Naoshima, Seto Inland Sea

Visiting this island and the surrounding museums and art galleries was divine. We managed most of 2 days on the small island and could have had longer.

We indulged ourselves on this occasion and stayed at the Bennesse House museum. There is a huge amount of land that was bought by the Bennesse Corporation. It covers 2 x headlands and 2 x beaches. All with amazing views over the sea. Over the past 15 yrs they have worked with the leading architect Tadao Ando to create the most amazing buildings.

On one headland is the Museum and 10 room hotel. (this is where we stayed). Following that they built the Chu-chi Museum. The architect wanted restrained design. To achieve this all the buildings are underground therefore no grand design to be seen from outside. The inside was all concrete, white or galvanised steel. The staff were also dressed in all white and with them all being the same colouring (japanese) and the lighting being mostly quite low it made it a very surreal experience. (like some James Bond movie where they would be cloning humans or alike)

To reach this museum you leave from the ticket office and have to stroll through the `Monet garden`. As soon as we saw it we knew what it was. Not cheesy and just to the side of the road. One wing of this museum was purpose built to hold the 5 Monet paintings they own. This place is best described over a drink but to give you an idea of another room, it was designed by James Turrell. He is an expert in experiential lighting art. We just let ourselves go with it and it was amazing. You may get an idea here www.chichu.jp

In the last 4 years or so they have opened another area with further hotel rooms, gallery, art installations and restaurant. We had lunch here on the first day and while sitting in the cafe with a view of the water the sea bass started jumping our of the water. It was fun to see and no big deal to them. It was like when whales breach and land on their side but these little fish were only about 15" long.

Later in the day we caught the complimentary bus for guests and went to see the Art House Project. It was in another part of the island and within a little village. Where they have had some old derelict houses they have engaged artists to create art with them. Very great and very weird at the same time. There was also another amazing (very dark) light art experience which is hard to describe here.

While we were here we heard from a couple of people that they were expecting a BIG storm and that the ferries off the island would not run in the evening. As it was nearing 3pm we thought it time to hightail it back to collect our luggage and get off the island.

So all in all, Naoshima, so beautiful in art, architecture and scenery. Absolutely a must see for anyone who comes to Japan and is interested in art.

PS - we ate & breakfast in the Japanese restaurant for dinner and it was also an artistic and culinary delight. Way too much food. We lost count after 14 courses!!! With every dish we were in awe of how they presented it and of the dishes they used. Sublime!!

PPS - All these pics are in and around the Museum where we stayed. We were not allowed to take photos in the Chichu Museum nor of the Art house Project.