Naoshima Art Island: A Guide to Sculptures and Shores

Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima was a sleepy fishing island until the Benesse Corporation transformed it into a world-class outdoor art museum. Today, it is a pilgrimage site for art lovers from across the globe.

The Iconic Pumpkin

You’ve seen the photos: Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin sitting on a pier against the blue sea. It is the mascot of the island and a must-visit for any traveler.

The Museums

• Chichu Art Museum: Mostly underground, it uses only natural light to illuminate works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. The building itself, designed by Tadao Ando, is a masterpiece.
• Benesse House: A unique combination of a museum and a luxury hotel.
• Art House Project: Traditional houses in the Honmura district have been converted into site-specific art installations.

Conclusion

Naoshima is where nature and art meet in perfect silence. Rent a bicycle and explore the island at your own pace—it’s an experience like no other.