Tucked away in the quiet village of Honmura on Naoshima Island, the Art House Project is a unique, immersive art experience that turns abandoned traditional homes into living pieces of contemporary art. It’s where the island’s historic architecture, local culture, and cutting-edge creativity beautifully collide. If you’re planning a trip to Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, this is a must-visit for any art lover or curious traveler.
What Is the Art House Project?
Launched in 1998 by Benesse Art Site Naoshima, the Art House Project began with the renovation of one old house, Kadoya. Since then, six more sites have joined the collection, all located in the residential Honmura district. Each house is an independent artwork created by a different artist, using the building and its surroundings as an integral part of the piece.
Unlike typical art museums, these artworks are woven into the streets where locals live, creating a rare harmony between contemporary art and everyday life.
Highlights of the Project
Kadoya by Tatsuo Miyajima
The first house in the project features the stunning installation “Sea of Time ’98” – 125 digital LED counters floating in a pool of water, displaying numbers that represent individual lives. It’s a serene, meditative space born from collaboration between the artist and local residents.
Minamidera by James Turrell & Tadao Ando
This dark, enigmatic building designed by Tadao Ando houses a light installation called “Backside of the Moon”. Visitors experience total darkness before witnessing light emerge in a way that challenges the senses. Entry is limited and timed – advance reservation is highly recommended.
Go’o Shrine by Hiroshi Sugimoto
A modern interpretation of a traditional Shinto shrine, featuring glass stairs that extend underground. The fusion of ancient and contemporary is both spiritual and mysterious, blending symbolism and minimalism in a powerful way.
Ishibashi by Hiroshi Senju
This former salt merchant’s residence now holds large-scale waterfall paintings and tranquil gardens. Senju’s works seem to flow from the walls, resonating with the gentle rhythm of the island.
Gokaisho by Yoshihiro Suda
This minimalist space once used for local Go matches is now home to a single poetic detail – a delicate camellia carved from wood, hidden among shadows and silence. It’s a quiet homage to nature and impermanence.
Haisha by Shinro Ohtake
The wildest of the bunch – a former dentist’s office turned chaotic art world. Featuring scrap materials, neon colors, and even a replica Statue of Liberty inside the building, this space feels like walking through the artist’s mind.
Kinza by Rei Naito
A profound one-on-one experience, only one visitor is allowed inside at a time for 15 minutes. This meditative space encourages reflection on light, time, and being. Reservations required far in advance.
Tips for Your Visit
Start at Honmura Lounge & Archive, a visitor center where you can buy tickets and learn about the project’s background. The building itself is designed by SANAA's Ryue Nishizawa.
Opening Hours: Most houses are open 10:00–16:30 (closed Mondays).
Tickets:Multi-site Pass (5 houses): ¥1,200 online / ¥1,400 onsite
Minamidera and Kinza: require separate reservations and tickets
Explore on Foot or by Bicycle: The area is compact and walkable. Strolling through the narrow alleys gives a deeper sense of the community spirit that makes this project so special.
Why It’s So Special
The Art House Project is more than just an art destination—it’s a way to live art. Each house reflects a dialogue between the past and present, the artist and the community. You’re not just seeing art—you’re stepping into it.
For travelers seeking something beyond museums and galleries, this is an intimate and unforgettable way to experience Japan's rural artistry. It’s not flashy or loud—it’s subtle, contemplative, and deeply moving.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of architecture, Japanese culture, or avant-garde art, the Art House Project offers something rare: a glimpse into how creativity can breathe new life into forgotten spaces. Naoshima is already known as an “art island,” and this project is at the heart of that identity.
If you're planning your Naoshima trip, make sure to include this on your list—just don’t forget to reserve in advance for Minamidera and Kinza. Happy art-traveling!