The Art House Project isn't just about viewing art; it's about traversing a zone of daily life, interacting with locals, and sensing the layers of time and history woven into the community. The project acts as a catalyst for interaction between visitors and local residents, giving rise to many memorable episodes.

Before dinner, I decided to treat myself to a drink at Bar SARU. This cozy bar, now located in Miyanoura, has a homely atmosphere and is known as the only bar on Naoshima that stays open late. I enjoyed a glass of Naoshima beer, chatting with some locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and laughter. The sense of community was palpable, a reminder that art has the power to connect us all.


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

Dinner was a delightful affair at New Olympia, a sushi restaurant that came highly recommended. The fresh, expertly prepared sushi was a testament to the island's connection to the sea, a perfect ending to a day immersed in art and culture.


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

As I walked back to My Lodge Naoshima, the stars began to pepper the night sky. The quiet hum of the island was a soothing lullaby, a promise of more adventures to come. Tomorrow, I plan to visit the Ando Museum and finally see the Yellow and Red Pumpkins. I'm also hoping to do some shopping at Shimacoya. Naoshima continues to surprise and inspire me, a place where art isn't confined to museums but spills out into the streets, into the lives of its residents, and into the hearts of its visitors. It’s a truly organic project that changes day-to-day, and has evolved to present a new model of community, characterized by positive interaction between urban and rural, young and old, residents, and visitors.


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