Trip Moments Recommendations
Naoshima Art Island - beyond spectacular
I can’t rave enough about how fabulous and serene Naoshima - the main “art island” off the south east coast of Japan - is. I just spent a little over 24 hours there and saw so much incredible art and design - by some of Japan’s most famous contemporary art and design legends (including Yayoi Kusama and Takao Ando) as well as some huge international big hitters (including FOUR pieces by James Turrell). I went in the off season (early February) which was awesome for less crowds but you still need to reserve a few of the galleries in advance, they will sell out for the day even in winter!!! I recommend staying at least one night but if I had my time over I would have stayed 2 nights so it didn’t feel so rushed. I will 100% be returning to Naoshima again just to be there for a few days and soak it all in. This is food for your soul.#art #naoshima #Japan
Getting to the art Island of Naoshima
#summerbreak
If you enjoy contemporary art, definitely make a visit to Naoshima. Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, and can be easily reached by ferry. There are two ports with direct ferry to get to the island - via Uno which is a town 1 hour south of Okayama ; or from Takamatsu- which is a city in Shikoku.
The ferry time from Uno to Miyanoura is shorter- only 20 minutes (Takamatsu which takes 50-60 minutes), and there are more departures each day.
You can reach Uno by train, and just walk 5 minutes ahead toward the pier. Alternatively you can drive to Uno and park at one of the parking lots nearby. The daily parking rate could be from 500-1000 yen.
The signages to Naoshima pier are very visible, and the ticket office is just in front of the pier. You can buy ticket from the window or from the machine up to 10 minutes before departure. of course it is better to get there a little earlier just in case there is a long line .
The ferry is large and comfortable. it is even painted with the signature red dots by Yayoi Kusama. You will definitely not miss the red pumpkin as soon as you arrive to the Miyanoura port. The lower level of the ferry is for cars, while the middle is air-conditioned with comfortable seats. The upper deck is great to enjoy the sun and breeze as the ferry sails to Naoshima.
There is also a service from Uno to Honmura on the east side of the island - but with only 5 sails per day.
#naoshima #art_of_japan_ #okayama #urbanexplorer #japan
Must go Chichu Museum- Naoshima
The Chichu Museum is in the southern part of Naoshima Island in Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture. It was designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando and opened to the public in 2004. The museum faces the Seto Inland Sea and was built mainly underground - as per the name in Japanese- to avoid conflict with the natural environment of the valley.
It is a contemporary art museum and exhibits works of art by Claude Monet, James Turrel, and Walter de Maria, and definitely a must visit museum for any art lovers.
To reach the museum, you can take the #2 bus from Miyanoura in Naoshima, and get off at the last stop- Tsutsuji-so. Then take the free shuttle from the same spot provided by the Benesse House . The bus ride to the museum is about 10 minutes.
Tickets should be bought online in advance, as the museum follows strict guidelines for entrance.
There is also a cafe inside the museum which serves simple lunch sets such as sandwiches, salad and soup. The sea view at the cafe is also amazing.
Hours 10-5pm closed Monday#art_of_japan_ #art #museum #japan #naoshima #urbanexplorer #shikoku
Outdoor Art Space - Lee Ufan Museum- Naoshima
The Lee Ufan Museum is a collaboration between the famous artist Lee Ufan and architect Tadao Ando. It is located in a valley between ocean and hill on Naoshima island.
The museum is in a tranquil open space facing the sea which is a perfect space to enjoy art and spend time relaxing.
To get there, you can take the #2 bus from Miyanoura port, and get off at the last stop - Tsutsuji-so (¥100). Then wait for the free Benesse House shuttle bus which takes you to the Chichu Museum, stopping at the Lee Ufan Museum. It is a very short ride. Alternatively you can make the first visit at the Chichu museum, then walk downhill for 3 minutes to the Lee Ufan Museum. Walking to the museum is also possible from the Tsutsuji- so bus stop. It will be take about 20 minutes uphill but it gets quite hot in the summer as there is no shade. #naoshima
Hours- 10-6pm March - September
10-5pm October- February
Closed- Monday
Admission- ¥1050
#japan #shikoku #naoshima #art_of_japan_ #art #Benesseartmuseum #museum #outdoorart
In search for the red and yellow pumpkins- Naoshima
Kusama’s pumpkins can be seen in many places these days, but definitely two very famous ones are placed in Naoshima.
These two pumpkins are displayed in different places on the island - the red is next to the pier in Miyanoura. You will not miss it as it is visible while you are still on the ferry. The yellow one- on the other hand- is next to the beach! To get there, you will need to take the number 2 bus (¥100) for about 15 minutes, and get off at the last stop. The bus stop is next to a small beach- look to the
Right end of the beach and you will find the yellow pumpkin. It will be 4-5 minutes to walk there.
You can also walk a little further uphill to see more outdoor works of art on display.
#yayoikusama #art_of_japan_ #art #pumpkin #naoshima #shikoku #japan
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Visit in time : Hiroshi Sugomoto Gallery- Naoshima
There is so much to see on Naoshima and we particularly liked the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridors.
The museum is at the foot of the hill from the Benesse House museums. If you choose to walk downhill from the Benease House , then you will definitely find it as there are clear signs on the road.
This museum has art work indoor and in the outdoor exhibition space. It is best to stroll quietly and be lost in time as you emerge yourself in the work of man and nature. The ticket even included a Japanese tea+ dessert to be enjoyed in one of the tea rooms.
Hours 11-2pm daily
#art_of_japan_ #art #japan #naoshima #shikoku
Art Walk- Honmura in Naoshima
Art lovers visiting Naoshima in the Seto Sea area should definitely make a stop at Honmura Village.
Honmura is a village in Naoshima Island. After arriving to the island at Miyanoura, take the #2 bus next to the tourist center ( right in front of the pier), and it is the second stop which takes about 10 minutes. Bus fare is only ¥100.
Aside from The Art Project, there are also lots of interesting work to see . Take your time to walk around and maybe even have an ice- cream like me.
#art_of_japan_ #art #Naoshima #urbanexplorer #wecreate #japan #shikoku