Naoshima New Museum of Art

What to know

Opened in 2025, the Naoshima New Museum of Art (直島新美術館, Naoshima Shinbijutsukan) is the latest addition to Benesse's art projects on the island. Once again designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, the building showcases his signature concrete style that masterfully plays with light and shadow.

Perched on a hill at the edge of Honmura village on the island's east coast, the museum is surrounded by lush greenery. Its three floors house four galleries featuring rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by artists from Japan and other parts of Asia.

A charming café serves Setouchi-themed dishes, sweets, and drinks, making this art space both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.

Buses from Miyanoura Ferry Terminal to Tsutsujiso run 1-3 times per hour and stop at Momoyama bus stop in Honmura (8 minutes, 100 yen). Alternatively, it's a 2.5 km bike ride (10 minutes) or a 35-45 minute walk from the ferry terminal. Honmura also has its own port with less frequent ferry connections to Uno Port on Honshu (20 minutes, 300 yen). The museum is just a 5-10 minute walk from the port.