How to Visit Japan’s Art Islands: A Guide to Naoshima & Teshima
If you need a pause mid-itinerary, this is the place – my guide to Japan’s art islands
Modern art museums hidden in rice fields, a dreamlike Yayoi Kusama pumpkin by the sea, and some of the most peaceful days of our whole Japan trip – here’s how to plan your own visit to the incredible art islands of Naoshima and Teshima.
When building out our itinerary for Japan, I knew we needed a moment of quiet. Some opt for the mountainous region of Hakone, known for its hot spring onsens and glorious hikes, but after seeing a video on TikTok (how most things start with me, tbh) of someone visiting the art islands, I knew it had to go on our list. I even rearranged our original plans so we wouldn’t be there on a Sunday and Monday, when many sights are closed – more on that sort of tip later.
This part of the trip felt totally different from anywhere else we visited in Japan – calm, open, airy, and full of thoughtful details in everything the locals did. If you’re into contemporary art, nice design, or just want a couple of peaceful days in a unique setting, this is a must-do.
Planning Your Trip
Where are they? Naoshima and Teshima are small islands in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, reachable by ferry from the mainland.
Who are they ideal for? Art lovers, architecture fans, and anyone looking for a quieter, slower-paced break from Japan’s big cities.
How long do you need? We spent two nights, which gave us time to see both islands at a relaxed pace. You can do a day trip, but I wouldn’t recommend it – the islands feel especially magical once the day-trippers leave. There are also two additional islands with exhibits – Inujima and Megijima – which we didn’t even get round to seeing.
Where to stay? We chose Teshima as our base since it felt quieter and more low-key than the larger Naoshima. You could also stay in Uno (the closest mainland port) and travel to the islands during the day.