直島 Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Exploring Naoshima
Naoshima is a quiet island known for modern art, beautiful sea views, and peaceful villages. This guide will help you enjoy your full day exploring the island, visiting famous museums, walking through art-filled streets, and relaxing with good food and scenery.
Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your day!
Start Your Day with Breakfast
Begin your morning with a calm breakfast. Some hotels offer breakfast, but if not, here are some options near Miyanoura and Honmura.
Café Options:
Café Konichiwa (Miyanoura) – Toast, coffee, and light breakfast sets
Minatoya Café (Miyanoura) – Coffee, small dishes, and sea view
Yuurin-an (Honmura) – Relaxing café with tea, pastries, and quiet seating
Tip: Most cafés open around 8:00–9:00 AM. It’s good to start early to avoid museum crowds.
Visit Chichu Art Museum
This is one of Naoshima’s most famous museums. It’s built underground and blends perfectly with the island’s nature.
Location: South of the island
Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours
Entry Fee: ¥2,100
Reservation Required: Book your ticket online in advance
What to See:
Claude Monet’s Water Lilies
James Turrell’s light installations
Walter De Maria’s large art space
Museum design by Tadao Ando
Tip: Go in the morning while it's still quiet and cool.
Explore Outdoor Art and Benesse House Area
After visiting Chichu, walk or bike to the Benesse House Museum area. Even if you don’t enter the museum, there’s plenty to see outdoors.
What to See:
Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin
Giant outdoor sculptures in the fields and along the beach
Benesse House Museum (optional indoor visit – ¥1,050)
Explore the Art House Project in Honmura
The Art House Project is a group of old Japanese homes turned into creative spaces. Each one is unique and located around the Honmura neighborhood.
Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours
Entry Fee: ¥1,050 (combo ticket for all houses)
What to See:
Minamidera – Light-based art in a dark room
Kadoya, Ishibashi, Go’o Shrine, and more
Mix of sound, sculpture, and architecture
Tip: Some installations have short wait times. Walk between them and enjoy the quiet village streets.
Stop for Lunch on the Island
By now you’ll be ready to eat. There are many small restaurants around Honmura and Miyanoura. Here are a few options:
Restaurant Options:
Shioya Diner (Miyanoura) – Casual menu with curry, burgers, and craft beer
Okonomiyaki Umikko (Honmura) – Japanese savory pancakes
Café Salon Nakaoku (Honmura) – Local set meals in a cozy setting
Vegan / Vegetarian Options:
Aisunao (Honmura) – Vegan rice sets, miso soup, and traditional-style meals
Café Konichiwa (Miyanoura) – Light plant-based dishes and smoothies
Benesse House Café – Has some vegetarian options, beautiful sea view
Tip: Most places stop serving lunch by 2:00–2:30 PM, so don’t eat too late.
Visit Naoshima Bath “I♥︎湯”
This is a real public bathhouse created by an artist. It’s fun, colorful, and relaxing.
What to Know:
Open in the afternoon (usually from 1:00 PM)
Entry fee is around ¥660
Features mosaic art and a creative bath experience
Tip: Bring your own towel or rent one there. You can also just stop by to see the outside design.
Enjoy a Scenic Ride or Walk Before Sunset
Take time to ride your bike or walk along the coastline. Naoshima is peaceful in the afternoon, and the views are beautiful.
Where to Go:
Ride from Miyanoura to the south coast for sea views
Sit near the beach at Tsutsuji-so area
Visit a quiet park or lookout point
Have an Early Dinner
Dinner options are limited and often close early (by 7:00 or 8:00 PM). Some places require reservations.
Dinner Ideas:
Minatoya (Miyanoura) – Local seafood, grilled fish, and noodles
Shima Kitchen (optional) – Set meals made with local ingredients (book ahead)
Café Nakaoku (Honmura) – Japanese-style dishes, cozy and warm atmosphere.
Evening Ideas on Naoshima
After dinner, take a walk or relax at your hotel.
What You Can Do:
See the Yellow Pumpkin lit up at night
Look at the stars by the sea
Read or rest – many guesthouses have quiet lounges
