Naoshima Bath "I♥︎湯"

Naoshima Bath "I♥湯" (pronounced "I Love Yu," with "yu" meaning hot water in Japanese) opened in 2009 as a fully functional public bathhouse created by artist Shinro Ohtake. Located in Honmura village, the facility serves both as a contemporary art installation and a working sento (public bath) for local residents and visitors.

Ohtake transformed a traditional Japanese bathhouse into an immersive art environment using his signature collage technique. The exterior features colorful mosaic tiles, found objects, and mixed materials covering the building's facade.

Inside, every surface, including walls, ceilings, changing rooms, and bathing areas incorporates Ohtake's artwork. The interior combines paintings, tiles, sculptures, photographs, and assemblages, creating a dense visual experience. Elements include an elephant sculpture, cartoon characters, tropical plants, and eclectic imagery drawn from global pop culture and Japanese traditions.

Visitors experience the bath as both artwork and a functional bathing facility. Unlike museum-based installations, this requires following standard Japanese bathhouse etiquette: removing shoes at the entrance, undressing in gender-separated changing rooms, washing thoroughly at shower stations before entering the communal baths, and bathing completely nude. The bathing area contains both indoor hot water pools and an outdoor bath. Towels and basic bathing supplies are available for purchase or rental.

Naoshima Bath is located in Honmura village, a 5-minute walk from Honmura Port or 10 minutes by town bus from Miyanoura Port. The bathhouse is near the Art House Project reception center. Walking or cycling is the most practical way to reach the facility from either port.

Admission costs ¥660 for adults and ¥310 for children ages 15 and under. This includes entry to the bathing facilities. Towel rental costs an additional ¥100 for a small towel or ¥200 for a large towel. Soap and shampoo are provided. The facility has coin lockers for valuables. Photography is prohibited inside the bathhouse.