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Naoshima 
One of 3,000 islands that pepper the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima has distinguished itself from its relatively unremarkable neighbours by becoming Japan's authority on modern art. The entire island is a kind of open-air art gallery, with installations scattered throughout the beautiful beaches and rural interior, making it the perfect getaway for couples in search of rural seclusion, fascinating culture, and a totally different experience from anywhere on the mainland!
“Officially my favourite place in Japan! Cycling around Naoshima on a sunny day, stopping off to enjoy the outdoor sculptures and installations, is the perfect antidote to the hectic cities of the mainland.”
Claire Brothers, Sales Team Leader
A small island with a population of just 3,400, Naoshima first came to prominence in the art world when Benesse House opened in 1992 with the theme of "coexistence of nature, architecture and art". The building, designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando, combines individually designed guestrooms with gallery space to create an entirely original and completely unique accommodation experience.
Since the opening of Benesse House, Naoshima's artistic credentials have gone from strength to strength. Today, visitors will find the island scattered with galleries and installations - not just housed in conventional museums but in disused shrines, ordinary houses, old workshops, and out on the beaches.
In 1998, the artist Tatsuo Miyajima began the celebrated "Art House Project", whereby abandoned houses on Naoshima have been turned into works of art. These buildings, of which there are now seven, are shaped by Japanese tradition and aesthetics, weaving in the history and memories of the period when the houses were built.
The Chichu Museum, meanwhile, was established in 2004 and contains works from Claude Monet, Walter De Maria and James Turrell housed in buildings designed by Tadao Ando. Though the museum itself is mainly underground in order not to impose on the natural scenery, one of its most celebrated features is the way it makes use of natural light to bring the artworks to life. Watching as the light ripples across Monet's Water Lilies, you can hardly help but be spellbound.
Even for those who know Japan well, Naoshima is refreshing, unexpected, and utterly unlike anything else you'll experience on your trip. Through the originality and industry of a few innovative artists, architects and thinkers, a lovely yet obscure fishing island has turned itself into one of Japan's most fascinating destinations: it is a truly remarkable success story.
While visiting Naoshima, we highly recommend paying a visit to the delightfully kitsch "I Love Yuu" bathhouse (a play on words: yuu means "hot water" in Japanese). Designed by artist Otake Shinro, this unique twist on the traditional Japanese pastime of hot spring bathing features video displays, stained glass, tiled mosaics, erotica, and even a giant elephant statue.
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Recommended Accommodation in Naoshima
The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Naoshima.
Experiences in Naoshima
Naoshima offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites
Weather in Naoshima
The Climate Guide for Naoshima, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Daytime Temperature (°C) | 9 | 9 | 12 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 31 | 27 | 22 | 16 | 11 |
| Min Night-time Temperature (°C) | 1 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 19 | 13 | 8 | 3 |
| Hours of Sunshine (Daily) | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Hours of Daylight (Daily) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
| Heat and Humidity Discomfort | None | None | None | None | None | Low | High | High | Moderate | None | None | None |
| Days with some Rainfall | 15 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 13 |
| Monthly Rainfall (mm) | 33 | 49 | 83 | 111 | 122 | 191 | 148 | 110 | 198 | 96 | 58 | 27 |
| UV Index (Maximum) | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Tour Gallery
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
Featured trips including Naoshima
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Self-Guided Adventure
Art and the Seto Inland Sea (Superior)
- Kyoto
- Onomichi
- Omishima Island
- Takamatsu
- Naoshima
- Osaka
Discover Japan's artistic heart among the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
14 nights: from US$5453 pp (twin share) Read more >
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Self-Guided Adventure
Japan Arts Trail (Superior)
- Tokyo
- Kawaguchiko
- Matsumoto
- Kyoto
- Matsue
- Naoshima
- Tokyo
A superior 14-night itinerary for those who want to discover Japan's exciting arts scene in comfort and style.
14 nights: from US$6384 pp (twin share) Read more >
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Self-Guided Adventure
Japan Arts Trail (Classic)
- Tokyo
- Kawaguchiko
- Matsumoto
- Kyoto
- Matsue
- Naoshima
- Tokyo
The best of Japan's arts scene, from Naoshima "Art Island" to the Adachi Museum, with moderate accommodation and some delicious meals included.
14 nights: from US$3750 pp (twin share) Read more >
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