Nicknamed the “Island of Art,” Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea known for its vibrant art scene, dotted with museums and outdoor installations that instantly enchant visitors. So, what makes Naoshima a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts? Which art spots should you not miss? And how do you get there? This guide covers everything you need to know to explore the artistic charm of Naoshima and plan your perfect trip.
Why is Naoshima known as the “Island of Art”? And where exactly is it located?
Naoshima is one of the key exhibition sites of the Setouchi Triennale, an international art festival held in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. The island is home to several renowned art museums, including the Chichu Art Museum, designed by the acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, and the “Art House Project,” which transforms abandoned homes into contemporary art spaces. These installations beautifully showcase the island’s unique charm—where nature and art come together in perfect harmony.
Where is Naoshima?
Naoshima is located in the heart of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, between Kagawa and Okayama Prefectures, and is part of Naoshima Town in Kagawa Prefecture. Though the island is relatively small in size, it’s renowned for its rich natural landscapes and artistic atmosphere. Artworks and architectural wonders are scattered throughout the island, with museums and outdoor installations blending seamlessly into the surroundings, making Naoshima a dream destination and a true pilgrimage site for art lovers.
How do you get to Naoshima?
If you want to visit Naoshima, travelers can take a ferry from two main departure points. From Takamatsu Port, the ferry ride takes about 1 hour to reach Naoshima’s Miyanoura Port. From Uno Port in Okayama Prefecture, the ferry takes approximately 30 minutes to arrive at Miyanoura Port.
Naoshima’s Five Major Art Museums: Experience a New Dimension of Art!
When it comes to introducing art museums, Naoshima’s museums are each uniquely distinctive and full of thoughtful design! Whether it’s the Chichu Art Museum, built mostly underground and showcasing art through natural light, or the Home Project that transforms old houses, every exhibition space is well worth visiting in person to fully immerse yourself in a rich artistic atmosphere.
✔️The Underground Art Museum | Chichu Art Museum
地中美術館 写真：藤塚光政 Chichu Art Museum Photo:FUJITSUKA Mitsumasa
The Chichu Art Museum is located on the southern part of Naoshima and was designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando. Unlike traditional museum exteriors, most of the exhibition spaces at Chichu are hidden underground. The galleries are illuminated by natural light, which changes with the weather, creating a captivating atmosphere.
The museum houses five late-period Monet Water Lily paintings, as well as notable works by international artists such as Walter De Maria. These pieces are displayed in spaces where light and time of day blend uniquely, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.
- Address：3449-1 Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa
- Business Hours：From 10 AM to 5 PM（Last Entry: 4 PM）
- Closed Days：Mondays（Closed the following day if the regular holiday falls on a public holiday）
✔️New Art Museum Opening in 2025 | Naoshima New Museum of Art
直島新美術館 ©Tadao Ando Architect & Associates Naoshima New Museum of Art
直島新美術館 ©Tadao Ando Architect & Associates Naoshima New Museum of Art
The Naoshima New Museum of Art officially opened on May 31, 2025! Located on a hillside in the southern part of Honmura, the museum offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Like the Chichu Art Museum, it was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, featuring his signature minimalist style and exposed concrete. The building harmonizes with the natural terrain, evoking the tranquility of a traditional kare-sansui (dry landscape garden).
The museum is set to host a variety of exhibitions, lectures, and art events, serving as a new hub for art and culture on Naoshima—breathing fresh inspiration and energy into the island of art.
- Address：3299-73 Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa
- Opening Day：2025 / 05 / 31
✔️Lee Ufan: Key Figure of the Mono-ha Movement | Lee Ufan Museum」
李禹煥美術館 写真：山本糾 Lee Ufan Museum Photo:Tadasu Yamamoto
Located on the southern side of Naoshima, the Lee Ufan Museum is a collaboration between renowned architect Tadao Ando and Korean contemporary artist Lee Ufan. The Mono-ha movement, which emerged in Japan during the 1960s, emphasizes presenting natural, unprocessed materials in their most raw state. As one of the leading figures of Mono-ha, Lee Ufan’s paintings and sculptures are exhibited throughout the museum. His works seamlessly integrate with the architectural space, allowing visitors to experience a serene atmosphere where light, shadow, and art intertwine to evoke a powerful sense of life and tension.
- Address：1390 Kuraura, Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa
- Business Hours：From 10 AM to 5 PM（Last Entry: 4:30 PM）
- Closed Days：Mondays（Closed the following day if the regular holiday falls on a public holiday）
✔️Breathing New Life into Old Houses | The House Project
家プロジェクト「角屋」写真：鈴木研一 Art House Project “Kadoya” Photo: Ken’ichi Suzuki
家プロジェクト「南寺」 安藤忠雄（設計） 写真：鈴木研一 Art House Project “Minamidera” Architect:Tadao Ando Photo: Ken’ichi Suzuki
The Art House Project is an art initiative focused on renovating vacant houses scattered throughout the Honmura area. It involves collaboration between several contemporary artists and architects. While the exterior of each house preserves the traces of its past life, the interiors have been transformed into unique art spaces showcasing diverse works, including light installations and immersive experiences.
One of the projects, “Minamidera,” was designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando and features works by artist James Turrell. The building’s minimalist interior, combined with carefully crafted lighting, creates an immersive sensory experience through visual perception. It is truly a must-visit destination for those seeking a profound artistic encounter.
- Address：1390 Kuraura, Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa
- Business Hours：From 10 AM to 5 PM（Last Entry: 4:30 PM）
- Closed Days：Mondays（Closed the following day if the regular holiday falls on a public holiday）
✔️Art Meets Accommodation | Benesse House Museum
ベネッセハウス ミュージアム Benesse House Museum
Benesse House is not only an art museum but also a unique facility that combines art with accommodation. The complex consists of four buildings—Museum, Park, Beach, and Oval. The museum showcases impressive artworks both indoors and outdoors, with numerous pieces displayed throughout the grounds. Guests staying overnight can enjoy views of the art and nature from their rooms, experiencing the seamless blend of creativity and the natural environment from different perspectives.
Among the exhibits is Yayoi Kusama’s iconic work, “Pumpkin.” Its vibrant colors and signature polka dots attract many visitors who come to take photos and create lasting memories.
- Address：Kotohiki-chi, Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa
- Business Hours：8 AM to 9 PM（Last Entry: 8 PM）
- Closed Day：None
- Guests under 15 years old and those staying at Benesse House are admitted free of charge.
First Time Visiting Naoshima Museums? Master These 2 Ways to Get Around for a More Efficient Trip!
👉Electric Bicycles — Enjoy Free Movement Without Being Tied to Schedules
Image source：おうぎや
Electric bicycles are available for rent around the Miyanoura Port area and Honmura district. If you want to leisurely explore and fully enjoy the charm of the island, we highly recommend getting around by e-bike. Just a friendly reminder: when riding, please keep to the left side of the road and park your bicycle in designated parking areas!
🚨 Please note: Bicycles are not allowed in the Benesse House area. Kindly park your bike at the nearby designated parking lot and explore this area on foot!
👉Naoshima Town Bus — A Time-Saving Option Recommended for Bad Weather
Image source：Benesse Art Site Naoshima
In addition to electric bicycles, you can also take the Naoshima Town Bus from the area near Miyanoura Port. The bus route connects Naoshima Port to the final stop at Tsutsuji-so. If you plan to visit Benesse House Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and the Chichu Art Museum, you can get off at Tsutsuji-so and transfer to a dedicated free shuttle bus that takes you to each museum.
👉Don’t Miss It When Visiting Naoshima — The Setouchi International Art Festival
Image source：PRTIMES
When visiting Naoshima, we highly recommend getting to know the grand event held only once every three years — the Setouchi International Art Festival! Spanning spring, summer, and autumn, this festival takes place across islands surrounding the Seto Inland Sea, each season showcasing unique landscapes and charm. The exhibition covers 17 locations including Kagawa Prefecture, Takamatsu City, and neighboring islands. During these three seasons, artworks and events from artists worldwide are showcased, making it a truly spectacular event well worth experiencing!
📖Further Reading：From Shodoshima to Okayama — Explore the Seto Inland Sea on a Deep Dive into Art and Culinary Delights!
We hope this introduction has helped you get to know this art-filled island better! Whether it’s the Chichu Art Museum that beautifully integrates natural light, the immersive sensory experience of the Art House Project, or the new Naoshima Museum perched on the hillside, each spot showcases a perfect blend of art and architecture. If you have the time, be sure to plan a visit on a weekend to fully experience Naoshima’s unique artistic atmosphere and tranquil charm—truly a soulful journey of beauty!
