Home to one of Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow, polka-dotted Pumpkin sculptures, the Japanese island of Naoshima has emerged as a premier destination for lovers of contemporary art and innovative architecture. Once primarily known for its environmentally damaging copper smelting industry, the island’s remarkable transformation owes much to the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which has spearheaded the development of major museums and site-specific artworks in the scenic, yet increasingly depopulated, Seto Inland Sea—located between Japan’s main island of Honshu and Shikoku.
Spring 2025 marks the grand opening of the Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, who has also contributed to nine other projects on the island. This new cultural hub will showcase works by Asian artists and is set to be a major highlight of this year’s Setouchi Triennale, a sprawling art festival featuring events and artworks spread across 17 islands and coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea.
Scheduled over 100 days and divided into spring, summer, and autumn editions, the Triennale is the largest since its inception in 2010, offering visitors the chance to experience the region’s artistic vibrancy across different seasons. The festival and the ongoing efforts of Benesse Art Site Naoshima have played a pivotal role in revitalizing not only Naoshima but also the neighboring islands of Teshima and Inujima.
Visitors should plan ahead to visit Rei Naito and Ryue Nishizawa’s Teshima Art Museum, an extraordinary fusion of art, architecture, and nature. On Inujima, travelers can explore the remnants of a historic copper refinery, reimagined as an expansive and immersive art installation. For accommodation, memorable options include Roka, a contemporary-styled ryokan on Naoshima, and the minimalist Espoir Inn on Teshima—both perfect bases to immerse yourself in this island’s unique blend of art, landscape, and innovation.
+ There are no comments
Add yours