Travel 4 Arch: 'D1' Immersive art & architecture experience at Naoshima island began with series of unfortunate events

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Day 1: Start with Very Unfortunate event at Naoshima

Traveling is always an adventure, and our journey to Naoshima island proved to be no exception. Despite a rocky start, we discovered that sometimes the best experiences come from unexpected moments.

14th June 2024

0650-1130: Travel from Osaka to Naoshima Our day began early with a trip from Osaka, my japanese architect friend; Ami's flat to set off for Naoshima. She was still working on the train on her day off! Also, she is SINGLE and available; currently architecture is her boyfriend. Please any good guy please take her! Otherwise our journey, on both train & ferry ride was smooth, and the anticipation of visiting the Museums kept us energized. Unfortunately, upon arrival, we found that all museum closed! While initially quite disappointing, we quickly decided to make the best of it by going to the beach eventhough we had no swimsuit on us!

1100: Red Pumpkin

Our first stop was the Red Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, an emblematic piece that captures the playful essence of Naoshima. Situated near the ferry terminal, this vibrant sculpture, with its bold red color and black polka dots, immediately draws attention. The interior of the pumpkin is accessible, allowing us to step inside and become part of the artwork. Kusama’s whimsical design and the sculpture’s interaction with its surroundings create a surreal experience that blurs the line between art and environment. This encounter with the Red Pumpkin added a touch of joyful creativity to our architectural exploration of the island.

Naoshima Ferry Terminal, Kagawa by SANAA

Our architectural adventure began the moment we arrived at the Naoshima Ferry Terminal, designed by SANAA. This sleek, minimalist structure uses expansive glass walls and gentle curves to create a seamless connection between the land and sea. The terminal's airy, open design filled us with a sense of anticipation for the artistic treasures awaiting us on Naoshima.

Naoshima Pavilion by Sou Fujimoto Architects

Our journey continued with the Naoshima Pavilion, a striking creation by Sou Fujimoto Architects. This translucent, white lattice structure, resembling a delicate, futuristic sea creature, is perched gracefully on the waterfront. As we approached, the intricate geometric patterns of the pavilion played with light and shadow, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Stepping inside, we were enveloped by a sense of tranquility, the open design allowing the sea breeze to flow through. Fujimoto’s pavilion masterfully blends organic forms with modern materials, inviting contemplation and a deep connection with the surrounding landscape. This experience underscored the harmony between nature and architecture on Naoshima.

1130-1230: Lodging and Lunch After unloading our belongings at our cozy lodge, we headed out for a local culinary experience. The fried fish lunch at a nearby Japanese eatery was a delightful taste of the island’s cuisine, perfectly crispy and fresh from the sea.

1330-1400: Bus to the Beach With our initial plans foiled, we opted for a spontaneous beach visit. A short bus ride later, we arrived at a pristine stretch of sand, where the real adventure began.

Yellow Pumpkin We didn't know but we realised the Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin was by the beach. Since all the museum was closed, we had the pumpkin all to This vibrant and iconic sculpture, set against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea, is both playful and striking. The bright yellow, polka-dotted pumpkin sits majestically on a pier, inviting visitors to engage with it from all angles. The simplicity of the form and the boldness of the colors create a sense of joy and wonder, making it a perfect starting point for our day.

1400-1600: A Jet-Ski Adventure The highlight of our day came when we encountered a friendly local who offered us a jet-ski ride to the surrounding islands. The thrill of zipping across the water, coupled with the stunning views of the archipelago, turned our misfortune into an exhilarating escapade. At some point my friend and I, was also abit weary if we won't be kipnapped by some guy. But no, he was super nice, he lend us life-jackets and off we go jet-ski with him into the sea. What is amazing is to be lost, the sense of scale is completely different. There is no road, no buildings; I felt like a sea-creature, surrounded by ocean & matcha spreaded islands. The feeling was so amazing, really is the high-light of the whole trip!

1600-1800: Return and Relaxation We headed back to the lodge, where we took some time to unwind on the balcony, soaking in the serene sea views and reflecting on our unexpected adventure.

1800-2100: Evening Walk and Dinner As the sun set, we explored the island on foot, eventually finding a charming spot for dinner. The evening walk, bathed in the soft glow of twilight, offered a

perfect end to our adventurous day.

2100-2340: Wind Down and Sleep Back at the lodge, we cleaned up and relaxed, sharing stories and laughs about our day before drifting off to sleep, excited for what lay ahead on Teshima Island.

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