Hidden Naoshima Art Tour Insight from Former Benesse House Staff

Do you really know Naoshima? Most visitors come for the Yellow Pumpkin and Chichu Art Museum—but that's only part of the island's story. As a former Benesse House staff member, a local guide from Kagawa, and someone with personal connections to artists featured on the island, I'll take you beyond the guidebooks to discover hidden artworks, untold stories, and remarkable places that most travelers never experience. This isn't just a sightseeing tour. It's an opportunity to experience Naoshima through the eyes of someone whose life has been deeply connected to the island, its art, and its people. Language Support This tour is conducted in English or Japanese. To help guests who speak other languages, I provide multilingual visual materials on an iPad and translated explanations with audio support when appropriate. This allows many international visitors to comfortably enjoy the tour even if they are not fluent in English.

1. 1

   Naoshima Elementary School

   30 min

   We will take a local bus to discover outdoor artworks hidden away from the usual tourist route. One of them is a remarkable sculpture that has stood watch over Naoshima since 1989, long before the island became known as an "Art Island." While most visitors pass by without noticing it, this work reflects the creator's powerful vision. As a former Benesse House staff member, a local guide from Kagawa, and someone with a personal connection to the artist, I'll share the deeper story and significance behind this remarkable work.

2. 2

   Art House Project

   45 min

   Discover the story behind Go'o Shrine and why it was reborn as a contemporary work of art. Drawing on my extensive research into Hiroshi Sugimoto's writings and architectural publications, I'll reveal the design philosophy behind this remarkable space—from the shrine above ground to the underground stone chamber. Hidden within this architecture is a breathtaking "path of light" that appears for only a few minutes, twice a year. Using exclusive footage that I filmed myself, I'll reveal the true nature of this rare phenomenon that most visitors never have the chance to witness. Discover how architecture, light, and nature come together to create one of Naoshima's most unforgettable experiences.

3. 3

   Chichu Art Museum

   30 min

   Near Chichu Art Museum. We will explore the artistic footprints left on Naoshima by a contemporary artist with whom I developed a personal friendship while living abroad. These hidden places never appear on official guide maps, yet they offer a rare glimpse into the artist's creative journey and his connection with the island. I'll share stories and insights that come from knowing the artist personally, revealing a side of Naoshima that most visitors never get to experience.

4. 4

   Chichu Art Museum

   2.5 hours

   Step inside one of Japan's most celebrated museums and discover details that many visitors overlook. As a former Benesse House staff member, I'll share insights passed on to me during my time working there, including the hidden design concept behind Claude Monet's gallery and a fascinating secret surrounding Walter De Maria's installation. I'll also introduce Tadao Ando's architectural philosophy through years of personal research and carefully collected publications, helping you experience Chichu Art Museum from a deeper and more meaningful perspective.

5. 5

   Benesse House Museum

   2 hours

   Experience Benesse House Museum through the eyes of someone who once worked there. During my time as a Benesse House staff member, I had the privilege of leading museum tours, sharing stories that helped visitors discover details most people would never notice. Beyond the artworks themselves, I'll introduce the ideas that shaped this extraordinary museum—from Tadao Ando's architecture, carefully designed to harmonize with the Setonaikai National Park, to fascinating stories behind selected installations and how they continue to evolve over time. Some of these insights come from my firsthand experience working at Benesse House, while others are the result of years of personal research and a lasting passion for Naoshima. My goal is not simply to explain the museum, but to help you see it in a way that stays with you long after your visit.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Not recommended for travelers with limited mobility

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.