For contemporary art and architecture connoisseurs there is nothing like Benesse Art Site Naoshima. A true world class art pilgrimage destination for those longing for artistic genius with each and every step. Where in the world can you wake up in the middle of the night in a museum gallery designed by the great Japanese architect Tadao Ando and enjoy Warhol and Twombly in your pajamas?! I dare you to find such an extraordinary place of discovery with inspiring art and architecture at every corner. Perhaps the only other art destination in the world that can even come close is Marfa, Texas - without the sea!
Naoshima is a tiny island located in the Inland Sea of Japan and can be reached by ferry in just 20 minutes from Uno Port (south of Okayama) or 45 minutes from Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku. Over the past 15 years I have introduced over a thousand visitors to this magical art destination and since the very first visit the complaint the first morning from guests was "do we really have to leave Naoshima?" With the opening of Benesse House in 1992 and the Oval in 1995, accommodations were limited to 16 guest rooms. My early programs to Naoshima included just one night in the itinerary as we were able to see all the art in two full days. But with the addition of over 40 guest rooms with the creation of the Park in 2006 and the subsequent opening of the Chichu Art Museum, Inujima Art Project, Lee Ufan Museum and the Teshima Art Museum as new destinations, I now find that three nights enables guests to enjoy the complete Naoshima Art Site experience.
Important Protocol: One must follow some very important steps to ensure that you are able to enjoy your Naoshima experience. I cannot stress this enough! Do not assume that just because you have a confirmed hotel reservation you will be able to enjoy all that Naoshima has to offer. During peak travel times and over the weekends, one must plan well in advance and organize your visit with confirmed meal reservations and art viewing appointments to avoid disappointment. The transportation infrastructure of the Inland Sea was pushed beyond capacity during the recent Setouchi International Art Festival and many visitors were turned away. There is nothing worse than traveling half way around the world and being told that you cannot see an art installation, museum or even having dinner at a reasonable hour. Naoshima is managed by a corporation and not a hospitality industry specialist, so take care to prevent unnecessary surprises. Once you have your accommodations confirmed, plan your itinerary carefully using their online planning tool.
Special Note: The Oval
If you want to see the magnificent Oval structure designed by Tadao Ando, please note that in consideration of guests' privacy, only overnight guests staying in the Oval can view this section of the Museum. Plan accordingly!
 Naoshima
- The Oval
- The Park
Accommodations at Benesse are not inexpensive. I am a firm believer that art needs to be accessible to everyone, so consider staying in one of the Paos (Mongolian yurts) on the beach or one of the many minshuku family operated inns on the island of Naoshima.
Uno Port
- Uno Slope House (Japanese-style B&B)
Special Books on Naoshima (left to right)  
 
  |  Naoshima While on Naoshima you can feel captive of the Benesse Corporation, so if you hunger for local cuisine you might want to considerYamamoto-ya for udon noodles, New Olympia for seafood, and Henkotsu-en foryakiniku (grilled meat). Inujima - Seaman (no website but delicious Udon)  |
If you plan to travel to Naoshima via Takamatsu (1 hour flight from Tokyo Haneda), one of my favorite art destinations in Japan is the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum in Mure. This quiet place provides guests a glimpse of the inspiration behind Noguchi's sculptures. You will encounter hundreds of sculptures at his atelier and have an opportunity to peek inside his beautiful home.
A journey to Mure is a passage. It is a sanctuary for his superb sculptures, and is a place ideally suited to the discovery and pursuit of one's self.
Issey Miyake