Day 5: To Naoshima

From Okayama we took local trains through Chayamachi to Uno, a small port town. We were starting to venture away from the major tourist areas, and our Japanese was being tested more often. We got really good at telling people we didn't understand what they were saying.

Our destination was Naoshima, a small island in the Inland Sea.

It was drizzling a bit as we climbed onto the ferry to Miyanoura Port. We were hoping it wouldn't rain too much.

We told our backpacks to wait for us while we went outside to the observation deck. They complained, but only a little, because they were getting tired of being lugged around everywhere.

The lower level of the ferry was filled with cars and cargo.

In 1989 the Benesse Corporation, a large educational and language publishing company, started investing in a series of art projects throughout the island. Much of the island is a strange mix of contemporary art and small fishing village.

This was our first image of Naoshima as the ferry pulled alongside the dock: a large red spotted pumpkin next to a line of fishing boats. Parts of Miyanoura stand opposite.

We were staying in an annex to the main Benesse Museum in a complex called Park. The rooms were beautiful, a mixture of soft white glass and wood. The room opened up to a balcony which looked out to the sea.

The grounds of Park were dotted with various permanent art installations. The man in bright yellow pants is actually a statue. The hole on the far right frame was actually another piece currently under construction.

The balconies outside the rooms.

Unfortunately we were only staying on the island for one night, and there was a lot to see.