Naoshima is one of the world’s great art destinations, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea reborn as an open-air museum of contemporary art and architecture. At its heart is the Benesse Art Site, a series of museums and installations, several designed by architect Tadao Ando, that merge art, buildings and the seascape. The Chichu Art Museum, built largely underground to preserve the island’s profile, shows works by Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria in spaces sculpted around natural light. Around the island are the Benesse House museum-hotel, the Art House Project turning old village houses into artworks, and Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin on the pier. Serene, beautiful and utterly unique, Naoshima is a bucket-list experience.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Naoshima, Kagawa |
| Hours | Museums ~10:00–17:00 (closed Mon) |
| Admission | Per museum; Chichu needs booking |
| Time needed | Full day |
| Best time | Spring and autumn; book ahead |
What to See
- The underground Chichu Art Museum (Monet, Turrell).
- Tadao Ando architecture and the Benesse Art Site.
- The Art House Project in old village houses.
- Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin on the pier.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Naoshima cycling to get around.
- Pair with the Teshima Art Museum on the next island.
- Read our Kagawa overview .
Getting There
- By ferry: from Takamatsu or Uno port to Naoshima.
- On the island: bus, rental bike or walking between sites.
Tips
Book the Chichu Art Museum in advance as it uses timed entry and sells out, and check that museums are open, as most close on Mondays. Come for a full day or stay overnight to see it without rushing, get around by bus or rental bike, and don’t miss the free outdoor works like Kusama’s pumpkin between the ticketed museums.
