How to Spend a Second Day Exploring Naoshima

Naoshima has much more to explore beyond the major museums. On your second day, you can visit smaller art spots, enjoy local cafés, relax by the sea, and discover peaceful areas that many travelers miss. This guide gives you a full-day plan to explore at a calm and easy pace.

Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your second day!

Start Your Morning with a Relaxing Breakfast

Begin your morning with a good breakfast at your hotel or at a local café nearby.

Breakfast Options:

• Café Konichiwa (Miyanoura) – Toast sets, smoothies, and coffee

• Minatoya Café (Miyanoura) – Small breakfast plates and sea view

• Yuurin-an (Honmura) – Tea and homemade pastries in a cozy space

Walk or Bike to the Naoshima Town Hall Area

After breakfast, head toward Naoshima Town Hall and the community area between Honmura and Miyanoura. This part of the island is more local, with schools, small parks, and places where residents live and gather.

• Directions: About 10 minutes by bike or 20 minutes on foot from Honmura

What to See:

• Naoshima Hall – A beautiful community hall designed by architect Hiroshi Sambuichi

• Local shrine or temple – Ask a local or follow the map; many are quiet and open to all

• Small parks and neighborhood art – Sometimes, hidden works are placed in local spaces

Visit the Miyanoura Gallery 6 (Hidden Art Spot)

This is a small gallery located inside a former pachinko (arcade game) building. It shows changing exhibits of contemporary art, often by local or lesser-known artists.

• Location: Near Miyanoura Port

• Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Join a Workshop or Cultural Experience

Depending on the season and your timing, some local studios and cafés offer workshops like:

• Pottery or art workshops

• Matcha or tea ceremony demonstrations

• Traditional craft or ink painting (sumi-e)

Ask your guesthouse or hotel if any workshops are offered locally, or check bulletin boards at the port.

Enjoy Lunch at a Local Restaurant or Café

Pick a new spot for lunch, somewhere you didn’t visit yesterday.

Lunch Options:

• Curry & Café Shiro (Miyanoura) – Japanese-style curry and coffee

• Pan Tocori – Freshly baked bread and sandwiches (limited hours)

• Shima Table – Small, cozy café with changing seasonal menu

Vegan / Vegetarian Options:

• Aisunao (Honmura) – Plant-based set meals with brown rice

• Café Konichiwa (Miyanoura) – Light vegetarian-friendly meals

• Benesse House Café – Some veggie options and sea view

Take a Nature Walk to the Northern Coast or Local Trails

After lunch, explore a more natural side of Naoshima. The island has coastal roads and hidden walking paths that feel peaceful and untouched.

Walking Ideas:

• Northern coastal road (toward Gotanji area) – Quiet, great ocean views, fewer people

• Tsutsuji-so area – Small beaches and benches for relaxing

• Lookout points – Ask locals or follow small trails uphill for a view of the sea

Relax with an Afternoon Drink or Sweet Treat

After your walk, cool down at a nearby café before your day ends.

Café Options:

• Café de Rose – Peaceful, garden-style café with tea and sweets

• Café Mie (Honmura) – Calm spot for coffee and cake

• Chichu Café (if open) – Nice view and atmosphere, good for a drink break

Watch the Sunset by the Sea

Naoshima has some of the best sunset views in the area. Spend your late afternoon relaxing near the water.

Best Sunset Spots:

• Yellow Pumpkin (Benesse area) – Famous sunset photo spot

• Tsutsuji-so Beach – More quiet and peaceful

• Miyanoura coastline – Sit on rocks or benches and enjoy the view

Enjoy a Final Dinner on Naoshima

For your last evening, enjoy a different restaurant than the night before.

Dinner Options:

• Okonomiyaki Umikko (Honmura) – Japanese pancakes with many toppings

• Minatoya (Miyanoura) – Classic Japanese meals, fish or udon

• Home-cooked meals at your guesthouse – Many offer simple dinners on request

Tip: Book or confirm your dinner spot in the afternoon — most close by 8:00 PM