Naoshima is a tiny island in Japan’s Inland Sea, and one of our absolute favorite places in Japan.
Until the early 1990s, Naoshima was a remote and sleepy island, but ? thanks in large part to an art-loving Japanese businessman’s vision ? it has gradually become one of the world’s most unique destinations for art lovers and travelers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences.

Yayoi Kusama’s famous Pumpkin sculpture, Naoshima
Naoshima profiled in National Geographic?s 19 Places to Indulge Yourself – featuring travel tips and a quote from Boutique Japan founder Andres Zuleta.
While usually missed by first-time visitors to Japan, Naoshima is just a short ferry ride from Japan’s main island of Honshu, and has an atmosphere like nowhere else. In addition to its tiny traditional fishing villages, Miyanoura and Honmura, you’ll find stunning architecture by Tadao Ando, museums, colorful galleries and installations, and charming cafes – all in a laid-back atmosphere amid beautiful scenery.
Originally written in the summer of 2014, we?ve significantly updated and added to the original article.
Ferry to Naoshima Island
Getting Around Naoshima
Once on Naoshima, getting around is fairly easy:

Benesse House guests have access to the convenient hotel shuttle, which does a loop of the island’s main art sites.
Non-guests can use the island’s local buses (less frequent but easy to use).
Naoshima is also bicycle friendly (we recommend ren...