A Short Guide To Visiting Naoshima Island
An Overview of Naoshima
Naoshima is an island town known for its wide range of contemporary art museums. The island is reachable by ferry from both Takamatsu and Tamano. When traveling from Tamano, visitors can launch off from Uno Station. When visiting from Takamatsu, ferries leave from Takamatsu Port. The various art museums around Naoshima are closed on Mondays. The most famous museums on the island include the Chichu Art Museum, the Benesse House Museum and a famous pumpkin sculpture by Yayoi Kusama. Overall, Naoshima is a unique art island with pay-to-enter museums, ranging from minimalist art styles to brutalist structures to abstract, vivid-color creations. One of the best ways to explore the island is by renting a bike, though guests are warned not to leave things in their baskets, as local crows often steal unattended objects.
A Short Guide To Visiting Naoshima Japan
Chichu Art Museum
The Chichu Art Museum is built direction into the island, filled with concrete walls, unique angles and quiet spaces where amazing paintings hang. The museum was built largely underground to avoid interrupting the natural scenery of the island. Some of the most impressive paintings within are from Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” series.
Lee Ufan Museum
This interesting musuem designed as a partially-underground contemporary art space utilizes stone, iron and space to create compelling, immersive artworks.
The Benesse House
The Benesse House is a unique museum which incorporates natural items and nature into the various artworks and surroundings. The museum is impressive and it’s built on an elevated hill offering spectacular views of the sea below.
Setouchi Triennale Art Festival
Also known as the Setouchi International Art Festival, this is a massive contemporary art event which is held once every three years on a dozen of islands found in the Seto Inland Sea. The festival is known for showcasing some truly amazing locations in unique and gorgeous settings.
The Pumpkins
Found on various stone piers around the island, artist Yayoi Kusama’s spotted, brightly-colored pumpkin scultures have a permanent home on the island.
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