Naoshima – Japan’s Hidden Art Island | Japan Travel Vlog

Naoshima – Japan’s Hidden Art Island | Japan Travel Vlog

Today we’re heading to Naoshima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea. Buying tickets from Okayama to Naoshima. Time to board the ferry. Sadly, it’s raining…hope it clears up soon. Enjoying the 20-minute ferry ride. (It is a little chilly.) Many islands dot the Seto Inland Sea. Some people even bring their cars aboard. We can see our destination now. We’ve arrived! “Naoshima” Rental bike shops line the street near the dock. We’ve rented electric bicycles—let’s go! We’re going to cycle around the island. Naoshima is home to the “Art House Project.” In this project, artists transform vacant houses into artworks that embody the history and memories of their past lives. This house is called “Haisha.” There are seven houses in total, scattered around Honmura, a village where daily life still continues. Hello, our first little friend today. Heading to the place I’m most curious about among the seven projects. To visit these projects, you’ll need a common ticket or a special ticket, which might require reservations. Of course, you can also buy tickets online. “Go’o Shrine” “Appropriate Proportion” After praying, we go to the main shrine. From the shrine, glass stairs lead underground. The use of optical glass feels meaningful. Let’s head around and go down. Strangely, no trees here. Entering the underground stone chamber. With better weather, this could become a pathway of light. You can see trees were cleared here to provide a view of the sea. Found an interesting path behind the shrine. Looks just like the tree tunnel from “My Neighbor Totoro”! Cherry blossoms along the seaside. “We’re only half-bloomed!” A little friend came to see the blossoms, too. Thanks for chatting with us. Let’s go have lunch. Do you want to come with us? Seems like we’ve become good friends. Our cute friend says goodbye here. See you next time. Looking for a place to have lunch. Why is there a cloud here!? This is the other port, opposite to where we arrived. This “Mokumoku” cloud is actually a bike parking area. Found a nice restaurant. You order at the window, then move to indoor seating. “Naoshima Kitchen 148” Just finished one roll of film—time to reload. “CineStill 400D” Our taco rice has arrived. “Cheese & Avocado Taco Rice” and “Taco Rice” “Grapefruit Lemonade” and “Ginger Ale Lemonade” Taco rice with a sea view—delicious! That was great. Discovered another shrine. Not planned, but let’s explore a bit. This island has beautiful nature along the sea—so refreshing. What we feel and how we express it differs from person to person. Quiet places like this are perfect for reflecting on our thoughts. Tadao Ando is one of Japan’s most renowned architects. (Filming inside buildings isn’t permitted.) A fusion of traditional houses and contemporary architecture. An interplay of wood and concrete. A contrast of light and shadow. This makes me want to explore more of Ando’s works. After learning about his buildings and history, I’m even more interested in architecture. We met many little friends today. I wonder if they’re all siblings. An unusual sight—a short torii gate partially buried in the sand. It’s said placing stones on it grants your wish. However, this custom varies by region, so be cautious. The iconic “Pumpkin,” a symbol of Naoshima. We’re heading to a museum I’ve been really excited to visit. Looks like someone’s enjoying a sunny nap. “Chichu Art Museum” A museum designed by Tadao Ando. Most of the building is underground, preserving the beautiful landscape of Setouchi. Despite being underground, gentle natural light fills the spaces. Finally, taking a break at the museum café. Enjoying nature is one of its charms. “Vanilla Ice Cream with Orange Sauce” and “Sora-Iro Cola” Perfect taste! A building that balances being non-monumental and architectural at once. A truly unique museum. Outside is the “Chichu Garden,” inspired by Monet’s “Water Lilies.” We saw it before entering the museum too, but… After seeing Monet’s works, it somehow looks different. Another cat here. Bye-bye. The sun is beginning to set. Our day is coming to an end… Come to think of it, it’s been sunny since we arrived. Naoshima in the evening is lovely. I’m reluctant to leave… Heading back to the port to return our bicycles. Exploring around the port while waiting for the ferry. And finally, meeting Naoshima’s other symbol, the “Red Pumpkin.” You can even go inside this pumpkin. Architecture and art harmoniously blend with the natural environment and townscape. The calmness of the sea, sky, and flow of time. I’ll definitely be coming back here.

🎨 Naoshima – Japan’s tranquil art island by the sea.
Join us for a cinematic 4K walk Travel Vlog through Naoshima, home to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkins, seaside shrines, quiet bikes, and world-class architecture.
No narration — just peaceful visuals and ambient sounds from the island.

🎬 Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:17 Ferry Ride to Naoshima
2:07 Art House Project / Appropriate Proportion
5:29 Encounter with a Cat
7:47 Lunch at Seaview Cafe
10:16 Hachiman Shrine
11:38 ANDO MUSEUM
13:24 “Pumpkin” by Yayoi Kusama
14:10 Chichu Art Museum
17:11 Getting around by bike
18:31 “Red Pumpkin” by Yayoi Kusama
19:11 Ending

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📷 See 35mm film photos from this walk:
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