NAOSHIMA ISLAND

WEBSITE: WWW.BENESSE-ARTISITE.JP
LOCATION: SOUTH JAPAN, 761-3110, KAGAWA DISTRICT
NEAREST AIRPORTS: TAKAMATSU AIRPOT OR NARITA TOKYO AIRPORT, 5HOURS BY BULLET TRAIN

A serene and glorious fortification of art, nature and architecture. A tribute to the human spirit and a testament to what carefully considered and executed creativity can achieve. It should not be a question of whether to visit Naoshima, but rather when: preferably as soon as possible.

The Benesse Company established the island and used art and art tourism, alongside Japanese architect Tadao Ando, to regenerate the area. The main island has three large pavilions designed to nestle into the natural scenery and be surrounded by the sea. Since its inception in the 1980s, two further islands, Teshima, with a population of nine hundred and twenty, and Inujima, with a population of forty seven, have joined the grouping.

Expect to see chapel-like pavilions with Monet water lilies and James Turrell installations, Kusama pumpkins on beaches, traditional Japanese wooden houses converted into art projects showcasing younger and local artists, an art onsen (which is delightfully kitsch), and more. It is an immersive art experience that dominates the island, and since you need to travel via Tokyo, you can enjoy the contrast between these two Japanese cities.

Getting around the island is simple by renting a bike or using the shuttle service. I recommend staying at the Benesse Hotel, as guests receive greater access to the pavilions. It is expensive but worth it, save elsewhere on your trip. There are guest houses around the island if the hotel is fully booked, and the website offers suggested itineraries.

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