“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one“
-a frequent traveler to Japan
When you hear the words “art island,” what comes to mind?
For many in-the-know, there is only one possible answer: “Naoshima.”
What gives this place such fame? This gorgeous island in Japan’s Seto Sea has become one of the unmissable hubs of the art world. Among the attractions here are countless outdoor artworks, 6 “art houses” with unique installations, and 3 art galleries designed by Japan’s most revered modern architect, Ando Tadao.
The highlights of the permanent works here include an ever-growing roster of shining stars among humanity’s top creative minds. 5 paintings from Claude Monet’s Water Lilies Series can be enjoyed under natural light in the Chichu Art Museum. Say a prayer at the Beat Shrine designed with world renowned filmmaker Beat Takashi. Enjoy optical illusions of Leandro Erlich’s Presence of Absence and Walter de Maria’s Seen/Unseen, Known/Unknown. All of this, along with the iconic polka-dot pumpkin of Yayoi Kusama merely scratches the gorgeous surface of attractions on the “walkable canvas” of Naoshima.
Setouchi Triennale
However, once every 3 years, something really special takes place. In the event called the Setouchi Triennale, Naoshima and a dozen surrounding islands coordinate a celebration of the world’s most exhilarating modern artworks.
Special exhibitions are held in 3 seasons: Spring (Apr. 18th – May 25th), Summer (Aug. 1st – 31st) and Autumn (Oct. 3rd – Nov. 9th). During these periods, visitors can get access to all art exhibitions (except Chichu Museum and Teshima Art Museum) through “passports.” Unlimited ferry passes are also available to shuttle among the island venues. The event is not only a feast for the senses, but also a gathering place for the global community of passionate art aficionados far and wide.
A Once-in-a-lifetime Combination
For many, the “pilgrimage for art lovers” to Naoshima “art island” is a lifelong dream that we promise ourselves to make true “someday.” Well, that “someday” is now. 2025 may be the most spectacular time in history to visit Japan’s Seto Sea.
The once-in-3-years Setouchi Triennale is on at the same time as the once-in-5-years 2025 World Expo for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate the height of humanity’s soaring sophistication. Between these 2 events, the Setouchi Inland Sea is set to become the global center of cutting edge science, technology, engineering, design, cuisine, art, music and so much more.
Each event on its own is more than enough reason to cross the world for a visit. However, these 2 major international events, at the same time in the same place, promises to fill this entire region with nonstop fascination and wonder the likes of which the world has seldom, if ever, seen. The best hotel rooms are already being booked, so anyone who desires to be part of this historic moment should start planning immediately.
From the Caspian to the Baltics, from Hudson’s Bay to the Setouchi, inland seas are among the planet’s richest environments. The power and turbulence of ocean waves are tamed into gentle currents within these sheltered coasts.
Such fertile bodies of water have given birth not only to natural wonders of fruit, flora, fauna and fisheries, but also to the supernatural forces of art and human imagination. The choice of this region to host these major international celebrations of intelligence and innovation is no mistake.
Suggested Route
Start your journey at the Osaka Expo. After a few days bathed in the peace and positivity of the World’s Fair, catch a bus into Awaji Island to sample what successive Japanese emperors have declared the finest foods of the country. Catch one of Japan’s top 100 sunsets and romp through the world’s greatest anime theme park. Finally, head through South Awaji and cross the bridge over the world’s largest whirlpools at the Naruto Straits into Takamatsu City, your gateway to the artistic wonders of the Naoshima Triennale.
Closing
If ever there was a moment to celebrate peace, love, art and the preciousness of life itself, 2025 is the time. If ever there was a moment to visit this astounding region of the earth, it is now. Seize this moment to see the Seto Sea, chase enlightenment, and like the bard sings, “imagine…”
