Naoshima: The Sacred Ground of Contemporary Art Floating in the Seto Inland Sea

Naoshima: A World-Renowned Contemporary Art Island Where Art and Nature Fuse

Naoshima Town, Kagawa District, Kagawa Prefecture, became a sacred ground of contemporary art attracting worldwide attention through Benesse Holdings and artists' "Naoshima Cultural Village Concept" that wrapped the entire island in art. It has also been selected for the British "Times" newspaper's "Places to Go Before You Die."

Chichu Art Museum

The "Chichu Art Museum" designed by Tadao Ando is a museum with the innovative concept of the building buried underground. Experience-type art can be enjoyed including Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" and Walter de Maria's works, all viewed with natural light only.

House Project

The "House Project" scattered through island settlements are old farmhouses, shrines, and public baths that artists converted into art spaces. Seven are open to the public: "Kadoya," "Minamidera," "Go-ō Shrine," "Kinza," "Ishibashi," "Haisha," and "Go-kai-sho."

Yayoi Kusama and Red Pumpkin

Yayoi Kusama's "Red Pumpkin" installed by the island's seaside is an iconic symbol of Naoshima. Becoming world-famous through spread on Instagram and other social media, many tourists take commemorative photos.

Access

Ferry from Uno Port in Okayama Prefecture or Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture to Naoshima (approximately 20–60 minutes). Bicycles and route buses are convenient for transportation within the island.