[2024 Naoshima Attraction] Travel Guide for Chichu Art Museum (Updated Dec)
No.3 of Best Things to Do in Kagawa Prefecture
Buildings by Famous Architects
Art Museums
Address:
3449-1, Naoshima, Kagawa District, Kagawa 761-3110, Japan
Opening times:
Opens at 10:00-18:00Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-3 hours
Phone:
+81 87-892-3755
Japan trip | Encounter with the beautiful Chichu Art Museum 🎨
Today I will share with you my wonderful trip to the Chichu Museum of Art in Japan, as well as a super detailed visit guide!
📍Address: 3449-1 Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa-gun, Japan.
🕰️Business hours: 10:00-18:00 (January 1 - December 31, Tuesday - Sunday). It is recommended to check the official website in advance to confirm the opening hours to avoid running out.
💰Per capita consumption: 2060 yen/person.
📋Visiting guide:
-Reservation in advance: Chichu Art Museum implements an online reservation system, and visitors need to reserve a visiting time on the official website or related platforms in advance.
- Transportation: It takes about an hour by boat from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima. After getting off the boat, there is a bus to the art museum. In addition, you can also choose to rent a car or ride a bike.
- Arriving at the entrance: After getting off the bus, it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the entrance of the museum. This 10-minute walk is along a small garden. In the small garden, there are water lilies imitating Monet's works. A small pool.
-Note: The staff will remind you that you are not allowed to take pictures or use cameras in the venue, and will borrow a transparent handbag to put the camera inside.
💞Recommended reasons:
- Unique architectural design: The entire art museum is built underground, making it a "building buried in nature." Except for a few narrow cement entrances and geometric skylight openings, the building is mostly buried underground, using natural light and taking minimalism to the extreme. Viewed from the air, only a circular roof structure is exposed at the top of the museum, and the rest is completely buried underground.
- Stunning works of art: The museum permanently displays works by masters such as Claude Monet, James Turrell and Walter de Maria. For example, in the "Water Lilies" series of works written by Monet in his later years, the size of the room, the design style, and the selection of materials were all designed to integrate the paintings with the art gallery; and Walter de Maria's "Sphere" " and "Golden Wood Sculpture" and other works can be appreciated through the natural light coming from the roof. The indoor lighting will change dramatically at different times; James Turrell's "Light Art" is even more wonderful. Visitors need to take off their shoes to experience it. There are a maximum of 8 people at a time, and there will be guides who will guide and explain in Japanese and English.
-Beautiful surrounding environment: The surrounding environment of Chichu Art Museum is also very beautiful, with tranquil gardens and gurgling water. There is a restaurant in the museum, which sells sandwiches, rice and other meals, as well as drinks. After purchasing, you can tell the staff to sit outside on the terrace to eat, and the staff will thoughtfully give you a small basket for easy carrying. The terrace faces the sea, where you can sit on the mats, admire the sea, blow the sea breeze, enjoy the sunshine, and drink drinks, which is a unique experience.
If you are also an art lover, then you must not miss the Chichu Museum of Art in Japan. Come here and start your own artistic journey! 💖
#Japanese Art Museum #Art Journey #Chichu Art Museum #Japan Travel #Visiting Guide
#globaltravel
wsnsarah
[Shikoku] One-day trip to Takamatsu Outer Islands
#cityDAYTour #Shikoku #高松
Hong Kong people travel to Japan three or four times a year. The last time I went was more than ten years ago - Kyoto and Nara. I don’t want to visit Tokyo because the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Ginza, etc. brings back the tight memories of business days. This is my first visit to Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku. On a weekday afternoon in the central street of Takamatsu, there are few pedestrians and sparse gates, just like Europe on a weekend morning. This is another world, calm but not lying down. Among the tranquility, Naoshima is the most unforgettable.
We went to the outlying islands twice from Takamatsu Pier, once to Naoshima and once to Shodoshima. When I went to Naoshima, I actually focused on seeing the Chichu Museum of Art, designed by architect Tadao Ando (1941-) and hidden in the basement. The visit time was booked online a few months ago. His fair-faced concrete architecture uses straight lines and triangles, exposed steel frames and large glass panels. It is simple and Zen-like but pays attention to craftsmanship. He likes to use patio lighting, which is low-key, practical and full of beauty. Ando, who is self-taught and famous, has his works in many places in Japan and the world. He does not stick to any Japanese style. In addition to the Chichu Art Museum, Matsuyama City commemorates the historical writer Shiba Ryotaro (1923-1996) and the haiku poet Masaoka Shiki. (1867- 1902) Sakagami Nogumo Museum is also one of its works. There are many imitators of his ideas, such as the Clement Hotel in Takamatsu City, which looks down on the superior. There are no works by Ando in Hong Kong. It can be said that the design of the Diamond Hill Columbarium Building also has its flavor.
Yayoi Kusama (1929-), who completed her exhibition at M+ in Hong Kong last year, had her works accepted by the Seto Inland Sea Art Festival. On Naoshima, an hour's boat ride away, her installation art can be seen in many places outdoors. She is taller than a person. The large "pumpkin" sculpture is placed neatly on the beach, without any cover, and the "pop" dots on the mark are so crazy that they are even on the bus body, the glass door of the pier, the ferry body, and the toilet screen on the deck! In order to promote tourism and retain my impression, Naoshima Town has a dense layout, many thoughts, and a wide range of connections.
With a relaxed pace, the itinerary is wonderful and rich in retrospect. Spending a day on this island will feel like you are in a paradise.
Ziggy Tao
An Artistic Journey on Naoshima, a Small Island in Shikoku, Japan
Hong Kong residents travel to Japan three to four times a year. My last visit was over a decade ago—to Kyoto and Nara. I avoid Tokyo because the hustle and bustle of places like Shibuya and Ginza remind me of the stress from work trips. This time, I made my first visit to Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku. On a weekday afternoon in the main street of Takamatsu, the sparse pedestrian traffic and quiet storefronts felt like a European weekend morning. It was a different world—calm but not idle. Among the tranquility, Naoshima stood out as the most memorable.
I took two trips from Takamatsu Port to the outlying islands, one to Naoshima and one to Shodoshima. The trip to Naoshima was primarily to see the Chichu Art Museum, designed by architect Tadao Ando (1941-), hidden in the basement. I had booked the visit months in advance online. Ando's fair-faced concrete architecture, using straight lines and triangles, exposed steel frames, and large glass panels, exudes a minimalist Zen aesthetic but with meticulous craftsmanship. He often uses skylights for natural lighting, creating a low-key yet beautiful and practical design. Ando, a self-taught architect, has works across Japan and internationally, not confined to any traditional Japanese style. Besides the Chichu Art Museum, his works include the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum in Matsuyama, commemorating historian Ryotaro Shiba (1923-1996) and haiku poet Shiki Masaoka (1867-1902). Many have imitated his ideas, such as the Clement Hotel in Takamatsu, though the difference in quality is evident. Hong Kong lacks Ando's works, but the design of the columbarium in Diamond Hill somewhat resembles his style.
Yayoi Kusama (1929-), who had an exhibition at Hong Kong's M+ in 2023, has her works featured in the Setouchi Triennale. On Naoshima, an hour's ferry ride away, her outdoor installations are ubiquitous. Her large 'Pumpkin' sculptures, taller than people, are placed by the sea without any barriers. Her signature polka dots are so pervasive that they even cover bus bodies, pier glass doors, ferry hulls, and restroom screens on the deck! Naoshima Town has gone to great lengths to promote tourism and leave a lasting impression.
The relaxed pace of the trip was rich and exciting. Spending a day on this small island felt like being in a paradise.
Ziggy Tao
A Polka Dot Art Journey on Naoshima, Kagawa
Seven years ago, when HK Express first launched its Takamatsu route, I visited Naoshima. At that time, I wasn't particularly interested in art, so I just took a photo with the pumpkin and didn't fully appreciate the island's artistic atmosphere. Yayoi Kusama's outdoor works are, of course, very famous and a favorite of my child. But now, upon closer inspection, I realize that there are many other notable creations on the island. This time, driven by my child's interest, I explored Kagawa Prefecture's attractions from a different perspective.
For instance, the Chichu Art Museum, designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Tadao Ando, has a very unique exterior that blends into Naoshima's natural landscape. I believe it will offer my child a new experience. However, remember that photography is not allowed inside the Chichu Art Museum, so be a respectful visitor. The diverse artworks, spacious architecture, and the mountain and sea scenery, which are completely different from the city, are new experiences that are hard to come by in Hong Kong.
As the saying goes, 'Traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books.' The artistic atmosphere of Naoshima will surely be loved by children. If you have kids, I highly recommend taking them on a trip to Naoshima for an unforgettable art journey!
Ziggy Tao
Explore the Setouchi Triennale on Naoshima Island
The Setouchi Triennale is a renowned art festival held every three years, themed around 'Restoring the Sea.' It aims to rejuvenate the Seto Inland Sea islands by blending beautiful nature with human creativity, turning the sea into a 'Sea of Hope' for the world. This year's poster is designed by the famous designer Kenya Hara.
Naoshima, one of the Setouchi islands, has developed into an island with a smelting plant while preserving its valuable cultural assets. As a contemporary art sanctuary, it is well-known for Yayoi Kusama's giant pumpkin sculptures. Although one was swept away by a typhoon last year, the smaller pumpkin remains.
Additionally, Naoshima hosts Tadao Ando's Chichu Art Museum (remember to book in advance), Hiroshi Sugimoto's famous installation 'Time Corridor,' and Sou Fujimoto's iconic Naoshima installations, all worth visiting. This year marks another Setouchi Triennale, so if you're in Japan, be sure to purchase your festival and ferry tickets in advance from the official website. Don't forget your sunscreen to enjoy the fusion of sea and art!
#Naoshima #SetoInlandSea #SetouchiTriennale
_OceanWhisper
Exploring Japan's Two Major Art Festivals
Japan's Niigata Earth Art Festival and Setouchi Triennale are two major outdoor art festivals curated by the same person, Fram Kitagawa. The term 'Earth Art Festival' has become a proprietary term. Both festivals share the concept of 'problem-solving art festivals,' focusing on local life and drawing out local resources through artistic creation. In October 2022, I traveled from Tokyo to the southern part of Japan, Setouchi, taking a flight of over an hour and spent about four days exploring the artworks of the Setouchi Triennale.
Many famous artists' works have become popular spots, such as Yayoi Kusama's pumpkins. There are two pumpkins, a red one placed at Naoshima Port and a yellow one on the Naoshima seawall, titled 'Pumpkin at the End of the World.' We stayed in Takamatsu and took a ferry every morning to Naoshima, Teshima, Ogijima, and Megijima to check out the artworks. The festival is well-situated, creating large visual effects, even making buses and ferries artistic.
Architecture enthusiasts would know that Setouchi has several works by Tadao Ando, such as the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and the Naoshima Ferry Terminal by Kazuyo Sejima. In short, visiting once and staying for a few days is not enough to see all the festival's exhibits. After finishing the exhibitions, I chose a bold return journey by purchasing a JR train ticket and planned to ride back to Tokyo. Every time the train stopped, sometimes for half an hour or an hour, I would get off and explore the surrounding areas, discovering different cities in Japan. It was tiring but full of surprises. We should always maintain a mindset of continuously exploring new things. In Osaka, I saw the logo 'Cell' for the 2025 Expo.
_NightShade
Exploring the World of Naoshima
Before the Setouchi Triennale 2025, let's explore this sacred island, a pilgrimage site for many art enthusiasts. With limited time, there's a debate on whether to visit Naoshima or Teshima, or even attempt a whirlwind tour of both in one day. However, once on Naoshima, its charm convinced us to change to the latest ferry. The art installations, road designs, and graffiti corners are endless to explore.
The most famous are Yayoi Kusama's red and yellow pumpkins, located at the start and end of the journey. A red polka-dotted pumpkin bus picks you up, adding to the fun. (Thanks to the driver for waiting for us to exchange money and even coming to find us!) Biking is also a great option due to the long bus intervals. Our route was casual, planning to wander and stop. We took a bus to "Art House Project," where a fascinating installation resembling a plastic bubble is actually a bike parking lot. A few steps away, you can taste Naoshima gelato from a small window shop run by one person, offering fruit sherbet and classic flavors like milk and matcha.
Without many stops, we transferred at the station to visit the Chichu Art Museum. Initially, we didn't specifically look for the yellow pumpkin, but spotted it as a glowing dot in the distance during the bus ride, planning to visit on the way back. On the uphill journey, the driver pointed out a raccoon and cat eating together, which turned out to be a local tanuki. We rushed back to see this amusing pair, more fascinated by the journey than the art itself.
We enjoyed blending in with the locals and wandering around. As the sun set, we walked along the beach to our last stop of the day. The yellow pumpkin glowed against the sea, but the backlight made it hard to capture. Instead, we sat on the grass, waiting for the sunset.
Over half the visitors were Westerners, with bikini-clad women on the beach, people drinking beer in the sea, and a man swimming past the yellow pumpkin. Watching them, I realized I'm not that carefree, avoiding getting my shoes wet or swimming. Quoting "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "Sometimes, I don't 📷, I just stay, in it."
Some moments can't be captured by a camera; it's better to enjoy them.
#Takamatsu #SetouchiTriennale #Naoshima #YayoiKusamaPumpkin
_MidnightEcho
Setouchi Triennale: The Ultimate Guide to Naoshima!
In late April, I visited the Setouchi Triennale during its spring session, and the most impressive and highly recommended island is Naoshima! However, I didn't do much research beforehand and ended up taking some detours. So, I'm sharing my experience to help everyone have a joyful journey! First, if you're going to the Setouchi Triennale, I recommend downloading the official app and purchasing a passport, which costs 4,200 yen for the spring session. With the passport, you can freely view the artworks.
Transportation: You can take a ferry from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima. There are high-speed ferries and regular ferries. The most cost-effective option is to buy an unlimited 3-day ferry pass. The earliest ferry from Takamatsu departs at 8:12 AM, and the latest return is at 5:00 PM. You can check the specific schedule at the ferry boarding area.
Island Transportation: On the island, you can take a bus or rent a bicycle at the port. Buses are infrequent and not very convenient for getting around. Although the island is small, there is a hilly area, so I recommend renting an "electric bicycle"! Riding a bike on the island is really enjoyable.
Route: Miyanoura Port 👉 Honmura Area 👉 Museum Area 👉 Return to Miyanoura
Reservations Needed: Chichu Art Museum (additional ticket: 2,100 yen) and Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridor (additional ticket: 1,500 yen, includes wagashi and tea) I-House Project Minamidera (requires a ticket from the Honmura service center)
Shopping: The port at Naoshima has the most comprehensive selection of souvenirs and goods. If you find something you like, don't assume you can buy it on another island because other islands really don't have it!
Art Appreciation: Around Miyanoura Port: One of Naoshima's most famous artworks is Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin. The red pumpkin at Miyanoura Port is still there, but the yellow pumpkin, which was blown away by a typhoon, hasn't been repaired yet, so it's absent this time. Nearby is a three-dimensional work by Sou Fujimoto, perfect for photos. There's also a bathhouse renovated by Shinro Ohtake, where you can enjoy the feeling of bathing in an art museum if you have time!
In Honmura: The Honmura area is scattered with various I-House Projects! Each one is worth visiting!
Museum Area: The museum area feels like Tadao Ando's exclusive domain! Chichu Art Museum, Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridor, Lee Ufan Museum, Sakura Labyrinth, Benesse House Museum, and Valley Gallery are all must-sees!
#SetoInlandSea #Naoshima #SetouchiTriennale #Japan #LifeInJapan #StudyInJapan #JapanTravel #Art
_WinterFrost
Japanese attractions🇯🇵Super mysterious and hardest to book art museum
Photography is not allowed in this art museum.
Therefore, I don’t know what artworks are in the art museum before purchasing tickets.
Very mysterious and tickets are not cheap
But after I went there, I felt the tickets were worth it!
It’s not just an art gallery to view paintings;
But a very unique personal experience!
Even if tourists can take photos, they can’t express their feelings at the moment.
All works of art can cause some illusions in your vision.
This art museum also has a cafe for visitors to sit.
The most special thing is that Coke is blue here😳
The taste is similar to other colas, you can give it a try
📍Chichu Art Museum
#globaltravel
Thehkcouple 香港打卡好去處
The Chichu Art Museum, Naoshima.
The Chichu Art Museum was established in 2004 as a place to contemplate the relationship between nature and humans. To preserve the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, most of the building is buried underground. Inside, works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria are permanently installed in a building designed by Tadao Ando. Despite being underground, natural light pours in, and the appearance of the artworks and spaces changes throughout the day and across the seasons. This museum, created through the collaboration of artists and architects, can be considered a massive site-specific work.
Opening Hours:
March 1 - September 30
10:00 - 18:00 (Last admission at 17:00)
October 1 - End of February
10:00 - 17:00 (Last admission at 16:00)
Closed:
Mondays
* However, if Monday is a holiday, the museum will be open and closed the following day.
Admission Fee:
2,100 yen - 3,000 yen
* Free for children 15 and under
Reservations:
The sales site varies depending on the date of your visit.
For more details, please check here.
TzT_offical.jp
A Tour of the Seto Inland Sea: Welcome to an Architectural Utopia
If you come to Japan more often, you will find that traveling to small islands is more surprising than traveling to big cities. For example, Naoshima Island, located in the Seto Inland Sea, is a must-see for those interested in architecture.
📆 Itinerary: Red Pumpkin & Naoshima Pavilion-Yellow Pumpkin-Chichu Art Museum-Benesse House-Lee Ufan Art Museum
🚗 Transportation strategy: Take a ferry from Takamatsu Port to Naoshima Pier, and transfer to the bus to various attractions. The bus interval is long, and some attractions can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. It is recommended to take bus 11 directly.
🌟 Itinerary highlights:
✅Red Pumpkin & Naoshima Pavilion: Just down from the pier! Hurry up and check in and take pictures. Naoshima Pavilion is open to you. The photos taken are also in a unique style and beautiful.
✅Chichu Art Museum: An art museum that is so beautiful that it makes people speechless. The main reason for coming here is to appreciate Monet's original "Water Lilies". In addition, James Turell's art installation is also amazing.
✅Benesse House: A popular check-in place that integrates hotels, restaurants and art galleries. You can see many works of emerging designers here, and the restaurant and bar in the art gallery is also very popular.
✅Lee Ufan Art Museum: A museum jointly created by Korean artist Lee Ufan and Ando Tadao. There are not many exhibits in it, and most of the exhibits are relatively abstract. People who have not studied art may not understand it.
✅Yellow pumpkin: The symbol of Naoshima. Located in the middle of the sea, it is quite photogenic when the weather is good. Because it is a popular attraction, you need to queue up for at least half an hour to take pictures.
💰Per capita consumption:
Chichu Art Museum🎫2100 yen
Benesse House🎫1300 yen
📌Tips for playing:
⭕️Chichu Art Museum needs to be booked in advance! Book in advance! And you can only enter during the reserved time period. You cannot enter if you go early or arrive late. Most of the exhibits in the museum are not allowed to be photographed.
⭕️Benesse House is very difficult to book. You need to book at least three months in advance if you want to stay, especially for the highest level accommodation. Guests can participate in the night tour of the art museum, which is quite interesting.
⭕️You need to buy a ticket to visit the Lee Ufan Art Museum, but there is actually nothing inside. You can come out after five minutes of walking. It is better to take pictures outdoors, which is also quite photogenic.
⭕️Personally, I feel that the red pumpkin is not suitable for portraits, which will be a bit abrupt. The shooting effect of Naoshima Pavilion depends on the weather. If you stay in Naoshima, it is recommended to stay here for one night.
⭕️The bus to the yellow pumpkin is quite eye-catching. There is also a small park next to the yellow pumpkin, which is quite quiet. If you have enough time, it is recommended to rent a bicycle locally to ride around the island.
LunaNova
Chichu Art Museum ~ Seaside Shimizu-style architecture meets modern art! 🏛️🌊🎨
🏛️🌊🎨The Chichu Art Museum is located on the charming seaside of Naoshima. It is a unique place that combines modern art and architecture. The museum is a work of art in itself, featuring Kiyomizu-style architecture that showcases simple, pure beauty. When I walked into this building, I was immediately attracted by its unique appearance. Qingshui style architecture combines elements of water, stone and light to create an aesthetic that blends in with nature. This architectural style really amazes me! 🏛️🌊✨
Inside the Chichu Art Museum, I discovered a surprising world. A variety of modern artworks are displayed here, including paintings, sculptures, photography and installation art. Each piece exudes unique creativity and expression, making people irresistibly drawn to it. I had a spiritual dialogue with the artwork here, and felt the inspiration and emotional resonance brought by art. I can’t take my eyes off these modern works of art! 🎨🌟😍
#日本must-go check-in spots
#Chichu Art Museum
愛玩的社蓄
Chichu Art Museum
Address: 3449-1, Naoshima, Kagawa District, Kagawa 761-3110, Japan.
Getting there: The museum is about a two kilometer walk from the Miyanoura ferry terminal.
Highlights: The Chichu Art Museum is a unique contemporary art museum built into a hillside overlooking the southern coast of Naoshima. The museum has been built around a rather small collection of art. The first gallery displays large murals from Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" series. The Chichu Museum also houses the famous "Time/Timeless/No Time" installation by Walter De Maria.
Remember to take note, admission to the Chichu Art Museum requires advance reservations for a specific date and time slot and can be made online in English.
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm daily, closed on Monday
Admission fee: 2100yen
#bucketlistreboot #traveljapan #culturewalk