A ferry ride away from Kagawa Prefecture, Naoshima is famous for its yellow polka-dotted pumpkin made by Yayoi Kusama. It is a charming island with many attractions to offer the visitor. As it is designated as one of the sites for the Setouchi Triennale modern art festival in 2016, you should definitely make your way there and here’s why:

Naoshima is the home of art museums, each with its unique way of evoking artistic sensitivities. Pay the Art House Project a visit and take a leisurely walk as you admire how creative artists turn shabby abandoned houses into vibrant art installations. Also not to be missed is Lee Ufan Museum as it ingenuously uses sunlight to illuminate its artworks and add depth to them.

A picturesque island, Naoshima features lush greenery, white sandy beaches, and towering cliffs. Rent a bicycle so that you can cycle around the island and take in the soul-soothing views. Or you can just sit down at the beach, listen to waves overlapping the shore and gaze at nothing in particular. You’re bound to have a fun time, either way.

Japan is a beautiful country, but sometimes you just want to take a step back and experience a different culture (and even era). Here at Naoshima, you can do so at the Shioya Diner which is lovingly adorned with 1950’s America memorabilia. Order their cajun chicken or steaks, tuck into their sweet corn and mashed potatoes and enjoy the lovely vinyl music that gently brings you to a simpler, less hectic time. Don’t get so nostalgic that you can’t leave this place!