Japan’s art island of Naoshima – famous for its site-specific installations and unparalleled museums – is on the bucket list of just about every art lover inside and outside Japan. While the island is small, it takes a full day to explore all the artworks, meaning most visitors opt to spend the night so the have ample time to see all the sights at their own pace.
Until now, available accommodation ranged between cosy inns dotted along the island and the long-standing Benesse House – a museum crossed with a hotel. This month, however, the island will get a brand new luxury ryokan called Naoshima Ryokan Rokasumi – just in time for the Setouchi Triennale.
The upscale ryokan, which will begin welcoming guests from April 14, will deliver traditional Japanese hospitality with a contemporary twist through kaiseki meals, tatami mat guest rooms and private open-air baths in each of the rooms.
Like Benesse House, Rokasumi will feature contemporary artworks in all areas of the hotel including the guest rooms. Some of the works will be exhibited as part of Rokasumi’s permanent collection while others will be available for purchase. Among the artists whose works have been selected for the opening are Kohei Nawa and Ryo Shinagawa.
Rooms are now available for a rate of ¥42,000 per person per night, with the price including breakfast and dinner. Dinner consists of a modern kaiseki course served at restaurant En, while breakfast is a choice between Japanese and Western menus.
For more information about Naoshima Ryokan Rokasumi, check the hotel website.
This article was first published on August 16 2021 and updated on April 6 2022
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