Naoshima, Japan is a small, rural island in the Setouchi Inland Sea between Tokyo and Osaka. What makes it special is that it’s an “Art Island”! Naoshima is home to countless art installations, statues, and museums by famous Japanese and international artists and architects like Yayoi Kusama, Tadao Ando, and more.
Due to Naoshima’s distance from other Japanese tourist hubs, it’s definitely worth it to spend a night here when exploring the island. Naoshima is home to artsy and unique accommodation that will make any trip to this art island even more memorable. Stay in a yurt, in a museum, a shipping container, or even inside art pieces themselves when staying in hotels in Naoshima.
Which neighborhood should you stay in on Naoshima? The good news is the island is small enough that with a bicycle or even on foot, it’s possible to get around quickly and easily. This takes a bit of pressure off finding the perfect location in Naoshima – just pick your favorite Naoshima hotel and you can easily visit the rest of the island.
Because Naoshima is a small island, it can be hard to find budget-friendly accommodation or Naoshima hostels. There are only a few Naoshima hotels options, so be sure to book ahead of time to secure your favorite place to stay on Naoshima.
Don’t forget to check out my Naoshima one-day itinerary to make the most of your overnight stay!
Best Luxury Hotels in Naoshima
1. Benesse Art Site (Benesse House Museum)
The hands-down best hotel to stay in Naoshima is the Benesse House Museum, and affiliate Benesse Art Site accommodation. Here, you’re staying inside an art museum on a world-renowned art island. It doesn’t get cooler and more artsy than that!
The OG museum accommodation option on Naoshima was in the Benesse House Museum (part-museum, part-hotel). They now have a few other affiliate luxury hotel options in Naoshima, all designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando:
- Benesse Park – a parkside accommodation with close access to several Naoshima art statues and Yayoi Kusama’s famous yellow pumpkin.
- Benessee Beach – a beachside accommodation with suite-style rooms and views of the Inland Sea.
- Benesse Oval – reachable by monorail from the museum, only accessible by Benesse House guests.
Benesse House is unsurprisingly also one of the most sought-after hotels in Naoshima, booking out months in advance. Snagging a room here though will 100% make it worth staying overnight in Naoshima.
Check out the latest prices and availability on their official website here.
2. Naoshima Ryokan Roka
Naoshima Ryokan Roka is a beautiful, luxury ryokan (Japanese traditional inn) accommodation that blends art, tradition, and design elements. The aesthetics, spaciousness, and attention to detail of this entire hotel will blow you away. The ryokan is newly opened too, in 2022 just before the Setouchi Triennale 2022.
The rooms here are Japanese-style with blends of traditional tatami mats and wooden panelling. Every room has a private, en-suite onsen which overlooks the surrounding Japanese forest and rock garden. Room rates all here include kaiseki (multi-course) Japanese or Western meals enjoyed in the dining area on-site, with sake pairings available.
If you’re looking to splurge on an artsy, luxury hotel in Naoshima where you’re consistently surrounded by class and beauty, this ryokan is the accommodation for you!
Check the latest availability here.
3. sana mane
Here’s a unique hotel in Naoshima that’s perfect for adventurous travelers: sana mane! sana mane is a luxurious domed tent village located just south of the main Miyanoura port on Naoshima.
The tents here each come with two beds, an attached bathroom, and a desk. The entire glamping complex has camping chairs, a barbecue area, wine bar, and even a sauna that guests can enjoy. Don’t forget about the beach-front views!
Staying in this artsy and unique accommodation is a great way to get the most of your time on Naoshima.
sana mane is also on my list of weird and unique accommodation around Japan!
Mid-Range Hotels in Naoshima
Naoshima has a number of mid-range hotel options that won’t break the budget too.
Check out these mid-range artsy and unique Naoshima hotel options for your next overnight visit to Naoshima.
4. Sparky's House
Sparky’s House (or Sparkey’s House) is a container-style guesthouse that is located in one of the two main villages on Naoshima. Each container fits up to two people and one child, and is equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, and balcony. Interiors are decorated with unique wallpapers and chandeliers for an added artsy vibe.
Since 2022, Sparky’s House added a larger guesthouse on the property as well.
Perks of staying at this unique Naoshima hotel is you’re steps away from a 7-Eleven convenience store, and a 5-min walk from the artsy Naoshima sento, “I <3 Yu“. The property also provides guests will e-bike rentals (for a fee), perfect for exploring a one day Naoshima itinerary. Sparky’s Coffee, a cafe, is also located on the property.
Check the latest availability here.
5. Wright Style
Wright Style is a Scandinavian-inspired, minimalist Naoshima hotel. It also has a top-rated Italian restaurant on-site, Regalo. The rooms here are standard Western-style beds with an attached bath. Guests here will enjoy a continental or buffet breakfast included in their stay, and be able to relax in the chic lounge areas and outdoor terrace at the property.
Wright Style is conveniently located steps away from a bus station, to take guests to and from both of Naoshima’s ports.
Check the latest prices and availability here.
6. SeaSide Park Stay Tsutsujiso
Seaside Park Stay Tsutsujiso is one of the most unique hotels on Naoshima – guests here stay in Mongolian-style yurts! A Mongolian yurt might be one of the last things you would expect to see on a rural Japanese island, but on the art island of Naoshima, anything goes.
Each yurt here is fitted with four single beds, a desk, and a heater. The collection of yurts open up to a grassy park with a picnic table, and share a bathroom facility on-site.
The SeaSide Park also offers unique accommodation like bunk beds in a camper van, and traditional Japanese tiny homes that fit up to four people. No matter where you stay in Tsutsujiso, the open park spaces, barbecue areas, and beach access will make you feel like you are at summer camp!
The yurts book out fast because they’re perfect for large groups staying in Naoshima. Check latest availability here.
This Naoshima hotel also made it to my full list of weirdest hotels in Japan.
7. Bamboo Village Guesthouse
Bamboo Village Guesthouse is a quaint Naoshima hotel located close to Honmura port on the eastern side of the island. The guesthouse is located in an old traditional Japanese home and is surrounded by gardens and Naoshima’s forested hills. From their funky terrace you can see a few of the port and Inland Sea as well!
The guesthouse interior blends in with the surrounding nature through grassy carpets and artsy decor. Guests love this family-run hotel in Naoshima for its homey vibes and friendly proprietors.
If Bamboo Village is full, you can check out their sister property, also near Honmura Port, One Rest House.
Budget-Friendly Naoshima Accommodation
Now time for some budget-friendly Naoshima accommodation: The Naoshima hostels and budget guesthouses! If you book in advance, you don’t need to sacrifice the artsy vibe to stay at a quirky and unique Naoshima hostel. Be sure to plan ahead because these spots fill up fast!
8. Yado Seven Beach
Yado Seven Beach is a budget-friendly Naoshima accommodation that offers basic Japanese-style futon rooms at an affordable price. This guesthouse is a vibrant splash of colors on the outside and a hodge-podge of Japanese traditional mixed with former cafe-style on the inside. It’s a funky combination you’ll enjoy on Naoshima!
Perks of staying here include a simple, but free, breakfast, and close proximity to Miyanoura Port and various bicycle rental shops.
See the latest availability and pricing here. Seven Beach has a sister budget-friendly property, Naoshima Kowloon, discussed more below.
9. Naoshima Kowloon
Naoshima Kawloon is a unique and budget-friendly accommodation option in Naoshima. This quirky and no-frills guesthouse and hostel is located close to Miyanoura port and the local bathhouse, and boasts a number of super colorful rooms.
Stays at this Naoshima hostel cost between $45 and $100 USD per night, and range from Japanese-style single rooms, to dormitory-style rooms, to four-person Family Rooms. The common areas including the bathrooms, kitchen, and living area are all bursting with color to make your Naoshima overnight stay all the more exciting.
Check the latest prices and availability here.
10. Mrs. Maroulla's House
Mrs. Maroulla’s House is another colorful and budget-friendly hotel on Naoshima. Guests are able to rent out the entire property, which fits up to four people.
Similar to the properties above, Mrs. Maroulla’s House is a splash of vibrant colors on the inside and outside of the building, and a fun place to stay overnight in Naoshima.
Check the latest prices and availability here.
Other budget Naoshima accommodation options include:
- Guesthouse SHELL
- Oyajino Umi
- Season 1 and Season 2 apartments.
These cheap Naoshima hotels are also no-frills and easy-on-the-wallet Naoshima hostels and guesthouses, but with less “artsy and unique” flair.
If you think I’ve missed any, send me a note and I’ll include them on my list of artsy and unique Naoshima hotels!
Are You Prepared For Your Trip To Japan?
Be sure to check out my Japan home page for Japan travel information, insider tips, reading list, and must-haves for traveling to Japan!
- Book Your Flights – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both Google Flights for their low fare calendar, and Skiplagged, which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices. For a trip to Japan, check flights to both Tokyo airports (Haneda, Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai).
- Getting Around Japan: Prepare your JR Pass and Suica transit card before you depart.
- Book Your Accommodation – Check out Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation in Japan. Consider having a bit of fun at one of these Weirdest Hotels in Japan too 🙂
- Book Local Excursions – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences, like Teamlab Borderless or Tokyo Disneyland, by booking tickets online now. Check GetYourGuide and Klook for fun experiences all around Japan.
- Stay Connected: Order a pocket WiFi for airport pickup if you’re traveling with family or with a large group. Solo traveling to Japan? Order a SIM card just for you.
- Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear, and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials.
- Read more on my Travel Resources page!
