About
Naoshima is a small island in Japan's Seto Inland Sea, part of Kagawa Prefecture. It is known above all for its contemporary art: museums, outdoor installations and works set into the island's landscape, which together make it a destination for visitors who come specifically to look at art.
What to see
- Yayoi Kusama's yellow pumpkin, the island's best-known sculpture, which has become a familiar image of Naoshima.
- Contemporary art museums, which give the island its reputation and are the main reason many visitors make the trip.
- Art installations spread across the island, so that part of the experience is simply walking between them.
What kind of visit it makes
Naoshima suits a slower day or two rather than a quick stop. The island is small, so getting around on foot or by bicycle is a natural way to take in the works and the coastal setting of the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors who enjoy art, quiet places and island scenery will likely find the most in it.
Because the island is compact, it pairs easily with the rest of Kagawa Prefecture and the wider region, and you can plan your time around the museums and installations you most want to see.
