🎨 Why Naoshima is Called Japan’s Art Island
Naoshima was once a quiet fishing community until the Benesse Corporation and architect Tadao Ando transformed it into a hub for modern art in the 1980s and 90s. Today, the island is home to:
- Benesse House Museum – an art museum and hotel designed by Ando, where you can sleep surrounded by world-class installations.
- Chichu Art Museum – built mostly underground to avoid disturbing the landscape, housing works by Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria.
- Art House Project – abandoned houses converted into artworks, blending daily life with creativity.
- Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin Sculptures – the island’s most photographed landmarks, sitting boldly against the Seto Inland Sea.
Every corner of Naoshima carries an artistic touch, from bus stops decorated by local artists to the playful design of cafes and guesthouses.
🐘 Bathing as Art: The I♥︎Yu Bathhouse
Naoshima’s creativity even extends to bathing. The I♥︎Yu Bathhouse, designed by artist Shinro Ohtake, is a functioning public bath that doubles as an immersive artwork.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Mosaics, collages, and quirky installations covering every surface.
- A traditional onsen-style bath, where locals and travellers soak side by side.
- A space that feels whimsical yet grounding, reminding visitors that art doesn’t just belong in galleries.
This bathhouse is more than a novelty — it’s a celebration of how community, wellness, and imagination can flow together.
🌿 Slow Travel on Naoshima
The beauty of Naoshima is in taking things slowly. Beyond the major museums, you can:
- Wander through Honmura Village, where traditional streets meet art installations.
- Take a ferry to nearby Teshima and Inujima, sister islands with their own art scenes.
- Stay in a boutique guesthouse or at Benesse House for a fully immersive experience.
- Enjoy local seafood and seasonal dishes at small, family-run eateries.
Unlike Tokyo or Kyoto, Naoshima invites you to pause, breathe, and experience Japan at a gentler rhythm.
✨ When to Visit Naoshima
The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and the Setouchi Triennale (a major art festival held every three years) may be in full swing. During summer, the island is vibrant but can be hot, while winter offers quiet streets and cosy museum visits.
⛵ How to Get to Naoshima
Naoshima is most easily reached via ferry from Uno Port (Okayama) or Takamatsu Port (Shikoku). From Uno, the crossing takes about 20 minutes, with ferries running regularly throughout the day. Travellers often combine Naoshima with Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima as part of a broader journey through western Japan.
🌊 Why Visit Naoshima?
Naoshima is more than an art island. It’s a reminder that creativity, wellness, and community can thrive together. Whether you’re soaking in the playful I♥︎Yu Bathhouse, standing before a Monet painting underground, or watching the sunset over Kusama’s giant pumpkin, Naoshima is a destination that stirs both the senses and the soul.
Plan Your Journey
At Feel Good Bathing, we weave Naoshima into tailor-made itineraries that balance art, culture, and thermal bathing.
♨️ Experience Naoshima on our Japan – Art & Onsen Odyssey itinerary
🌊 At Feel Good Bathing, I specialise in creating tailor-made trips that go beyond the ordinary. If Naoshima has sparked your imagination, contact me and I’ll craft an itinerary that brings its art and bathing culture to life in a way that’s just right for you.