Naoshima New Museum of Art — Local services in Naoshima

The Naoshima New Museum of Art is an incredible new space that perfectly reflects the spirit of Japan’s “art island.” Designed by Tadao Ando, the museum blends beautifully with nature — full of light, silence, and balance. Every corner feels intentional, from the gentle curves of the concrete walls to the way sunlight moves through the galleries.

The highlight for me was a stunning large-scale piece by Takashi Murakami. It combines his signature pop-art characters with traditional Japanese folding-screen style — colorful, playful, yet deeply meaningful. Seeing it here, surrounded by Ando’s serene architecture, was absolutely breathtaking.

The overall experience feels calm and meditative. Even the underground galleries feel bright and alive. The café overlooking the Seto Inland Sea is the perfect place to end your visit — especially at sunset.

A few quick tips: buy tickets online (¥1,500 vs ¥1,700 at the door), plan at least two hours, and note it’s closed on Mondays unless it’s a public holiday.

If you love art, architecture, or quiet beauty, this museum is a must-visit. Murakami’s piece alone makes the trip to Naoshima...

①Access from Tokyo Fly from Haneda Airport to Takamatsu Airport in 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Takamatsu Airport to Takamatsu Chikko by limousine bus: 50 minutes, from Takamatsu Airport to Naoshima Miyajima Port by ferry: 50 minutes, from Naoshima Miyajima Port by bus: 10 minutes. ②Cost (one-way) 12,000 yen by plane, 1,000 yen by limousine bus, 650 yen by ferry. ③Review A new art museum was built in May 25 on Naoshima, which is called the island of art. The architecture by Tadao Ando spins a chain of museums on Naoshima. The exhibits are unified by Asian artists, and the Benesse House Museum on Naoshima is unified by Western artists to clarify the concept. Among them, "Rakuchu Rakugaizu" by Takashi Murakami, "Head On" by Cai Guo-Qiang, and "after math" by Pannaphan Yodmanee are the most impressive. The stairs up to the museum are difficult on a midsummer's day, but it is...

Visited this museum on its second day of opening. Like the other museums on Naoshima, its focus is rather abstract modern art. I would say however this feels a bit more accessible than the other museums, with interactivity being a key part of the opening exhibits.

As is the case with the other museums, the exhibitions are housed within a beautiful, minimalist Ando design. The building alone is worth coming to visit, especially the stunning cafe which opens up to the vista of the blue water of the Seto Inland Sea. We didn't eat the food, so can't comment on the quality of the food, but the staff seemed happy enough for us to roam in and just explore the balcony.

Overall, I would recommend working this museum into your...