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.

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

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Featured trips including Naoshima

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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Self-Guided Adventure

Japan Arts Trail (Deluxe)
- Tokyo
- Kawaguchiko
- Matsumoto
- Kyoto
- Matsue
- Naoshima
- Tokyo
This deluxe itinerary introduces the best of Japan's arts scene, with five-star accommodation, exclusive experiences and top-class cuisine included.

14 nights: from US$14217 pp (twin share) Read more >

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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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