Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea that has become one of the most celebrated contemporary art destinations on earth. From the 1990s, the Benesse corporation and architect Tadao Ando remade it: concrete museums are sunk into the hillsides so as not to intrude on the landscape, works by Monet, Turrell and De Maria sit in purpose-built chambers, Yayoi Kusama’s spotted pumpkins stand on the piers, and in the village of Honmura old wooden houses have been converted into individual artworks. Though administratively in Kagawa, it is most easily reached from Okayama.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Naoshima (reached from Okayama) |
| Hours | Museums ~10:00–17:00, most closed Mondays |
| Admission | Museums ~¥1,300–2,500 each |
| Time needed | Full day |
| Best time | Book museums ahead; avoid Mondays |
What to See
- Tadao Ando museums sunk into the hillsides.
- Yayoi Kusama’s spotted pumpkins on the piers.
- The Art House Project in old Honmura houses.
- Works by Monet, Turrell and De Maria in purpose-built rooms.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Washuzan and the Inland Sea coast.
- Pair with a stay in Kurashiki the night before.
- Read our Okayama overview .
Getting There
- By train + ferry: JR to Uno Port via Chayamachi, then a ferry of about 20 minutes.
- Getting around: rental bikes or the island shuttle bus.
Tips
Book the Chichu Art Museum online well ahead — entry is by timed slot and it sells out, and turning up without a reservation usually means missing it. Check Monday closures carefully, as most museums shut, and rent a bike at the port: the island is hilly but small, and cycling between the sites is much more flexible than waiting for the shuttle bus.
