Shih-wen Cheng / 500px

Naoshima

As the location of the Benesse Art Site, the island of Naoshima (直島) has become one of the region's biggest tourist attractions, offering a unique opportunity to see some of Japan's best contemporary art in gorgeous natural settings. Museums and numerous outdoor sculptures are situated around the coast, including Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, which has become a symbol of Naoshima.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Art House Project
Naoshima
In Honmura, half a dozen traditional buildings have been turned over to contemporary artists to use as the setting for creative installations, often…
Yellow Pumpkin
Naoshima
This yellow pumpkin sculpture, by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, has become a symbol of Naoshima. It's perched on the end of a small jetty. Pumpkins are…
Chichū Art Museum
Naoshima
A work of art itself, this museum designed by Tadao Ando consists of a series of cool concrete-walled spaces sitting snugly underground. Lit by natural…
Inujima Seirensho Art Museum
Naoshima
The drawcard of little Inujima island is this copper refinery converted into an eco-building, displaying artist Yanagi Yukinori's surreal take on the…
Lee Ufan Museum
Naoshima
Adding to the Benesse Art Site's suite of museums is yet another design from the irrepressible Tadao Ando. It houses works by the renowned Korean-born…
Benesse House Museum
Naoshima
Award-winning architect Tadao Ando designed this stunning museum and hotel on the south coast of the island. Among the works here are pieces by Andy…
Minamidera
Naoshima
Minamidera, one of the sites within the Art House Project, is a James Turrell experiment with light. Queue up to enter in total darkness…and wait…
Haisha
Naoshima
The shack-like Haisha by Shinro Ohtake is a highlight of the Art House Project collection of sites, notable for its Statue of Liberty sculpture, which…

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A giant yellow and black pumpkin sculpture at the end of a concrete jetty in front of the sea in Naoshima, with hilly islands visible in the background

Beaches

How to find the calm in Japan

Jun 24, 2019 • 6 min read

In Japan, there’s a drive to create and experience things that are bigger, better, faster and stronger than anywhere else in the world. Shibuya Crossing…

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