Discover Naoshima: Japan’s Art Island & How to Get There from Osaka
If you love contemporary art, stunning island views, and a chill atmosphere, then Naoshima Island is a must-visit! Nestled in the Seto Inland Sea, this small island has transformed into a world-class art destination, thanks to the Benesse Art Site. From avant-garde museums to outdoor installations and the iconic Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, every corner of this island is a masterpiece.
I recently made the trip from Osaka to Naoshima, mainly to see Yayoi Kusama’s famous pumpkins. While I was thrilled to spot the Red Pumpkin by the port, I was pretty bummed that the original Yellow Pumpkin at Benesse House Museum and the museum itself were temporarily closed during my visit. Still, the experience was unforgettable.
How to Get to Naoshima from Osaka
My adventure began at Shin-Osaka Station, where I hopped on the Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Okayama Station. The ride took about 50 minutes on the Nozomi or Mizuho train, and 1 hour 10 minutes on the Hikari train. Since I had a JR West Kansai Hiroshima Pass, I took the Nozomi which is included in the value pass. JR Pass holders, you may take the Hikari to keep things budget-friendly.
From Okayama, I transferred to the JR Uno Line and took a local train to Uno Station. The ride lasted around 50 minutes, and trains ran about every 30 minutes, so I didn’t have to wait too long.
Arriving at Uno Station, I took a short 5-minute walk to the Uno Port Ferry Terminal, where I caught a ferry to Miyanoura Port on Naoshima. The ferry ride was a relaxing 20 minutes, with departures about every hour. Tickets were super affordable at around ¥570 roundtrip per person.
Book your JR West Kansai Hiroshima Pass via Klook to save and use my code DOYZKIEKLOOK to save even more!
Now that I had arrived, I set off to explore the island’s must-visit spots:
Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkins
Seeing Kusama’s pumpkins was my top priority! I was lucky to spot the Red Pumpkin near the port, which was just as striking in person as in photos. However, I was disappointed that Benesse House Museum that houses the original Yellow Pumpkin was temporarily closed during my visit. Despite that, just being in the presence of Kusama’s art on this island was an incredible experience.
Art House Project
I wandered through Honmura, where abandoned houses had been transformed into immersive art spaces. Each one had a completely different vibe!
Sumiyoshi Shrine
For a change of pace, I stopped by Sumiyoshi Shrine, a peaceful and historic Shinto shrine on the island. It provided a lovely contrast to all the contemporary art and offered a quiet moment of reflection.
Art around the island:
What I missed and will visit for next time
Chichu Art Museum
One of my favorite spots! Built underground to blend with nature, this museum houses works by Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell. The natural lighting inside was breathtaking.
Benesse House Museum
This museum-hotel combo features works by legends like Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell, and more. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit, but from what I’ve heard, it’s a must-see!
Naoshima was an unforgettable mix of art, nature, and relaxation. Even though I missed out on the Yellow Pumpkin and Benesse House Museum, just being in the presence of Kusama’s art and experiencing the island’s creative atmosphere made the trip totally worth it. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an overnight stay, this island will leave a lasting impression.
So, are you adding Naoshima to your Japan itinerary? Let me know in the comments! 😊
