Family Adventure to Naoshima's Art Island

Island's Embrace: A Final Day of Discovery

As our Naoshima adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible blend of art, nature, and cultural immersion we've experienced. Today was a day of serene beauty and quiet contemplation, a perfect ending to our family's artistic pilgrimage. We soaked in the last moments of this unique island, creating memories that I know we'll cherish for years to come.

Our final day began, as most days here do, with a hearty breakfast at maimai. The cozy cafe was bustling with early risers, eager to start their day exploring Naoshima. I opted for their signature Naoshima burger, a local fish burger, which was the perfect fuel for our morning adventures. Sri chose the Locomoco, while Bagus enjoyed a plate of fluffy pancakes. Maimai's friendly atmosphere and delicious food always set a positive tone for the day.


Discover Maimai: A charming hamburger café on Naoshima offering delicious meals amidst stunning art installations.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, we set out to explore Tsunosaki, a scenic spot known for its breathtaking coastal views. The path to Tsunosaki was a gentle winding road, flanked by lush greenery. As we approached the coastline, the view opened up to reveal a stunning panorama of the Seto Inland Sea. The crystal-clear waters sparkled under the morning sun, and the distant islands seemed to float on the horizon. The air was fresh and carried a hint of sea salt, invigorating our senses.


Discover the serene coastal beauty of Tsunosaki in Naoshima - a perfect escape for nature lovers and tranquility seekers.

Tsunosaki itself was a tranquil haven. We spent a leisurely hour simply wandering along the rocky shore, admiring the natural rock formations and the gentle waves lapping against the coast. Bagus, ever the adventurous one, climbed onto the highest point to capture some stunning photos with his camera. Sri and I sat on a nearby bench, enjoying the peace and quiet, and watching the occasional fishing boat glide across the horizon. It was a moment of perfect serenity, a chance to connect with nature and each other.

The beauty of Naoshima lies not just in its art, but in its ability to blend art with nature, creating a harmonious and inspiring environment.

Next on our itinerary was Kasaneiwa, a historical and cultural landmark known for its precariously balanced rocks. The journey to Kasaneiwa took us through winding mountain roads, offering glimpses of the island's interior. The anticipation grew as we approached the site, eager to witness this natural wonder.


Explore the stunning natural beauty and historical significance of Kasaneiwa, a captivating landmark in Tonosho, Kagawa, Japan.

The climb to Kasaneiwa was a bit challenging, with steep steps and narrow paths. However, the effort was well worth it. As we reached the top, we were greeted by the sight of the towering rocks, seemingly defying gravity with their precarious balance. The surrounding views were equally impressive, offering panoramic vistas of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding islands. According to local legend, these rocks have been balanced in this way for centuries, a testament to the power of nature and the mysteries of time.

After soaking in the beauty and history of Kasaneiwa, we made our way to Aisunao for lunch. Located in a renovated traditional house in the Honmura district, Aisunao is a charming restaurant known for its flavorful dishes featuring organically grown rice and vegetables. As a family, we've been trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into our diet, and Aisunao was the perfect place to do just that. The restaurant itself was a delight, with traditional Japanese aesthetics blending seamlessly with modern design.


Discover Aisunao in Naoshima: Delight in creative vegan dishes amidst Japan's stunning art island.

We indulged in a variety of dishes, including the house special, a flavorful rice bowl with an assortment of seasonal vegetables. Sri, who is always health-conscious, appreciated the restaurant's commitment to using organic ingredients. Bagus, surprisingly, enjoyed the vegan-friendly desserts, which were made without eggs or dairy products. The meal was not only delicious but also a refreshing change from the richer foods we had been indulging in throughout our trip.

As the afternoon progressed, we decided to take a break from sightseeing and relax at Kon'nichiwa, a cozy bar known for its tranquil ambiance. The bar was conveniently located near the port, offering stunning waterfront views. We ordered a round of drinks – local craft beer for me, a refreshing iced tea for Sri, and a sparkling cider for Bagus. We sat on the terrace, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and watching the boats come and go. It was the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on our Naoshima adventure.


Discover the tranquil ambiance and delicious offerings at Kon'nichiwa, Naoshima's beloved café for art lovers and tourists alike.

Before dinner, Sri suggested we revisit the Benesse House Museum shop for some last-minute souvenirs. She wanted to get a few art books and postcards to remember our trip. Bagus, on the other hand, was on the hunt for a unique piece of jewelry for his girlfriend back home. I ended up buying a beautiful Naoshima-themed scarf for my mother. It was a fun and relaxed way to spend the late afternoon, browsing through the unique items and reminiscing about our favorite moments on the island.

For our final dinner on Naoshima, we chose Chikurin, a charming izakaya known for its authentic Japanese cuisine and warm hospitality. The restaurant was tucked away in a quiet corner of the island, creating a sense of intimacy and seclusion. Run by a friendly local, Chikurin offered a menu of traditional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. We sampled a variety of dishes, including sashimi, grilled fish, and a comforting bowl of udon noodles. The food was simple but delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming.


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

As we savored our meal, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip. Bagus was particularly fond of the Chichu Art Museum, while Sri loved the peacefulness of the Lee Ufan Museum. For me, the highlight was simply spending quality time with my family, exploring a new and exciting destination together. We laughed, we learned, and we created memories that will last a lifetime. As we finished our meal, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience this unique and beautiful island with my loved ones.

And so, our Naoshima adventure comes to an end. Tomorrow, we'll be making our way back to Tokyo, filled with memories of art, nature, and family bonding. This trip has been an incredible experience, one that has enriched our lives and strengthened our connections. Naoshima, with its unique blend of art and nature, has captured our hearts and left us with a longing to return someday. Until then, we'll cherish the memories and carry the spirit of Naoshima with us, wherever we go.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness that our journey is coming to an end. However, I also feel a sense of gratitude for the incredible experiences we've had and the memories we've created. Naoshima has been more than just a destination; it has been a transformative experience, one that has deepened our appreciation for art, nature, and the bonds of family. As we prepare to leave this enchanting island, I know that we will carry its spirit with us, wherever we go. Terima kasih, Naoshima, for the memories and the magic.

As we prepare to leave Naoshima and head back to Tokyo, I'm already anticipating sharing the stories and photos from our trip with friends and family back home in Toronto. I know they'll be captivated by the unique blend of art, nature, and culture that Naoshima has to offer. And who knows, maybe our adventures will inspire them to embark on their own artistic pilgrimage to this enchanting island. Selamat tinggal, Naoshima. Until we meet again.

Before heading to bed, I took one last stroll along the harbor. The night sky was ablaze with stars, and the gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore created a soothing symphony. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the moment and etching it into my memory. Naoshima, with its art, its nature, and its people, has left an indelible mark on my soul. And as I drift off to sleep, I dream of the day when we can return to this magical island and experience its wonders once again.