When we were deciding what to see and do in Japan, one day trip that we both agreed had to be part of our plan was Naoshima, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea and a three hour journey from Kyoto. In recent years, the island has become a draw for Japanese and international tourists alike, who flock to see the impressive collection of contemporary architecture, art museums and exhibits. Before leaving for our 8 month trip, I was working for one of the best interior design firms in the world, and I developed an appreciation for fine art and architecture. Naoshima seemed like the perfect place to continue my education.

Primarily financed by Benesse Corporation, a Japanese company focused on language and education, projects have been popping up all over the island for the last few decades, many in partnership with Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Ando has designed numerous modern concrete masterpieces around the island, including at least three museums, a museum/hotel combination, and a structure built to house a mind-bending work by artist James Turrell.

Part of the island's Art House Project, this structure was designed by Tadao Ando to house "Backside of the Moon" by artist James Turrell.

Many visitors to the island stay overnight at the Benesse House designed by Ando, which is not only a hotel, but houses works of art that hotel guests can explore at all hours of the night once the daily tourists have left. We decided not to stay overnight on the island because we were already bouncing around Japan so much, but the hotel looks incredible and would be very unique to experience!

The Oval, one of the accommodation options at the Benesse House. Photo Credit: www.benesse-artsite.jp

During our day trip, we were able to see a lot of what Naoshima had to offer. We covered the Art House Project, a series of traditional homes around the island that have been converted into works of art (our favorites were the Tadao Ando house "Minamidera" which was built to display "Backside of the Moon" by James Turrell, and "Kadoya", which was the first Art House project to be completed and houses Sea of Time '98 by Tatsuo Miyajima);

Sea of Time '98, inside Kadoya, one of the Art House Projects.  Photo Credit: www.benesse-artsite.jp. — Sea of Time '98, inside Kadoya, one of the Art House Projects. Photo Credit: www.benesse-artsite.jp.

The Ando Museum, a small museum designed by Tadao Ando, which contains a collection of original drawings and models related to his works around the island; the Benesse House Museum (our favorite) which houses works by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, Jackson Pollack, Richard Prince, and Donald Judd, to name a few;

At the Benesse House Museum. Photo Credit: www.benesse-artsite.jp. — At the Benesse House Museum. Photo Credit: www.benesse-artsite.jp.

and the Chichu Art Museum, the biggest draw on the island, which is a series of underground structures also designed by Ando and lit only by skylights. The works of Claude Monet (including Water-Lily Pond), James Turrell, and sculptor Walter de Maria are on display at the Chichu Museum.

Aerial view of the Chichu Art Museum. Photo Credit: www.benesse-artsite.jp. — Aerial view of the Chichu Art Museum. Photo Credit: www.benesse-artsite.jp.

Walter de Maria sculpture.  This space is lit solely by the natural light overhead, which can dramatically change the experience depending on the time of day.  Photo Credit: www.benesse-artsite.jp. — Walter de Maria sculpture. This space is lit solely by the natural light overhead, which can dramatically change the experience depending on the time of day. Photo Credit: www.benesse-artsite.jp.

There were other museums and exhibits around the island that we sadly did not get a chance to see (a 007 museum dedicated to James Bond anyone?), but we had a full and exciting day nonetheless! We were not permitted to take photos inside the museums, but I've included the photos that we either slipped in or were allowed to take. Enjoy!

-Michelle

The Art House Project.  This is one of the homes that was turned into an art exhibit inside.  We were not permitted to take photos once through the doors. — The Art House Project. This is one of the homes that was turned into an art exhibit inside. We were not permitted to take photos once through the doors.

View from within one of the Art House structures.

Stephen checking out an exhibit at the Ando Museum, stealthily shot by Michelle.

Leaving the Benesse House Museum.  No photos allowed inside!  Beautiful view though. — Leaving the Benesse House Museum. No photos allowed inside! Beautiful view though.

Stealth shot at Chichu Art Museum.  Concrete, concrete, and more concrete. — Stealth shot at Chichu Art Museum. Concrete, concrete, and more concrete.