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Naoshima (直島) is an island in the Seto Inland Sea. In addition to its tiny traditional fishing villages, you’ll find modern art museums, stunning architecture, and sculptures. With its laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, sandy beaches and sunny weather, Naoshima is a relaxing getaway from Japan’s big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Naoshima is just a short ferry ride from Japan’s main island of Honshu. Many of Naoshima’s museums were designed by the well known Japanese architect Ando Tadao.
Built into the hillside overlooking the southern coast of Naoshima, The Chichu Art Museum (地中美術館, Chichū Bijutsukan) is a unique modern art museum. Designed by Ando Tadao, the museum was built mostly underground to avoid affecting the natural scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. The museum utilizes natural light that changes the appearance of the artworks throughout the day and all four seasons of the year. The museum houses works by Claude Monet (from his “Water Lilies” series), James Turrell, and Walter De Maria.
Honmura (本村), a tiny traditional fishing village on Naoshima’s eastern coast, is home to the Art House Project. Currently comprised of seven locations: Kadoya, Minamidera, Kinza, Go’o Shrine, Ishibashi, Gokaisho, and Haisha, the Art House Project is a collection of abandoned houses, workshops, a temple and a shrine that have been converted into art installations bringing back memories of the period when the buildings were lived in and used.
The Benesse House is a modern art museum and resort hotel on Naoshima’s southern coast based on the concept of coexistence among nature, architecture, and art. The Benesse House consists of four buildings: the Museum, Oval, Park, and Beach all designed by Tadao Ando. Each building features its own unique artwork and guest rooms. Overnight guests staying at the Museum and Oval buildings can enjoy 24 hour access to the museum.
The museum is designed by the man it is named after, Ando Tadao, one of Japan’s most famous architects who also designed most other museums on Naoshima. The Ando Museum looks like a regular, traditional residence from the outside, blending in perfectly into the town’s neighborhood. The inside of the building, however, combines traditional interior design with Ando’s signature use of concrete, creating a rather intriguing atmosphere. Explanatory signs and photographs along the walls document Ando’s activities on Naoshima and elsewhere.
2 days/1 night:
Kyoto
Travel Time: 3 Hours
With JR Rail Pass: $520.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $670.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $260.00
Osaka
Travel Time: 2 Hours 45 Minutes
With JR Rail Pass: $520.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $660.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $260.00
3 days/2 nights:
Kyoto
Travel Time: 3 Hours
With JR Rail Pass: $1,040.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $1,190.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $520.00
Osaka
Travel Time: 2 Hours 45 Minutes
With JR Rail Pass: $1,040.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $1,180.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $520.00
Inclusions
*pricing could change depending upon Hotel Bennesee’s current prices