Naoshima is best known for its art galleries, in particularly the Benesse House
(ベネッセハウス) Musuem, and other artistic installations.
Of all days, Monday was chosen (and of coz not a calculated decision). Sigh... It just wasn't the best day to be there. All museums would be closed except Benesse . Naoshima was almost a dead town except for the port area.
We chose to go to Naoshima via the port town, Uno, which was just less than an hour's train ride from Okayama. The ferry that brought visitors from Uno to Naoshima was just right opposite the Uno train station. Schedule was checked and followed. Naoshima was simply a 20min of ferry away.
 |
| Uno Port |
The ferry from Uno docked at Naoshima's Miyanoura Port. Upon alighting, we quickly boarded the town's loop service shuttle bus to get to a stop where the museums shuttle bus service was located. Schedule was checked again but hiccup followed. There was no museum shuttle service on a Monday! Fortunately, a local uncle told me about it when he saw that we were wondering how come the museum's shuttle service did not turn up at the stated time. What to do then? Walk liao lor.
 |
| Gotta trek to the Musuem (where the arrow is). |
Well, the first 1km (or so) of the "trail" was pretty interesting as there was various sculptures to see. It was a new place anyway so there was some enthusiasm to the trail.
Not far from the bus stop, where we started, was the iconic yellow pumpkin. Kawaii neh!
 |
| How can we miss it. |
 |
| Happy looking |
 |
| Overlooking the sea |
And, there were others that kept the hike uphill less boring.
 |
| Reminded us of chocolate squares. Hungry.... |
|
 |
| Our artistic participation |
Finally, reached Benesse House Museum.
It solely showcased the works of Japanese artist Yasuo Kuniyoshi. We didn't have profound knowledge of the arts. So, we didn't know who Yasuo Kuniyoshi was and what his famous works were until this day. Nonetheless, we enjoyed seeing beautiful stuff and marveled at how could such stuff be done. Besides the paintings / drawings, the architecture of the Museum was "to see" item as well. It was simple but thoughtful... the space and lighting... (typical requisites of modern Japanese-style buildings). Couldn't share any pics as photography was not allowed.
The moment of critical decision making had set in after the museum's visit. What next? And, how (bearing in mind the absence of museum shuttle service that day)? As we didn't want to make a detour to the bus stop and visit the east side of the island, we ventured the other way and walked again lor.
 |
| The deserted road on a Monday |
Along the way, we passed by the Lee Ufan Musuem and...
The Chichu Art Museum's garden which was inspired by a Monet's painting. Hmm... think the garden wasn't in its best form.
At Miyanoura, gotta while away time before the next ferry. So... nose around the neighbourhood in an unhappening Monday and catch up on reading.
 |
| The other pumpkin that was just next to Miyanoura Port. |
 |
| the seedling-lookalike seats |
There are more to see at Naoshima than what we had seen. Furthermore, Naoshima's neighbouring islands were also worth visiting, especially during the Setouchi Triennale.
Comments