Visiting Naoshima, Japan’s Art Island

This tiny island in the Seto inland sea has become a famous tourist attraction thanks to the addition of a huge number of artwork and galleries.

Naoshima used to be a sleepy little place, but that changed in the early 1990s when businessman Tetsuhiko Fukutake decided to try and rejuvenate the area with an innovative new project. It’s now a unique destination for travelers to Japan who want to experience something different.

There are loads of installations dotted around, as well as great architecture by Tadao Ando and a number of galleries. You can also visit traditional fishing villages, Miyanoura and Honmura, making a trip to Naoshima great. Some people spend just a day there, but a two-day trip makes things more relaxed.

The island is a short boat ride from the main island of Honshu, and the main gateway to the area is the city of Okayama, connected to other major cities by the bullet train network. From Okayama you need to get to the port of Uno, around one hour away, and then hop on a 20-minute ferry to the island. Be aware most exhibits are closed on Mondays.