Hidden within the forests of Naoshima, a symbiotic community center
by wsnsarah
Sep 29, 2025
🏛️ Environment/Facilities:
Designed by architect Hiroshi Sambuichi, this symbiotic community center ingeniously utilizes sea breeze circulation and geothermal resources for natural ventilation. The cedar lattice roof blends seamlessly with the concrete dome, featuring a flexible theater and an engawa-style interaction space overlooking the Seto Inland Sea.
🕰️ Operating Hours:
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Public Areas)
*Meeting rooms require reservations|Facility maintenance on the 3rd Wednesday of every month
💞 Recommended Highlights:
1️⃣ Ecological Architectural Marvel:
▸ Underground pipes provide natural air conditioning at 19°C during summer
▸ Rooftop rainwater collection system nourishes the moss garden in the courtyard
▸ Rotatable glass walls integrate the hall with the surrounding forest scenery
2️⃣ Heart of Community Culture:
▸ Morning Tai Chi sessions with local elders
▸ Weekend markets selling Naoshima salt and olive oil crafts
▸ Underground recording studio preserving oral histories of island residents
3️⃣ A Must-Visit for Architecture Enthusiasts:
▸ Auditorium seats made from recycled wood of decommissioned fishing boats
▸ Skylight design embodies the aesthetics of Japan's "In Praise of Shadows"
▸ Architectural model room reveals the workings of the geothermal system
💰 Average Cost:
Free admission (Workshops ¥500-¥2000)
Meeting room reservation ¥1500/hour
📍 Address:
761-1 Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa Prefecture (10-minute bike ride from Miyanoura Port)
📌 Tips:
🔺 Hidden Gem: Join the "Naoshima Dialect Lecture" on Thursdays at 2:00 PM to hear local stories
🔺 Secret Service: Rent a custom hiking stick with an Art Festival Passport to explore hillside art installations
🔺 Seasonal Experience: Participate in the Bon Festival island dance gathering at the open-air theater in August
Post by wsnsarah | Sep 29, 2025












