Art all over the island! Naoshima, a mecca for contemporary art
by Noboru
アート巡り | Aug 19, 2024
Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea is a must-visit destination for your 2025 Japan trip, especially with the return of the triennial "Setouchi Triennale." Here are 10 must-visit landmarks on Naoshima:
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1️⃣ Chichu Art Museum
Pro tip: Visit the Chichu Art Museum on a sunny day! Most of the building is designed underground, allowing sunlight ☀️ to stream in and create stunning interplay between the artworks and architectural shadows. Monet's "Water Lilies" is displayed here.
🎫: 2,500 yen
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2️⃣ ANDO MUSEUM
This museum is a renovated century-old wooden house where contrasting elements harmonize beautifully. It encapsulates Tadao Ando's architectural essence in a compact space. Exhibits include Naoshima's history and Tadao Ando's architectural drafts 📝.
🎫: 600 yen
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3️⃣ Naoshima Art House Project: Minamidera
The Art House Project consists of seven sites, and Minamidera is a dark space created by Ando on the site of an old temple. It features works by American contemporary artist James Turrell. Visitors experience complete darkness, only to find a faint light at the end—a truly fascinating experience, highly recommended 🩵.
🎫: 600 yen; All-access pass: 1,200 yen (excluding Minamidera and GINZA)
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4️⃣ Lee Ufan Museum
A collaboration between Korean artist Lee Ufan and Tadao Ando, this museum features a "semi-underground" structure showcasing Lee Ufan's paintings 🖼️ and sculptures. Immerse yourself in this beautiful space and let the art nourish your soul.
🎫: 1,200 yen
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5️⃣ Valley Gallery
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, this gallery features a trapezoidal floor plan and an angled roof. It showcases Yayoi Kusama's art installations, including thousands of stainless steel silver balls scattered throughout the building and garden, gleaming brightly.
🎫: 1,300 yen
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6️⃣ Benesse House Museum
Stay at a hotel 🏨 designed by Tadao Ando! Benesse House is both a museum and a luxury hotel with four accommodations: "Museum" allows you to stay closest to the artworks.
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7️⃣ Oval
Located atop a hill, this accommodation has only six rooms, blending the natural beauty of Seto Inland Sea with Ando's architectural design. The views are breathtaking!
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8️⃣ Park
One of the few wooden structures designed by Ando, offering great value for money.
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9️⃣ Beach
Just steps from the shore, all rooms here are suites.
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1️⃣0️⃣ Naoshima New Museum
The 10th Tadao Ando-designed building on Naoshima, "Naoshima New Museum," is set to open in spring 2025 during the Setouchi Triennale. Excitement is already building!
Post by Hima Travel | Apr 23, 2025
















