While Kagawa is widely known as the “Udon Prefecture,” it’s also home to one of the world’s most captivating art destinations—Naoshima, a small island floating in the Seto Inland Sea. Entirely immersed in contemporary art and architecture, Naoshima offers a rare harmony between creativity and quiet island life.

From exploring world-class museums to gazing at sea-view installations and connecting with the island’s slow-paced rhythms, every moment here becomes a profound and unforgettable memory. It’s a journey unlike any other—where art, nature, and culture merge into something deeply moving.

From Takamatsu Port to Naoshima by Ferry

Your gateway to Naoshima begins at Takamatsu Port in Kagawa or Uno Port in Okayama. From Takamatsu, a scenic ferry ride of about one hour carries you across the gentle waters of the Seto Inland Sea. As the island comes into view, you’ll be greeted by Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Red Pumpkin—a vibrant symbol that marks the beginning of your art-filled journey.

The ferry itself is more than just transportation—it sets the tone for what’s to come. Watching Naoshima slowly emerge on the horizon as you glide over calm seas creates a subtle shift in perception, as if you’re leaving everyday life behind and entering a world shaped by art, nature, and imagination.

Chichu Art Museum and Benesse Art Site Naoshima

Among Naoshima’s many art destinations, the Chichu Art Museum stands out as a deeply immersive experience. Designed by architect Tadao Ando, the museum itself is a work of art—buried underground to minimize environmental impact while inviting natural light to shape each space. Inside, masterpieces by Claude Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell are displayed in an atmosphere of profound stillness and light.

What makes Chichu truly extraordinary is its seamless fusion of art, architecture, and light. Rather than merely viewing the works, you are invited to feel them—to engage with space and perception in a way that awakens your inner sensibilities.

Nearby, Benesse House offers a rare fusion of museum and accommodation. Guests can stay in thoughtfully designed rooms surrounded by art, with the privilege of viewing the installations even after hours. The shifting moods of each piece—from dawn to dusk—become part of a living, ever-changing artistic dialogue.

The Art of Everyday Life – Walking Through the “Art House Project”

In Naoshima’s Honmura District, the Art House Project invites visitors to explore a series of traditional Japanese homes that have been transformed into contemporary art installations. As you wander through narrow lanes and hidden alleys, you’ll find art seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily island life—a gentle fusion of past and present, tradition and creativity.

No visit is complete without a stop at Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin, perched at the southern shoreline in the Miyanoura area. A favorite photo spot, it symbolizes the playful yet contemplative spirit of Naoshima. If time allows, sit by the sea and let the soft rhythm of the Seto Inland Sea wash over you—an essential part of the island’s quiet, artful charm.

Naoshima’s Local Flavors and Artful Cafés

As you explore the island, be sure to pause at one of Naoshima’s charming cafés or eateries. Many offer lunches crafted with local vegetables and fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, creating simple yet soulful meals that reflect the island’s character.

You’ll also find book cafés filled with art volumes, cozy coffee stands paired with gallery spaces, and quiet corners where time seems to slow down. Each spot has its own artistic sensibility, making even a meal or cup of coffee feel like part of the island’s creative rhythm. It’s the perfect way to savor both the taste and spirit of Naoshima.

A Journey for the Senses – Immersed in Art

Far from Kagawa’s famous image as the “Udon Prefecture,” Naoshima offers a quieter, more contemplative experience—one where time flows gently and art becomes part of the landscape. Here, you don’t just view the art—you live within it.

For those seeking a journey that resets the heart and nurtures the soul from within, Naoshima is more than a destination. It is a stage for introspection, imagination, and deep connection—an island retreat where your senses awaken through silence, light, and art.