Water lilies of Naoshima

2022/07/01

Naoshima is famous worldwide for its water lilies, but the water lilies at Gotanjiji Pond near Tsutsujisou are also reaching their peak viewing season. The other day, even at 1 PM, they were already closed, which was truly strange. What is the appeal of this plant that a renowned artist dedicated half his life to? When thinking about it, it's understandable that this island has that painting...

The spring session has ended.

2022/05/31

The Spring Session of the Setouchi Triennale 2022 successfully concluded on May 18th. More than approximately 25,000 people visited during Golden Week, and Naoshima was bustling with visitors. Thank you all very much for your understanding and cooperation in ensuring everyone could safely enjoy the art festival!

It has finally begun!

2022/04/14

Today marks the opening of the Setouchi Triennale 2022, Spring Season. Although the forecast was for rain, I'm glad it held off and it's just cloudy today! Yesterday, there was incredibly thick fog, and all the ferries were stopped in the morning. It really feels like spring weather, unique to the islands. In the morning, volunteers from the island gathered to greet visitors! On the ferry to Naoshima...

Finally

2022/04/06

Naoshima's azaleas and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. However, for some reason, the cherry blossoms at "Sakura no Meikyu" seem to bloom a beat later, and as of Wednesday, April 6th, they are only about 10% in bloom. The Somei Yoshino trees around them are at their peak bloom. It's great that we can enjoy the cherry blossoms for a long time. From the 14th of next week, yes...

Once you buy it, you'll keep buying SOLASHIO?!

2022/03/25

SOLASHIO, which is extremely popular as a souvenir from Naoshima, is made from the blessings of the sea and the sun. We previously introduced the production process here. This time, in a lesson in collaboration with tourism association staff and Naoshima Elementary School teachers, who are in charge of teaching the entire process from start to finish until SOLASHIO is displayed in stores as a product, the 3rd graders...

itchobama

2022/02/03

This time, we'll introduce "Icchoba" located near the Naoshima Town Hall in the Honmura district. The other day, town officials were renovating it, so I lent a little hand. "Icchoba" means a place with an "icchodai" (a raised platform). Naoshima Town established this place to offer tourists an opportunity to interact with islanders in a casual setting. "Iccodai" refers to a one-tatami mat platform...

Merry Christmas from Naoshima ☆彡

2021/12/24

Today is Christmas Eve. Here are the winter illuminations at Miyaura Port Green Space on Naoshima. The children are eagerly awaiting Santa, how exciting! Incidentally, on Naoshima, someone with a name very close to Santa's, and postal workers, dress up as Santa Claus with impressive beards and visit the children...

Deep autumn

2021/11/21

This year's long summer has ended, and Naoshima is enjoying a calm, sunny autumn in November, with very pleasant daytime temperatures. We were also able to see the recent near total lunar eclipse beautifully. Beautiful autumn leaves can be seen on the mountains, and it seems everyone is exploring the island in their own way to enjoy the "Artistic Autumn." The large ginkgo tree has also brilliantly colored, and autumn has truly arrived...

Let's enjoy a leisurely stroll around Naoshima.

2021/08/20

The "Setouchi ' ' Museum of Records" located at Miyaura Gallery Rokku has opened temporarily as the "Setouchi 'Kanzokei' Museum of Records"! The museum is open for a limited time (weekends from August 14th to September 12th, and only on August 23rd and September 6th). *Please note that due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19, admission is currently restricted to Naoshima residents only. At last week's opening...

Summer ☆ Natsu ☆ Summer!!

2021/07/30

Naoshima is in the height of summer! The sun's rays feel like they're scorching down. However, when you're in the shade and a breeze blows, it feels refreshing and the perceived temperature drops a bit. For those touring the island by rental bike or on foot, hats and parasols are essential, so please be mindful of heatstroke. Well, at Kotanjijima Beach in Tsutsujisō, every summer there is a floating island...

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do

2021/06/28

This month, I visited the production site of Naoshima's specialty product, "SOLASHIO," a salt made using only natural sun-drying, with new stakeholders. Salt production has been thriving in the Naoshima Islands since ancient times, and it is designated a National Historic Site as a salt-making ruin. Some exhibits of earthenware and other items are displayed in the lobby of the Naoshima Town Hall, so you can see them. Furthermore, in the Edo period...

A cappella?

2021/05/25

The rainy season arrived earlier than usual. How are you doing? On Naoshima, the rain sometimes pours down, then clears up suddenly, sometimes drizzles, and other times it's overcast. Last Sunday, when it was sunny, the weather was wonderfully refreshing. Also, even within our small island, the weather often differs by district. Mosquitoes have already appeared. And the insects and crabs...

Tough and flexible.

2021/04/16

Last week, the kindergarten, elementary, and junior high schools on Naoshima held their entrance ceremonies, and the new students began a fun new semester with nervous expressions! Every year, around this time, Naoshima's koinobori (carp streamers) happily swim in the big sky, carried by the spring breeze. May the children grow up strong and resilient, just like the koinobori. We wish for their energetic growth. ...

Sakura blossoms bloom.

2021/04/05

Last Wednesday when I saw them, the buds of the "Oshimazakura" cherry blossom maze near Naoshima Dam were still tight and I thought it would be a while yet... but by Saturday, they were in full bloom!! I'm worried they might not last long with the rain and wind starting Sunday, but please do stop by if you visit the island! While most of the cherry blossoms on the island are already turning into leafed trees, the small...

Island azalea

2021/03/24

The Shima-tsutsuji, commonly called Yama-tsutsuji, is the representative flower that grows wild in the town. Shima-tsutsuji is its common name, and it is said to have been deeply loved by Emperor Sutoku, who has deep ties to the island. Every year from late March to May, the entire mountainside of the town is covered in a light pink color as it blooms vibrantly. - From the Naoshima Town website - The Shima-tsutsuji is also the town flower of Naoshima Town. Photo...

Sakurasaku

2021/02/25

Just the other day, on a warm spring day, the early-blooming cherry blossoms called "Kawazu-zakura" at Kogen Castle Ruins were beautifully in bloom! Many young mejiro (Japanese white-eyes) were gathered, sipping nectar. Strangely, the small birds on Naoshima seem to be quite unafraid of people. Spring is just around the corner, isn't it? ...

On a clear day.

2021/02/17

On a crisp, clear winter day. Cheerful children's voices could be heard from the green space plaza at Miyanoura Port. Children from Naoshima kindergarten were running around happily. Yayoi Kusama's red pumpkin seemed to be smiling down on them. It's a wonderful place to play at times. It looks so pleasant. ...

The artwork is currently undergoing maintenance.

2021/01/14

This season has arrived once again. Artworks throughout the island...

Lucky bags available now at great prices for the New Year!

2020/12/28

Starting last weekend, in gratitude for your continued patronage, we are featuring our popular sweets in special assortments. The "Naoshima Lucky Bags" are currently on sale in the following two types! Both include the popular SOLASHIO! ☆¥1500: A 3-item set of popular products! ☆¥2000: A 5-item set of popular products! These are only available while supplies last, so please come and get yours!

Now more than ever

2020/12/24

Today is Christmas Eve. It started raining on Naoshima this afternoon for the first time in a while. The postman Santa Claus, who has been busy this December riding in on a bright red motorcycle sleigh, will make his last rounds tomorrow. If you see him, you're lucky! All the mailboxes on the island are decorated with different faces too!! In times like these...