The museum island of the Inland Sea, world capital of contemporary art
Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea that has been transformed since the 1990s into a global contemporary-art destination thanks to the Benesse Foundation. Museums designed by Tadao Ando — the Chichu Art Museum buried in the hillside, the Benesse House Museum — house permanent works by Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria. Yayoi Kusama's yellow polka-dot pumpkin has become the island's icon.
Naoshima accommodation
Local Japanese cuisine
Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House, Kusama
The museum island of the Inland Sea, world capital of contemporary art
| Capital | Naoshima (bourg) |
|---|---|
| Area | 14 km² |
| Language | Japanese |
| Currency | Yen (JPY) |
| Visa | 90 days visa-free (EU) |
| Best time to visit | April – November |
Naoshima is reached only by ferry, from the mainland or the neighbouring islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
20-min crossing from Uno port (Okayama) with Shikoku Kisen. Frequent departures throughout the day.
Schedules & booking ↗
60-min crossing from Takamatsu (Shikoku) with Shikoku Kisen. Handy to combine Shikoku and the island.
Schedules & booking ↗
High-speed boats linking Uno, Teshima and Naoshima with Shikoku Kisen — ideal during the Setouchi Triennale.
Schedules & booking ↗
The best time to visit is April – November. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
90 days visa-free (EU). Always check current entry requirements before travelling.
Flights serve Naoshima. Check available transport options from your departure point.
The museum island of the Inland Sea, world capital of contemporary art. Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea that has been transformed since the 1990s into a global contemporary-art destination thanks to the...