Top 4 Places to Eat in Naoshima

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shoyanishikawa from Japan, Wikimedia Commons

Naoshima's dining scene integrates with its artistic landscape, offering a curated selection of venues that highlight local flavors and provide memorable experiences amidst the island's unique charm.

1. Terrace Restaurant, Benesse House

Cuisine: French-Japanese Fusion / International

Perched within the Benesse House Park, the Terrace Restaurant offers an elegant dining experience with expansive windows looking out onto the tranquil Seto Inland Sea. Guests can enjoy French cuisine that emphasizes the true flavors of local ingredients. The atmosphere is open and airy, making it a perfect spot for enjoying the seascape, especially during sunset. Breakfast and lunch are also available, with dinner service often prioritizing hotel guests.

Price: Lunch: JPY 3,000 - 6,000 (~$20 - $40 USD), Dinner: JPY 8,000 - 20,000+ (~$50 - $130+ USD)

Getting There: Located within the Benesse House area. Accessible via the Benesse House shuttle bus from Miyanoura Port or Honmura, or directly if staying at Benesse House.

2. Cafe Salon Nakaoku

Cuisine: Japanese / Cafe Fare

Housed in a charming traditional Japanese building near the Art House Project in Honmura, Cafe Salon Nakaoku provides a tranquil setting with a cozy ambiance. The menu features an eclectic mix, including sandwiches, rice omelets, and Italian dishes, alongside delicious coffee and homemade cakes. It is one of the few restaurants in Honmura open for dinner, making it a convenient stop after exploring the art sites.

Price: JPY 1,000 - 4,000 (~$7 - $27 USD)

Getting There: Located in the Honmura district, approximately 150 meters south of the Art House Project's Minamidera installation. Easily walkable from Honmura Port.

3. Aisunao

Cuisine: Japanese / Vegan & Macrobiotic

Situated in a traditional Japanese guesthouse near the Art House Project, Aisunao is known for its healthy, predominantly vegetarian lunch menu. One can expect a single vegan set meal featuring small vegetable dishes and their renowned brown multigrain rice, which is locally grown and prepared macrobiotically. The seating is on raised tatami mats overlooking a garden, offering a peaceful setting ideal for recharging amidst art exploration.

Price: JPY 1,000 - 2,000 (~$7 - $14 USD) for lunch set

Getting There: Located in Honmura, close to the Art House Project. Walkable from Honmoura Port.

4. Cin. na. mon

Cuisine: Japanese / Seafood Curry

Near Miyanoura Port, Cin. na. mon offers a unique dining experience within a stylish restaurant that features traditional tatami rooms. It is highly regarded for its delicious and generously portioned seafood curry. The ambiance is homely and welcoming, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy a hearty meal.

Price: JPY 900 - 2,000 (~$6 - $14 USD)

Getting There: Located near Miyanoura Port. It is easily walkable from the ferry terminal.