Monday, January 5, 2009
Naoshima Island, Japan - HOT
Naoshima is a place like nothing else.
Located in the Seto Inland Sea, it is not only an oasis of natural peace and beauty, but also home to some extraordinary contemporary art projects.
The best thing about this small island is that it still doesn't host as many visitors as it should and if you're lucky, you may have it entirely for yourself.
One of the biggest draws is Benesse House, a hotel and art site. I mean, I love nature, but I love it even more when there is some nicely designed piece of concrete around it.
The other mandatory stop is the amazing Chichu Art Museum, designed by Japan's national treasure Tadao Ando, which features installations by James Turrell, Walter De Maria and Paintings by Claude Monet.
Yet another site is the Art House Project, where traditional houses are remodeled in contemporary fashion by Japanese architects.
Naoshima is one of these treasures that many of travelers are hoping to discover. It is the kind of place that makes me want to wander the world, hoping that there is another Naoshima somewhere out there.
Naoshima Island, Japan - HOT
Benesse House Website
Chichu Art Museum Website