Exploring the Art Haven of Naoshima Island with Family

Hidden Gems of Naoshima: Valley and Seaside Galleries

Today was another day of artistic exploration on Naoshima Island, and it felt like uncovering hidden treasures. The island continues to surprise me with its seamless blend of art, architecture, and nature. It's a place where every corner holds a new perspective, and I'm excited to share our experiences from today.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Little Plum, a cozy café near Miyaura Port. The red tent outside was inviting, and the atmosphere inside was just what we needed to start our day. We enjoyed some local pastries and strong coffee, fueling up for a day of gallery hopping. Amara was particularly excited, and Maximilian and I were eager to see what artistic wonders awaited us.


Experience the essence of Naoshima at Little Plum, where local flavors meet warm hospitality in a serene setting.

First on our itinerary was the Valley Gallery, a newer addition to Naoshima's art scene designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando. The gallery is nestled in a valley, living up to its name, and the architecture is striking. The angular steel roof and trapezoidal floor plan blend seamlessly with the landscape. As we walked along the winding path to the entrance, we were greeted by Yayoi Kusama's 'Narcissus Garden,' a mesmerizing installation of mirrored stainless steel spheres. Amara was immediately captivated, running around the spheres and marveling at her reflections. It was a delightful start to our gallery visit.


Explore contemporary art at the Valley Gallery in Naoshima, where nature meets creativity in a stunning modern museum setting.

Inside the Valley Gallery, the natural light filtering through the corner openings created a serene and meditative atmosphere. The white-walled room provided a blank canvas for the art, and the shadows cast by the skylights added an ethereal quality to the space. The gallery also features Tsuyoshi Ozawa's 'Slag Buddha 88,' a thought-provoking installation of Buddha statuettes created from industrial waste. The contrast between the natural beauty of the valley and the repurposed industrial materials was striking, prompting us to reflect on themes of nature, industry, and rebirth.

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

After immersing ourselves in the Valley Gallery, we decided to grab a quick lunch at Raumen Tsumu. This small ramen shop is run by an elderly couple and is known for its delicious and comforting ramen dishes. We all slurped down our noodles with gusto, enjoying the warm and flavorful broth. Amara particularly loved the *tantanmen*, a spicy minced meat ramen. It was a simple yet satisfying meal that gave us a taste of local hospitality.


Discover the authentic taste of Japan with delicious ramen at Raumen Tsumu on Naoshima Island.

With our bellies full, we made our way to the Seaside Gallery, another gem on Naoshima. Designed by Tadao Ando, this gallery is located in a terraced plaza on the south side of Benesse House Museum, offering stunning views of the ocean. The gallery's long and narrow space is designed to maximize natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The exhibits were diverse, featuring contemporary paintings, sculptures, and photography. We spent a good amount of time admiring the artwork and soaking in the panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.


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

As we explored the Seaside Gallery, I couldn't help but think about how far Naoshima has come. Once a neglected island, it has been transformed into a world-renowned art destination thanks to the vision of the Benesse Corporation and the architectural genius of Tadao Ando. The island's commitment to blending art, nature, and architecture is truly inspiring, and it's a testament to the power of art to revitalize and transform communities.

Before heading back to My Lodge Naoshima, we made a quick stop at the 7-Eleven Naoshima Shop to pick up some snacks and drinks. It's always interesting to see how convenience stores adapt to local cultures, and this one was no exception. We found some unique Japanese snacks that we couldn't resist trying, adding a touch of local flavor to our evening.


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


Discover convenience and comfort at 7-Eleven Naoshima, your go-to spot for snacks, essentials, and an ATM on the beautiful Naoshima Island.

For dinner, we decided to try NaoPAM/ Shima-Shoku-Do Miyanda, a local *Shokudo* and *Teishoku* restaurant near the I♥Yu bathhouse. This charming eatery is known for its fresh seafood set meals, and we were eager to taste the local flavors. The menu changes daily based on the catch of the day, ensuring the freshest ingredients. We enjoyed a delicious meal of sashimi, grilled fish, and miso soup, savoring the simple yet flavorful dishes. The restaurant also has a small art gallery, Naopam, inside a renovated traditional house, adding to the island's artistic charm. It was the perfect way to end our day of artistic exploration.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at NaoPAM in Naoshima - where tradition meets flavor in a cozy atmosphere.

As we walked back to our accommodation, I reflected on the day's experiences. Naoshima Island continues to captivate us with its unique blend of art, nature, and culture. The Valley Gallery and Seaside Gallery offered us new perspectives on contemporary art, while the local eateries provided us with a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. It's a place where art is not confined to museums but permeates every aspect of life, creating a truly immersive and inspiring experience.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit George Rickey Three Squares Vertical Diagonal and Walking Ark, continuing our exploration of Naoshima's outdoor sculptures. We're also looking forward to trying Terrace Restaurant for breakfast and enjoying a relaxing evening at maimai bar. I'm excited to see what new artistic discoveries await us on this enchanting island. I am also excited to see what the Setouchi Triennale 2025 will bring to the island. It is a major drawcard for eminent international and local artists. It will be interesting to see how the island continues to evolve and inspire.