CRAFT: Book a Trip to Japan’s Art Archipelago

With over 18 museums, galleries and installations spread across three islands in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, Benesse Art Site Naoshima is a veritable creative paradise. Dreamt up in the late eighties by billionaire patron, Soichiro Fukutake, the innovative rural art project rapidly expanded from its original home on Naoshima, today attracting hoards of visitors from around the world.

Japan’s arty archipelago is well worth traveling the extra miles for at any time of year. But if you’re looking for an extra excuse to bump Naoshima straight to the top of your travel hit-list, this year the islands are set to come alive with a myriad of new exhibitions and installations as they play host to the Setouchi Triennale. Held over three periods throughout the year, the Triennale promises to be a creative celebration of the region – eschewing the glamour usually associated with international art events and instead choosing to celebrate the history and character of the area. There are plans to breath new life into abandoned buildings, celebrate regional craftmanship, and work with local communities.

And if you can’t make the Triennale, click here to take a look at our mini-guide to Naoshima’s must-see permanent exhibitions.

Image: Denis Kovalev