A tiny chunk of land in the Setouchi Inland Sea, aka the Mediterranean of Japan, Naoshima has become a living museum of sorts and its shores are scattered with striking art installations. Befitting of such a locale, Benesse House is the brainchild of noted architect, Tadao Ando, who has spent over 20 years crafting this unique hotel. It's actually four buildings in one, including the Park, Oval, Beach and Museum, all of which showcase works that wouldn't be out of place in the Guggenheim. Set right on the shoreline, you may never leave Benesse House, but the team is well-versed in island activities, just in case you do.
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The four main hotel structures are cleverly conceptualised to showcase both the beauty of the island and the artwork within, and the understated medley of concrete, glass and wood is an ideal backdrop for the vivid pieces that dot every room and hallway. The Oval and Park buildings each have an intimate lounge, and the latter hosts the sea-facing Terrace restaurant, which serves delicious French-inspired cuisine. Filled with the most original art, the Museum building also has a kaiseki restaurant featuring fresh Setouchi seafood.
Each featuring an original work of art, the rooms are scattered across all four buildings. Most of the rooms share traits like floor-to-ceiling windows, light wooden furnishings, a muted, elegant colour palette, and spectacular views. Accessed by a monorail, the Oval sits hight on a hilltop, whilst Beach is a few steps away from the shore. In Park and Museum, the rooms boast balconies overlooking art-dotted lawns and views across the sea to the mountains of Shikoku. The largest suites also have a spacious lounge and dining area.
The entire island has become an outdoor gallery of sorts with artwork found amongst the shrines, rice fields and traditional wooden homes. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to see the island's highlights and it's definitely worth exploring - that is when you're not admiring the art back at Benesse House, of course. You can also enjoy relaxing treatments in the spa, which use ingredients from the island like wild rosemary and sea salt. And don't forget about the beach...
Benesse House is as unique as they come and just being here is an experience in itself.
Any guests with mobility requirements are recommended to stay in one of the Park Suites as they are most suitable and easy to access.
The journey to Naoshima Island can be quite long and includes a four-hour train ride from Tokyo and ferry across the Setouchi Inland Sea.
One-of-a-kind art and striking scenery blend across this unique island canvas.
