Exploring the Art Haven of Naoshima Island with Family

Finding Stillness in Art

Today, Naoshima continued to reveal its layers of artistic and cultural depth. Leaving behind the iconic Benesse House, Maximilian, Amara, and I ventured into the heart of the island, eager to explore more of what this unique destination had to offer. With the Setouchi Triennale in full swing, the island was buzzing with creative energy, making our exploration even more exciting.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Café Ippo. Tucked away near the Art House Project, it felt like stumbling upon a well-kept secret. The café exuded a cozy, traditional Japanese charm, making us feel instantly at home. I opted for a vegan dish, which was absolutely delicious and prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Maximilian enjoyed his coffee, and Amara loved the homemade cake. It was the perfect way to fuel up before a day filled with art and exploration. I made a mental note to try to recreate some of the vegan dishes when we returned to Heidelberg, perhaps adding a German twist to the Sri Lankan spices I love.


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

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.

Our first stop was the Lee Ufan Museum. As we approached, the architecture, designed by Tadao Ando, was immediately striking. The museum is nestled in a valley, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. The semi-subterranean structure created a sense of tranquility and contemplation. Inside, the minimalist works of Lee Ufan invited us to reflect on space, form, and the essence of art. Maximilian, with his architect's eye, was particularly impressed with the way Ando's concrete structures interacted with Lee's art, creating a harmonious and thought-provoking experience. Amara, surprisingly, was captivated by the large stone and steel installations, asking insightful questions about their meaning. It was a joy to see her engage with art in such a profound way.


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

After immersing ourselves in the serene atmosphere of the Lee Ufan Museum, we were ready for lunch. We chose Chikurin, an Izakaya, enticed by the promise of an authentic Japanese meal. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and we were greeted warmly by the staff. We savored a variety of dishes, from fresh sashimi to flavorful tempura, each bite a delightful explosion of Japanese flavors. Amara particularly enjoyed the udon noodles, while Maximilian and I relished the local sake. It was a satisfying and authentic culinary experience, reinforcing our love for Japanese cuisine.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Chikurin in Naoshima, where tradition meets flavor in a cozy izakaya setting.

With our appetites sated, we ventured into the Art House Project in the Honmura district. This unique initiative transforms abandoned houses, temples, and shrines into contemporary art installations. As we wandered through the narrow streets, we discovered art in unexpected places, each house telling a story of history and transformation. The first site we visited was Kadoya, the first house transformed in the Art House Project. The restored 200-year-old house featured Tatsuo Miyajima's Sea of Time '98, a mesmerizing installation of digital counters submerged in water. The artwork symbolized the flow of time and human connection, inviting contemplation and reflection. Amara was fascinated by the changing numbers, while Maximilian and I appreciated the blend of traditional architecture and contemporary art.


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

Next, we explored Shimacoya, a unique book café and guesthouse located in a renovated 120-year-old Japanese house. It was a delightful blend of art, literature, and local crafts. We browsed the collection of used books, sipped on carefully brewed coffee, and admired the artisanal crafts on display. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring art. Amara enjoyed relaxing in a hammock, while Maximilian and I chatted with the friendly staff, learning more about the island's artistic heritage.


Discover Shimacoya: A unique café experience blending art, literature, and local crafts on the enchanting island of Naoshima.

For dinner, we decided on Ebisukamo, a cozy restaurant known for its incredible food and friendly staff. The owner was incredibly welcoming, and the chef, Kazuya, prepared delicious dishes with local flavors. The portions were on the smaller side, but the variety of options allowed us to sample a range of dishes. We enjoyed the serene island vibes and the authentic taste of Japan. It was the perfect way to end our day of artistic and cultural immersion.


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

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the island, we reflected on the day's experiences. Naoshima continued to surprise and inspire us with its unique blend of art, architecture, and natural beauty. The Lee Ufan Museum and Art House Project offered moments of contemplation and discovery, while the local restaurants provided a taste of authentic Japanese culture. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit the Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu, the Red Pumpkin, and the Miyanoura Gallery 6. I'm also intrigued by the prospect of visiting BAR Queen's-Q Naoshima for a nightcap. I have a feeling Naoshima will continue to captivate us with its artistic charm and serene beauty. Good night from Naoshima!

The island is hosting the Naoshima Architecture Tour, but unfortunately, it does not align with our itinerary. The Setouchi Triennale is enhancing our visit, and it is a great time to be here.