Uniqueness of Naoshima
Naoshima, the tiny island located in Seto Inland Sea of Japan, is a unique destination for tourists from all over the world. It has a number of attractions that include; modern art galleries, architecture, and natural beauty. The uniqueness of the island, however, is not only the beauties that can be seen but also the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds it.
The journey to Naoshima, either by car or ferry, should not be overlooked as it signifies a mission towards a unique experience. Once the traveler arrives in the village of Honmura, the real Naoshima experience begins. Naoshima is an art infused haven, where visitors from around the globe come to explore various museums and outdoor installations set amidst a gorgeous landscape. The art hubs of Ando Museum and Benesse House are some of the best attractions in the area.
The Ando Museum is one of those places that inspire an incredibly deep emotional reaction. Ando’s style has a distinctively Japanese flavor while sometimes combining traditional spiritual elements of Buddhism and Shinto to create thoughtful works of art. As much as it is artfully crafted, the architecture is very modern and minimalistic to stimulate the right environment for art exploration.
The Benesse House is a living museum, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. It features a museum, art hotel and its surroundings are filled with art installations and sculpture gardens. A few steps away, is the Lee Ufan Museum, which houses some of Ufan’s visually evocative installations and artworks. This is a great place to photograph pieces of Japanese history mixed with modern art installations.
For an even more awe-inspiring experience, visitors can explore Chichu Art Museum, created from the ground up by renowned artist Walter De Maria. This is a masterpiece of minimalist genius, which features artworks from Walter and is set up in a series of courtyards. It’s framed by secret gardens filled with larger-than-life sculptures. It is noted for its beauty and how it brings a unique combination of nature and architecture in perfect harmony.
The Beauty of Naoshima Nature
Apart from its art galleries, Naoshima is also known for its beautiful nature. The beaches, coves, and forests full of Japanese maples and pines present a great place to wander and relax. Shinro Oe, a Japanese writer and poet, also claimed that Naoshima is a place of spiritual healing. The nearby Kuukan-zaka which translates to ‘airspace hill’ is a good spot to admire stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Apart from the nature, the traditional structures of indigo-dyed textile shops and traditional Japanese inns complete the atmosphere, which stirs up the imagination of those who visit the islands. Of all these attractions, the symbol of the island is Takamatsu, the gigantic whirling painting, which is best viewed from a viewpoint of Isobe.
Another great feature of the island is the Yomijima, which lies in the Northern part of the Inland Sea of Japan. Every year, the island is overwhelmed with throngs of pilgrims. This tradition begins in late January when mounds of stone religious sites and sculptures appear on the horizon of the island. Also, there is a star shaped fort located at the top of a hill that is said to ward off the evils of the world.
Naoshima is fascinating as there are so many things to do and see, all of which are unique. There is always something special about the island and it’s worth a visit for anyone seeking incredible art, stunning landscapes, and a spiritual atmosphere.
Day Trips and Festivals
There are many great day trips and festivals that offer a glimpse of the unique culture, art, and the Naoshima atmosphere. During the Naoshima Festival of the Four Gods, a great procession of portable shrines and masked performers add to the ambiance on the island. This event is usually held in August and it celebrates the four gods of island Shinto beliefs.
In the same time frame, the annual Yomijima Island Festival is organized to remember the pilgrims who sailed in their boats. Naoshima is also likely to amaze with its unique Naoshima Beach Fireworks, held in August every year. Here, the locals build a vast cardboard firework display on the beach, which is lit up with some awe-inspiring sparks of color.
Shorter day trips to other islands in the region are often just as exciting as they also offer stunning landscape views and intriguing art exhibitions. For example, the neighboring island of Teshima is a great place to explore nature and sample some of the most anticipated culinary experiences in the region. While Honjima is home to some of the oldest religious sites in Japan.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Naoshima is typically Autumn and Spring when the weather is drier and milder, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 28 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the island is brimming with rural beauty, artworks, and inviting beaches. Summers often get hot and humid with temperatures peaking at around 30 degrees, although this is still a great time to explore the local festivals.
For a cultural and artistic experience like no other, Naoshima offers the perfect environment for an ominous excursion. The atmosphere of the island is immersed in art, culture, and spirituality, not to mention the exquisite architecture, shops, fabulous sculptures, and museums. There is always something special about the island with every step taken to explore its unexplored.
Getting There and Accommodations
The quickest way to get to the island is by taking a shinkansen from Tokyo, followed by a ferry from Takamatsu station. For the more adventurous, there are ferries from Uno and Shodoshima Islands, near Okayama. Visitors will be glad to know that there is a range of accommodations, from local guesthouses to luxury hotels and ryokans.
The most popular place to stay is the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, with its modern furnishings and design. It is equipped with a generous range of amenities, including wheelchair accessibility. Other accessible accommodations in the area can be found in Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum, which places guests in the very heart of the amazing art hub.
Exploring Nearby Islands
Visitors often opt to explore other islands near Naoshima. The nearby islands of Takamatsu, Shodoshima, and Honjima offer a great opportunity to wander and explore the rural and urban landscape of Japan.
Takamatsu is the principal gateway to the islands and it is a heavily visited sightseeing destination with Buddhist temples, Japanese gardens, and exquisite delectable dishes. Shodoshima is the second largest island in the region and it has something to offer for everyone; from reclining Buddha statues to olive groves, not to mention its breathtaking white sand beaches. And finally, there is the lesser mentioned Honjima where visitors can enjoy engaging walking paths and the shrines of Kairakuen.
Conclusion
Naoshima is a modern art-infused island with plenty of attractions and spiritual atmosphere. Every corner of the island is filled with cultural sites and modern galleries for visitors to explore. It’s a great place to experience nature, architecture, and cultural heritage. One should definitely make it to their list of places to visit when in Japan.
