Dotted along the Seto Inland Sea off the southern coast of Kagawa prefecture is a series of islands that comprise one of Japan’s largest – and more successful – art initiatives. Established roughly 30 years ago as a scheme to boost tourism in the region, the project spans several islands including Teshima, Inujima and Ogijima, each houses a series of site-specific art installations and galleries. The most famous art island of the lot, however, is Naoshima, where the first permanent artwork of the project was installed in 1989.
More than a destination that just happens to feature a lot of art, the entire island 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.
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AloJapan.com