Japan’s Most Artistic Island | #Naoshima Travel Vlog 🎨🚲

Japan’s Most Artistic Island | #Naoshima Travel Vlog 🎨🚲

Good morrning! Today we’re heading off on a little 2-days trip so I only packed my backpack. Let’s see where this journey takes us 🌿🎒✨ First, we’re heading to Shin-Osaka Station to catch the shinkansen This is Sarubobo, a little charm I got in Takayama! It’s a traditional doll that’s meant to bring good luck and protection. Isn’t it cute? 🐒❤️ First, we’re heading to Okayama. From there, we’ll transfer to a local bus and then take a ferry to Naoshima. On the bus from Uno Port. The calm scenery is already setting the mood for the island. It already feels a bit like I’ve left the city behind The sky looks like it might rain, but it’s warm, because it’s early June. I kinda missed taking a ferry. It feels nice to be on the water again. Just seeing the water is enough to make my heart flutter. We’re almost there. Part of me doesn’t want this ride to end. There it is, the red pumpkin! Hello, red pumpkin! “Welcome to Naoshima!” Didn’t waste a second, I headed straight to the red pumpkin. The Red Pumpkin is one of Yayoi Kusama’s iconic works. Playful, a bit surreal, and totally photogenic. That white structure over there is the Naoshima Pavilion Made of steel mesh, it’s open to walk through and changes with the light. Time to rent a bike. There are buses on the island too. But with a bike, I can move more freely, on my own terms. So this friend will be my companion for the next two days. I named her Lily. There’s a map in the basket. Such a thoughtful touch! I can’t really hold the camera while biking… So I’ll be stopping whenever something catches my eye. First stop: the guesthouse I’ll be staying at. I left Lily in the nearby parking spot Before settling in, lunch comes first. The restaurant is part of the guesthouse, but it’s open to everyone, not just for guests. This place known for its vegan (or vegetarian-friendly) lunch sets and especially their brown rice The atmosphere here is warm and a little retro. And here’s the drink menu. My lunch just arrived. All made with vegetables from the region. soup It’s different, and really tasty. the brown rice. It has a deep, nutty flavor And this is the room I’ll be staying in. It’s more spacious than I expected. The sun’s out, and that makes me so happy! Let’s go explore the island! Now I’m heading toward the Benesse Art Site area. At first, I was a bit unsure about Lily, since little look old but she rides smoother than I expected. I think we’ll be fine together. Hello, giant trash can. At some point, bikes aren’t allowed in the Benesse Art Site area. So I’m continuing on foot from here. Slower, but maybe that’s the point. <3 Obligatory selfie. Alright, let’s keep going. The higher I go, the better the view gets. And here we are, the first museum of the day. Let’s see what’s waiting inside. Before visiting the museums in Naoshima, you need to buy tickets online. They scan the QR code from your phone at the entrance. This place blends contemporary art with the island’s natural calm. Photos are allowed only in few a spots inside, so I’ll only share a small glimpse of the mood. What’s the first word you see? The museum sits quietly between the sea and the hills. Time to head back to Lily. Heading into Chichu Art Museum now one of the island’s most unique spaces. A lovely flowers line the short walk to the museum. It’s built mostly underground, so the architecture blends into the earth. Designed by Tadao Ando this museum uses natural light as its main guide. Inside, you’ll find works by Monet, Turrell, and De Maria but photography isn’t allowed I want something sweet and cool. I got the Setouchi lemonade. and a slice of cheesecake on the side. There’s also a nice view outside the café. This brochure shows some of the artworks exhibited in the museum. Since photography isn’t allowed, this gives you an idea. Met this little cat on the way back. Time to move on. Heading toward the Yellow Pumpkin and then down to the beach. Totoro and Mei to show up on a road sign… There’s a little torii gate here, part of the Ebisu Shrine. It stands quietly by the seaside path near the Yellow Pumpkin. Before spending some time by the sea, I’ll grab a drink first. This one caught my eye and seemed fitting. Looks like a good day to swim. I wish I had brought my swimsuit but it’s still a nice place to relax. This beach doesn’t have a lifeguard, except from mid-July to late August It’s basically a symbol of Naoshima. This area also features outdoor sculptures along the coast. These colorful sculptures reflect Naoshima’s aim to bring art into daily life making it playful and accessible outdoors. The day’s been full now back to the Honmura. taking little pauses to enjoy the scenery. After parking my bike near the guest house I noticed how charming the atmosphere in Honmura is. Even though the island leans toward contemporary art places like this remind me of traditional Japan. Honestly, I’m more drawn to the traditional side of Japan. I came across this temple, so I decided to take a look. Gokurakuji Temple was rebuilt in 1896 and is now preserved as a designated cultural property in Naoshima. Hello, little spider! Let's keep walking this path. After countless steps, it feels like I’ve arrived at a hidden place. This is the Haiden, or front hall, of Naoshima’s Hachimangu Shrine Passing through this small torii, I noticed two guardian foxes Now I’m heading toward the harbor hoping to catch the sunset. Light is changing, this is my favorite time of day. just blending into the evening colors. Let’s get a little closer. It’s one of the port’s most iconic features. Inside, there’s parking space for bikes and motorbikes. Heading back to the guesthouse Took a 7–8 minute bike ride to the nearest konbini for a late-night snack. The kind of quiet and dark that makes every sound feel louder. A bit spooky, tbh.. Time to watch a little TV before bed. I guess I only watch TV when I’m on vacation. Good morrning! They prepared this little breakfast set. brown rice balls with a warm veggie soup Texture’s a bit sticky, still good though. I’ve checked out from the guest house time for a coffee break before the day begins. A tiny, warm café with just one barista inside. I’ll be visiting a few art houses today. They’re all just a short walk apart, so I left Lily behind. Haisha means ‘dentist’, this place used to be a dentist’s home. Filming isn’t allowed, but you can take photos. No photos allowed inside. It’s all darkness at first, then a slow glow. Not sure if it clicked for me, but I respect the concept. Inside, you’ll find ‘Sea of Time’, digital clocks submerged in water. Next is Go’o Shrine. On a small hill right off Honmura. An old shrine once stood here, but it was rebuilt by Hiroshi Sugimoto in 2002 as part of the Art House Project. Now, the shrine is known for its glass staircase It’s a real Shinto shrine, even if it looks like an art work A narrow path leads to a hidden stone chamber beneath the shrine You enter through a narrow tunnel, flashlight in hand Daylight filters down. intentionally designed to create a sense of spiritual transition. Strolling through Honmura I keep noticing how beautiful even the smallest local gardens are. Time to take Lily back. Thanks for the ride. You’ve been a good companion. At Miyanoura Port now Picking up my return ticket before heading off. Still got some time before the ferry. Let’s check out the souvenir shop. I really liked these pumpkin pins. These coffee beans smell amazing too. This one’s for my labmates. So this is what it looks like inside. Cheese balls and blue soda for a quick snack break. Time to board, my ferry’s arrived. I really loved this trip and Naoshima. Also, I’ve decided I want to spend my retirement years in an island just for a chill life. Thanks for coming along with me during this trip! If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to subscribe And see you in the next video! Thanks for watching
Hello everyone! Join me on a quiet but colorful journey through Japan’s art island — Naoshima 🎨🚲

⛅ In this video, we explore:
00:00 Intro
03:11 Red Pumpkin & Naoshima Pavilion
04:59 Lunch at Aisunao (vegan set meal)
08:07 Benesse House Museum
09:23 Chichu Art Museum
11:47 Gotanji Beach
13:15 Yellow Pumpkin & seaside sculptures
14:49 Honmura sunset stroll & temple visit
21:49 Morning art walks — Haisha, Minamidera, Kadoya
22:51 Go’o Shrine and glass stairs
25:53 Souvenirs & ferry departure

🌱 This video reflects my personal experience of Naoshima. Calm bike rides, gentle sea views, and art tucked into daily life. I’m not an expert, just sharing moments that felt meaningful to me. Hope it brings you some peace 🌾

📍Guesthouse: Aisunao (in Honmura area)
📍Bike rental: Miyanoura Port (near ferry terminal)
🎟 Art House Project ticket: 1,050 yen (for multiple houses)

🎥 Filmed in early summer, with mild weather and soft light.
English subtitles available. Other language subs may contain minor translation errors.

✨ If you enjoyed the vibe, feel free to like, comment, or subscribe for more calm Japan travel videos 🌊

#Naoshima #JapanVlog #YayoiKusama #BenesseHouse #GoOShrine #Setouchi #SlowTravel #Honmura #TravelJapan

Music
🎵 Amos Ever Hadani – Capao da Canoa
🎵 Avni Vibes – Dreaming in Bossa
🎵 Ziv Moran – Together Again
🎵 Cristof Walters – Childhood
🎵 Laurel Violet – Autumn
🎵 Anthony Lazaro – Kisses and Heartbeats
🎵 Anthony Lazaro – A Thousand Little Fires – Alternative – Instrumental Version
🎵 Luc Allieres – Pao de Açucar
(All songs licensed via Artlist.io)

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