A Guide to Japan’s Art Islands

Japan's Seto Inland Sea is home to two extraordinary islands — Naoshima and Teshima — where art intertwines seamlessly with nature and tradition. Naoshima, once a quiet fishing and agricultural haven, transformed into a global art destination through a visionary collaboration between the Benesse Corporation and architect Tadao Ando. The Naoshima Art Project birthed the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a living canvas merging contemporary art with traditional Japanese landscapes.

Meanwhile, Teshima, a tranquil gem in the Seto Inland Sea, has embraced its rich history and evolved into a vibrant hub for contemporary art. The Teshima Art Museum, a masterpiece designed by Ryue Nishizawa and Rei Naito, stands as a testament to the island's commitment to artistic expression.

Join us on a journey through these art islands, exploring iconic museums, immersive installations, and the unique cultural tapestry that defines Naoshima and Teshima. Discover the intersection of creativity and tradition that makes these islands a must-visit for art enthusiasts and seekers of harmonious beauty.

Naoshima is a fascinating island nestled in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. It's a unique haven that seamlessly blends art, nature, and community. Renowned for its innovative approach to contemporary art and architecture, Naoshima has evolved into an international destination that captivates visitors with its cultural richness and tranquil landscapes.

Naoshima's transformation from a quiet fishing and agricultural island to an avant-garde cultural hub is a testament to the vision of the Benesse Corporation. In the 1980s, Benesse, a Japanese education and publishing company, collaborated with architect Tadao Ando to initiate a project that aimed to fuse art with the island's natural beauty. This initiative was part of an effort to revitalize the local economy and create a space where art could harmonize with the environment.

The Naoshima Art Project, launched in the 1990s, resulted in the creation of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, an ambitious collection of museums, installations, and outdoor artworks. Today, the island is a living canvas, showcasing contemporary art alongside traditional Japanese architecture and landscapes. This delicate blend of modernity and tradition has turned Naoshima into a living testament to the transformative power of art.

Naoshima highlights

Visitors to Naoshima can explore various museums, including the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and the Benesse House Museum, each contributing to the island's reputation as a world-class art destination.

Chichu Art Museum: Designed by architect Tadao Ando, the Chichu Art Museum is partially built into the island, integrating seamlessly with the natural surroundings. It houses a remarkable collection of works by artists such as Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria.

Benesse House Museum: This is an architectural gem by Tadao Ando and comprises both a museum and a hotel. The museum features a diverse collection of contemporary art, including works by Yayoi Kusama and David Hockney. Visitors can stay overnight in one of the museum's hotel rooms, enjoying art-filled spaces and scenic views.

The Art House Project: This project transforms traditional Japanese houses into contemporary art installations and is scattered throughout the Honmura district. Notable installations include Haisha, an abandoned dental clinic.

Lee Ufan Museum: This museum is dedicated to the renowned Korean artist Lee Ufan and showcases his minimalist and contemplative artworks.

Naoshima Bath I♥湯 (I Love Yu): A public bathhouse designed by artist Shinro Ohtake. It offers a unique and immersive art experience within a communal space. Visitors can enjoy contemporary art installations while relaxing in the soothing waters of the bath.

Ando Museum: Ando Museum provides insights into the work of Tadao Ando, the architect behind many of Naoshima's iconic structures. The museum showcases Ando's design philosophy and includes architectural models and sketches.

Teshima, a tranquil island in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, is a hidden gem of artistic and natural beauty. Renowned for its captivating contemporary art installations, Teshima is part of the larger Setouchi Triennale, an art festival held every three years that transforms multiple islands into vibrant galleries. Beyond its artistic allure, Teshima's history and culture contribute to the island's unique character, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of creativity and tradition.

Teshima's history dates back centuries, and its name ("island of abundance") reflects its role as a fertile and resource-rich land. Over time, the island has experienced economic and lifestyle shifts, transitioning from a primarily agricultural and fishing community to a beacon of contemporary art.

The island's transformation gained momentum with the establishment of the Teshima Art Museum in 2010. This architectural marvel, designed by Ryue Nishizawa and Rei Naito, set the stage for Teshima's emergence as an art destination. The museum's unique design, characterized by a fluid, shell-like structure, blends seamlessly with the island's natural landscape, creating an immersive and meditative space for visitors.

Today, Teshima is a canvas for contemporary artists and a place where traditional and modern elements coexist. As visitors explore the island's winding paths, they encounter innovative artworks, traditional houses, lush landscapes, and panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. Teshima's history and artistic evolution intertwine to offer a unique and enriching experience, inviting all who visit to delve into the island's cultural tapestry.

Teshima highlights

The Teshima Art Museum: This museum is a masterpiece of architecture and art, designed by architect Ryue Nishizawa and artist Rei Naito. The museum's unique, shell-like structure houses a single open space where visitors can experience the intersection of art and nature. The artwork Matrix by Rei Naito, consisting of water droplets that emerge from the ground and disappear, creates a dynamic and ever-changing environment.

Les Archives du Cœur: An installation that was created by renowned artist Christian Boltanski and captures the heartbeats of people from around the world. Visitors can record their own heartbeat and contribute to this evolving and collective artwork.

The Teshima Yokoo House: This is a unique art installation that showcases the collaboration between artist Tadanori Yokoo and architect Yuko Nagayama. The house features vibrant and surreal paintings by Yokoo, creating an immersive experience that blurs the boundaries between art and daily life.

Shima Kitchen: A restaurant and art space that offers delicious, locally sourced meals and features art installations that contribute to its overall aesthetic.

Visitors from the mainland can catch a ferry from Uno Port, located at the southern end of Tamano in Okayama Prefecture. Visitors in Shikoku can take a ferry from Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture. Ferries depart regularly from both ports throughout the day.

If you’re traveling to Naoshima, you’ll arrive at Miyanoura Port. This port is also served by ferries to/from Inujima and serves as the information center and transportation hub of the island. It also provides coin lockers and bicycle rentals. There’s another port on the island: Honmura Port. For those heading to Teshima, there are also two ports: Ieura and Karato.

Rihga Hotel Zest Takamatsu

If you're staying in Takamatsu, or traveling via Kagawa Prefecture, there are plenty of excellent hotel options for you. One of these is Rihga Hotel Zest Takamatsu, a budget-friendly option with easy access to the port and the city, as well as comfortable compact rooms that cost less than 100 USD per night.

Takamatsu Tokyu REI Hotel

Takamatsu Tokyu REI Hotel is another top choice, also located close to the port. This hotel is only about seven minutes on foot from JR Takamatsu Station. Room plans with breakfast options are available.

Keirin Hotel 10 by Onko Chishin

Uno, your other potential point of departure, might have fewer options, but they're no less attractive. One top pick is Keirin Hotel 10 by Onko Chishin, a unique-looking facility with stylish modern rooms and sweeping ocean views. The hotel offers breakfast plan options too.

Uno Hotel

Uno Hotel is another excellent option. This modern facility offers simple, stylish rooms and easy access to the terminal and hot spring facilities. There are breakfast deal options, too, which can be added to your desired package.