Naoshima

  • Things to do
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Time Out says

More than a destination that just happens to feature a lot of art, the entire island of Naoshima is a walkable canvas of public installations and revered buildings designed by luminary architects including Tadao Ando. You’ve seen pictures of the island’s most iconic permanent art pieces including Yayoi Kusama’s yellow pumpkin, but photos will never compare to the near-transcendental experience of exploring Naoshima on foot and seeing these pieces in-person.

Details

Address
Naoshima
Kagawa
Transport:
Ferry from Takamatsu or Uno port

What’s on

Setouchi Triennale

The Setouchi Triennale is one of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary art festivals. Since its inception in 2010, the showcase has brought world-class art to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea in the form of site-specific installations, interactive projects, and performances that integrate seamlessly with the natural and cultural environment. Visitors can explore artworks scattered across Naoshima, Teshima, Shodoshima, and many other islands, encountering everything from avant-garde sculptures to traditional crafts reinterpreted in contemporary forms.  Returning in 2025 to once again transform the Inland Sea area into a massive open-air museum, the Triennale is held across three seasons: Spring (April 18 to May 25), Summer (August 1 to August 31) and Autumn (October 3 to November 9). The festival always brings together artists from around the world to engage with the region’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant local communities, and the 2025 edition will continue this legacy with new commissions that reflect themes of ecology, sustainability and coexistence – urgent topics in an era of climate change and depopulation. Whether wandering through an abandoned school transformed into an art space or engaging with local artisans preserving centuries-old traditions, you’ll be able experience a unique fusion of art and place that defines the spirit of the Setouchi Triennale. This is a festival that offers not just artistic discovery, but a deeper connection to...
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