Would YOU visit Naoshima? (English Subtitles) 現代アートの島『直島』
Naoshima, Kagawa-ken We are at the ferry terminal in the port of Uno (宇野) in Tamano city, Okayama prefecture. We’ve just boarded a ferry for Naoshima, probably the most well-known of the “Art Islands” in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea.
The ferry ride takes only about 20 minutes, and, as of March 2024, costs 300 yen (one-way); 570 yen (round-trip). This ferry will arrive at the port of Miyanoura (宮浦), but there are also ferries from Uno to the port of Honmura (本村).
Although Naoshima is a picturesque island in its own right, it is probably best known for its modern art displays. Visitors arriving at Miyanoura Port are greeted by the sight of a huge red pumpkin created by Yayoi Kusama (草間 彌生).
Yayoi Kusama is arguably one of Japan’s most famous contemporary artists, having been active in the New York pop-art scene in the 1960s. However, for many, she is now perhaps best known for her spotted pumpkin sculptures.
This area, which is known as Honmura, can usually be reached by bus in less than 10 minutes. Alternatively, one can arrive here by ferry from Uno. The local bus is used by many tourists. As of March 2024, all one-way bus journeys on the island cost a fixed fare of 100 yen.
Honmura is the location for indoor exhibitions known as the Art House Project. Tickets for the Art House Project are available Honmura Lounge & Archive, where the JA supermarket used to be located. A short bus ride from Honmura will take you to Gotanji Beach, a well-known swimming spot on the island.
This is probably Yayoi Kusama’s most famous pumpkin. Every day, tourists line up here for an obligatory photo. Kusama’s pumpkin, which many regard as a symbol of the island, was washed away by waves during a typhoon in 2021.
However, a replacement pumpkin (2m tall; 2.5m wide) was installed on the same spot in October 2022. There are numerous other outdoor artworks near the yellow pumpkin, and in the vicinity of the Benesse House Museum. We have returned to the Miyanoura Port area, where further outdoor artworks can be seen.
Our ferry has arrived, right on time! One last look at the red pumpkin before we leave! THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!
A tour around the island of Naoshima in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea; an island renowned for its displays of contemporary art, as well as its picturesque scenery.
世界中から観光客が訪れる直島には、多数のアートが点在し、自然や古い町並みと融合したアートを見ることができます。ぜひご自分の目で観にお出かけください。
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