Exploring the Naoshima “House Project”: A Journey Through Art & Architecture| Kagawa, JAPAN

Hello! This is RabbiTravel!!

In this article, I will recommend ways to get around the “House Project” artwork on Naoshima, which I have enjoyed.

House Project

Welcome to the enchanting world of Naoshima’s Honmura district, where art and everyday life intertwine. The House Project(“ie project” in Japanese)—an art initiative that began in 1998—transforms vacant houses into unique artistic installations. As you stroll through a neighborhood still home to local residents, you’ll experience more than just art: you’ll encounter the charm of daily life in an inspiring setting.

While exploring the island, many visitors find bicycles to be a convenient way to travel. However, since many of the installations are nestled in pedestrian-friendly zones, I recommend parking your bike and enjoying the walk.

Detail Naoshima Cycling model course

A Perfect Day in Naoshima: An Art Lover’s Dream | Cycling Model Course | Kagawa, JAPAN

Naoshima, a small island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, is a paradise for art lovers. Known for its contemporary art installations and stunning natural beauty, it offers a unique travel experience. This one-day itinerary ensures you make the most of your visit.Start your journey by renting an electric bike at Miyanoura Port and taking in Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin. Then, head to the Art House Project in Honmura, where traditional homes have been transformed into immersive art spaces. Key highlights include Minamidera with its mesmerizing James Turrell installation and Go’o Shrine with its glass staircase.For lunch, stop by Café Maimai and try the Naoshima Burger, featuring a crispy yellowtail cutlet. Continue your journey to the world-famous Chichu Art Museum, an underground space showcasing works by Monet, Turrell, and De Maria.In the afternoon, visit Kusama’s iconic Yellow Pumpkin by the sea before cooling off with homemade gelato at Café Konichiwa. Finally, return your bike and reflect on your inspiring day as you board the ferry home.Naoshima is more than a destination—it’s an unforgettable experience blending art, culture, and nature.

babychamp-blog.com

2025.02.21

Ticket Notice:
To experience the House Project fully, you must purchase a ticket from the Honmura Lounge & Archive. Also, note that one installation—Nan-dera—requires a reservation. Be sure to secure your spot along with your ticket purchase.

Recommended Itinerary of “House Project”

Honmura Lounge & Archive

Begin your journey here by purchasing your ticket and booking your reservation for Nan-dera. This is your gateway to the entire experience.

Gokai-sho

Step into the intriguing world of “Tsubaki.” Here, you’ll appreciate the contrast between a room set up to evoke the spirit of a 5-tatami space and an identical, yet empty, room—a dialogue between presence and absence.

Kakuya

Discover “Sea of Time ’98,” an installation featuring 125 LED digital counters arranged at random. Each counter displays numbers at a pace uniquely set by the local community, inviting you to reflect on the fluid nature of time.

Nan-dera

Enter a realm of silence and darkness, where art takes on an almost meditative quality. Nan-dera is accessible by reservation only, accommodating groups of 10 to 20 visitors. It’s a personal favorite—so don’t forget to book ahead!

Haisha

“Haisha” means dentist in Japanese.

Once a combined dental clinic and residence, this building has been reborn as a dynamic art space. Inside, you can enjoy an eclectic mix of sculptures and paintings, while the exterior showcases intriguing scrap-style works.

Ishibashi

Step back into history with this installation housed in a Meiji-era building formerly owned by the Ishibashi family, once prosperous in salt production. Enjoy vibrant paintings on the walls and shoji screens, and take in the serene garden views.

Go-O Shrine

Experience the innovative transformation of a local guardian deity shrine. The renovation turns the main hall, worship hall, and an underground stone chamber into a cohesive art installation. A striking glass staircase links the above-ground and underground sections, offering new perspectives as you explore.

Final Thoughts

For the full experience, we recommend visiting every installation along this route. However, if your time on the island is limited, a visit to Nan-dera alone is highly recommended for its profound impact.

We hope this guide helps you uncover the unique charm and creative spirit of Naoshima’s House Project. Enjoy your journey through art and history in this truly magical corner of Japan!

Detail Naoshima Cycling model course

A Perfect Day in Naoshima: An Art Lover’s Dream | Cycling Model Course | Kagawa, JAPAN

Naoshima, a small island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, is a paradise for art lovers. Known for its contemporary art installations and stunning natural beauty, it offers a unique travel experience. This one-day itinerary ensures you make the most of your visit.Start your journey by renting an electric bike at Miyanoura Port and taking in Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin. Then, head to the Art House Project in Honmura, where traditional homes have been transformed into immersive art spaces. Key highlights include Minamidera with its mesmerizing James Turrell installation and Go’o Shrine with its glass staircase.For lunch, stop by Café Maimai and try the Naoshima Burger, featuring a crispy yellowtail cutlet. Continue your journey to the world-famous Chichu Art Museum, an underground space showcasing works by Monet, Turrell, and De Maria.In the afternoon, visit Kusama’s iconic Yellow Pumpkin by the sea before cooling off with homemade gelato at Café Konichiwa. Finally, return your bike and reflect on your inspiring day as you board the ferry home.Naoshima is more than a destination—it’s an unforgettable experience blending art, culture, and nature.

babychamp-blog.com

2025.02.21