hellokittyispretty

We stumbled upon some pictures and information on Naoshima and have worked 2 days to go there into our itinerary (now that we've decided not to go to Tokyo this trip). We will be staying there April 4-6. Was surprised that it wasn't as emphasized in the guidebooks or the travel sites - seems like such a unique and special island. Guess you have to be interested in modern art and architecture but i find the concept of the island fascinating. I would've loved to stay at Benesse House or the Oval Museum but it was above our budget and we opted to stay in the mongolian yurts - which seem like an interesting experience in itself. Just wondering if anyone has every been there and if so, thoughts?

Thanks!

DonTopaz

Staying at Benesse has long been on my to-do list -- looking forward to hearing about your stay on the island.

kkukura

It looks very interesting. I, too, am interested in what your impressions are of your visit.

janev

We went in 2007 (just found our post from then).. really liked it - this is what I wrote at the time..

"We travelled from Okayama to Uno by train then walked about 7 mins to the ferry. tickets cost 280 yen each way. Ferry is a short crossing & you arrive to the site of the red pumpkin art piece!!! As soon as we got off the ferry, as we were staying at Benesse- the Oval, there was a bus waiting to pick us up (hotel residents only). If you don't stay there then there is the local bus you can take to get around.
We were taken to the hotel - we left our bags there & went on the shuttle to Chichu Museum - we were warned there may be an hour wait & there was! This is a small (but wonderful) museum & only a few people go in at a time. After this we took the shuttle to look at Standard 2 - the house art works - some\lovely things here. At 4.30-5pm there was a champagne invitation at Benesse - it was a beautiful day ( great after some of the rain!) & after that we went to the Melting Pot jacuzzi - no one else around & lovely in the bubbling hot water looking out to the sea. After this we ate at the museum - we chose the fusion menu - lovely setting right in the museum & beautiful meal. We then looked around the museum - guests can look until 10pm. "

It was a really interesting place! The Oval was lovely with great views out & a little funicular to take you up to the hotel (accessed through the museum). The art installations were very intersting, we wished we could have stayed longer. Just check because I think there is a day when a lot closes - maybe a Monday, so avoid that if you can.

hellokittyispretty

I'll definitely post my thoughts & hopefully some pics when I get back.

Thanks for your thoughts Janev! Oh how I wish it was in the budget to stay at Benesse. Sounds like a worthwhile experience!!

emd3

It was dream of mine to go to Naoshima and Benesse, but it was closed for renovation at the time of our last trip. I would really like to hear about your stay in the yurts. I knew Benesse had closed them but did not realize til just now rthat they are reopened under another name, and moved a short distance away.

Looking forward very much to your report.

mflickermd

I totally concur with Janev. We stayed on Naoshima 3 years ago and it was fantastic We stayed at the Oval for which you had to take a funicular. To wake up in the morning with fantastic views-to see some of the old homes that they have made into art installations-the food,etc. I would highly recommend a visit.