Benesse House

What to know

Benesse House is a contemporary art museum and resort hotel on Naoshima Island. It is the centerpiece of the Benesse Corporation's art facilities on the island and comprises four buildings: Museum, Oval, Park, and Beach, all designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. Each building features its own unique artworks and guest rooms.

The main attraction is the art museum, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. It displays works by diverse Japanese and international artists, inspired by Naoshima's natural surroundings and the island's architecture. Overnight guests in the Museum and Oval buildings enjoy 24-hour access to the museum.

Beyond the indoor galleries and guest rooms, nearly twenty art pieces are scattered across the lawns and beaches around Benesse House, including the iconic pumpkin sculpture, recreated after the original was damaged in a 2021 typhoon. Many works along the shore and cliffs below the museum are designed to blend into the natural environment.

Benesse House also offers restaurants, cafes, shops, and a spa, open to both hotel guests and day visitors. Hotel guests enjoy exclusive dining options and after-hours museum access. As the island's top accommodation, room rates start at around 40,000 yen per night.

From Miyanoura Ferry Terminal, buses run 1-3 times per hour via Honmura to Tsutsujiso bus stop at Benesse House's east gate (10 minutes, 100 yen). From there, walk 10-15 minutes or take a free shuttle bus (5 minutes) to the museum. Alternatively, it's a 3 km bike ride (15-25 minutes) or walk (45-60 minutes) from the ferry terminal.

From Benesse House, the free shuttle bus takes just a few minutes to the Lee Ufan Museum or Chichu Art Museum. Walking between the museums takes 10 and 15 minutes respectively.