Naoshima

In past centuries, pirate attacks were the biggest surprise you might encounter on the Seto Inland Sea. Now, it's the world-class art museums of Naoshima. This tiny island in the Inland Sea between Takamatsu and Okayama hosts three major contemporary art museums as well as an installation art project. Several surrounding islands are getting into the action, including Teshima, Inujima, Shodoshima, Megijima, and Ogijima, all of which participate in the Setouchi Trienniale international art festival. If you're a contemporary art fan or even just curious, don't miss out on the cultural activity here.

It's possible to see Naoshima's major sights in one (very long) day, but staying on the island overnight allows a more leisurely pace. After the day-trippers leave on the late-afternoon ferry, Naoshima feels like a different place altogether.