Naoshima Deep Dive — Lee Ufan, Benesse House, Chichu and Ando's Island

At a Glance

Naoshima island in the Seto Inland Sea is an open-air Tadao Ando architecture park. The three key museums — Lee Ufan Museum, Benesse House Museum, Chichu Art Museum — demand at least an overnight stay.

Three Museums

Lee Ufan is an underground museum for the Mono-ha artist. Benesse House is a hotel-museum hybrid with Monet, Pollock, Sugimoto. Chichu is fully subterranean, lit only by sunlight over Monet's Water Lilies, James Turrell and Walter De Maria.

2-Day Route

• Day 1: Art House Project → Lee Ufan → Benesse.
• Day 2: Chichu morning → Kusama pumpkins → ferry.

Tips

Ferry from Takamatsu or Uno. Book Chichu at least 3 weeks ahead. Rent a bike on the island. Best in spring and autumn.