Naoshima Island

one of my favorite places in japan! the whole island is really beautiful! our homestay provided us with bicycles so we went around the island with bicycles. (except to go to the benesse museum). lots of nice museum and sculpture scattered around the island. (the famous yayoi kusama pumpkin!) we even stopped by the I♥︎湯 sento. it was small but they had nice decoration inside. you can visit it during the day for free without having to take a bath. a really nice place if you like to walk around and explore things in a leisurely pace. will definitely come again and visit the neighboring island.

Took the ferry from Uno and hired e-bikes for the day. So easy to get around the island and see all the sites. Check and book the museums beforehand as some may be booked out. There was a Yayoi Kusama exhibition in Melbourne just before we travelled so was a amazing to see some of her other works in person on the island

The quietest town I’ve visited in Japan—so peaceful you can count the number of locals you see on the street with your fingers. Ironically, it’s the tourists that bring the noise and life to this otherwise calm and sleepy island. I’m really glad I made the trip. If you love art, this place—often dubbed the Art Island—should be on your list. It’s not your usual Japan itinerary, and that’s exactly what makes it special. Be sure to plan your day well though, as the museums have specific opening times and require tickets. I recommend staying the night and renting a bicycle to explore the island at your own pace. It’s quiet, inspiring, and truly one of a kind.

We went to Japan with our 12 and 9 year old, it was one of our most memorable family trips and Naoshima island was definitely the most unforgettable! We stayed one night in the museum, the accommodation was luxurious and classy with amazing unobstructed view out of the balcony, had plenty of choices for dinner and the museum it self and the tour of the island was great fun for the adults and kids! To be honest when I booked it, I was worried that the family will hate me for the long journey here…it took one entire day from Tokyo, with train, bus, ferry, then some more bus! …they did moan abit about the long journey as kids do…but really loved every moment once they got here (perhaps the long journey even made them appreciate it more), it’s an awesome mix and balance of luxury accomodation, great food, art, architecture, nature and Japanese quirkiness that makes this country so unique, totally worth the long trek out. We absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it for families with 8+ and teenagers, it’s a must do!!

I expected this to be one of the highlights of our trip. Yes, some of the architecture is great and some of the artworks are world class but getting around on public transport (we visited in July and it was too hot for bikes) was really taking down the experience. We waited more for transportation in the hot sun, approx. 30 minutes at each stop, than we viewed art. Is it worth the effort of getting there and getting around? For us, it was not.

I will come back! Such a beautiful peaceful island! Went here for the work of yayoi kusama and will be back when Benesse Art Museum is open. 🤍

Just a heads up that all museums and Art houses are closed this week - 10-16 June 2024, for annual maintenance. Still a great day out visiting the island, but lots you can’t do this week.

Bucket list art island. Travelled from Kobe via Shinkansen to Okayama, then bus to Uno port, quick (20 mins) ferry to Naoshima. Shuttle buses on the island. It was much easier than expected as all transport options aligned and have intelligent/digital signage in english. Naoshima is lovely, lots of outdoor pieces and indoor galleries/museums, set on a beautiful island.

Naoshima is considered the island art and even this pit stop is no difference. Umi no Eki is a one stop place to get you ferry ticket to Okayama. You can also get local items for gifts and grab some snack while waiting for the ferry to leave. You can also take the bus from here to your hotel or local bus to take you around the island. And of course , just a few minutes walk you can see the red polka dot pumpkin. It's a one stop shop for almost everything.