Family Adventure to Naoshima's Art Island

A Day of Serenity and Discovery

Today on Naoshima Island was a beautiful blend of art, relaxation, and exploration. It’s amazing how this small island can offer such diverse experiences in a single day. Sri, Bagus, and I were all eager to see what today would bring, and it certainly didn't disappoint. We dove headfirst into the cultural experiences, savored local flavors, and soaked in the stunning scenery.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at APRON CAFE. It's a cozy little spot, and I'd heard great things about their breakfast sets. We weren't disappointed! The cafe had a charming, rustic vibe, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. Sri opted for the traditional Japanese breakfast, while Bagus and I went for the Western-style toast and eggs. Everything was fresh and delicious, providing the perfect fuel for our day of exploration. I must admit, the coffee was particularly good, a welcome treat to kickstart our morning.


Experience culinary delights amidst the artistic beauty of Naoshima at APRON CAFE - where every meal tells a story.

After breakfast, we headed to the 'Cultural Melting Bath: Project for Naoshima'. This was an experience I was particularly excited about. The project, by Cai Guo-Qiang, is based on Feng Shui principles and incorporates a bath where the earth’s energy flows into an American-made hot tub. It sounded wonderfully quirky and unique. Unfortunately, it seemed like today wasn't the day for a full-on bathing experience, as it seems to be reserved for hotel guests of Benesse House or special occasions. However, we were still able to appreciate the artistry and concept behind it. The location itself was stunning, nestled right on the coastline with the sea breeze adding to the ambiance. We learned that the bath is designed to blend Eastern and Western cultures, using Taihu rocks from China and an American Jacuzzi, all while following Feng Shui principles. It was a thought-provoking piece, and I appreciated the way it encouraged reflection and relaxation.


Discover the Cultural Melting Bath in Naoshima, where art and nature converge for a tranquil and inspiring experience.

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

Next on our itinerary was the Naoshima Fishing Park. Now, I’m not much of a fisherman, but Bagus was quite keen, and Sri always enjoys being by the water. The park offered a relaxing change of pace. We rented some rods and bait, and Bagus immediately got to work. Sri and I enjoyed watching him, taking in the beautiful coastal scenery. The fishing park is well-maintained, and the staff were helpful, offering tips to the amateur fishermen (Bagus included!). While Bagus didn't catch anything monumental, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and that’s what mattered. We saw other visitors reeling in some decent-sized fish, so clearly, the park is a popular spot for those who know what they’re doing. The sea breeze and the sound of the waves made it a tranquil and enjoyable interlude.


Experience fishing and tranquility at Naoshima Fishing Park, a scenic destination for nature lovers in Japan's beautiful Naoshima Island.

Lunchtime rolled around, and we decided to try Perma_Naoshima (パーマ). I’d read some great reviews about their ramen, and we were all in the mood for something comforting and flavorful. The restaurant had a cozy, intimate setting, and the aroma of the ramen broth was incredibly inviting. Sri and I both ordered the classic shoyu ramen, while Bagus, ever the adventurous one, opted for the tonkotsu. The ramen was outstanding! The broth was rich and savory, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the toppings fresh and delicious. It was the ideal meal to recharge us after our morning activities. Perma_Naoshima is clearly passionate about using local ingredients, and it made a noticeable difference in the quality of the food. It was more than just a meal; it was an experience that encapsulated the essence of Japanese culinary tradition.


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

Our final stop for the day was the Shihōzashi Sightseeing Tower. This required a bit of a drive, but the views were more than worth it. The tower is located in a valley between Mt. Hoshigajo and Shihozashi, offering panoramic vistas of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands. The observation deck provided an unparalleled view of the unique rock formations created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The climb to the top was a bit steep, but once we reached the summit, we were rewarded with the most breathtaking views. We could see the islands floating amidst the sea clouds, and the sunlight reflecting off the water created a magical scene. It was the perfect spot to reflect on our day and appreciate the natural beauty of Naoshima. Sri took some amazing photos, and we all just stood there for a while, soaking it all in. It was a truly unforgettable experience.


Discover breathtaking views and the serene beauty of Shodoshima at the Shihōzashi Sightseeing Tower, an unforgettable tourist attraction.

Before heading back to My Lodge Naoshima, we made a quick stop at Shimacoya, a charming little shop that I'd heard was a must-visit. It turned out to be a delightful blend of a café, bookstore, and variety store. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and we enjoyed browsing through the selection of books and local crafts. I picked up a small, handmade ceramic bowl as a memento of our trip. Bagus found a used manga book that he was thrilled with, and Sri enjoyed a cup of matcha latte. It was a perfect way to wind down after a busy day.


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

For dinner, we chose Nagomi, a local restaurant known for its authentic Japanese cuisine. We wanted to try some traditional dishes, and Nagomi didn't disappoint. The restaurant had a cozy, family-run atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly friendly. We ordered a variety of dishes, including sushi, tempura, and yakitori. Everything was fresh and beautifully prepared. It was a delightful culinary experience, and we all left feeling satisfied and content.


Discover Nagomi in Naoshima - where authentic Japanese dining meets community spirit in a cozy setting.

As we walked back to our lodge, we reflected on the day’s adventures. Naoshima Island had once again exceeded our expectations. The blend of art, nature, and culture is truly unique, and we felt grateful to have experienced it all. Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Art House Project in Honmura, including Haisha, and also visit the Honmura Lounge & Archive. I’m particularly intrigued by the Art House Project, which involves renovating old residences into art spaces. It sounds like another fascinating aspect of Naoshima’s artistic landscape. And perhaps we'll find a nice bar at Naoshima Yokocho to end the day.

It’s nights like these, filled with shared experiences and happy memories, that make traveling with family so special. I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures!