Advertisement

Kompirasan

Kompirasan, formally known as Kotohiragu, is the main shrine of multiple Kompira shrines found around Japan that are dedicated to sailors and seafaring. Located on the wooded slope of Mount Zozu in Kotohira, the approach to Kompirasan is an arduous series of 1,368 stone steps.
Over many centuries, Kompirasan had been revered as a mixture between Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple, until it was officially declared a shrine in the beginning of the Meiji Period during government efforts to separate the two religions. Nevertheless, the former symbiosis is still visible in Kompirasan's architecture which displays both Shinto and Buddhist elements.

Naoshima Island            

Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea that is known for its modern art museums, architecture and sculptures. Part of Kagawa Prefecture, the island with its Mediterranean atmosphere, sandy beaches and sunny weather, combined with a laid back, rural feel is a relaxing getaway from Japan's large urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka.Much of Naoshima's art was installed by the Benesse Corporation, which oversees art museums, installations and sculptures both on Naoshima and on neighboring islands. Benesse's museums were designed by the well known Japanese architect Ando Tadao and include the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum and all the buildings of the Benesse House. In addition, Naoshima's municipal buildings and schools were designed by the modern architect Ishii Kazuhiro.

Lee Ufan Museum

Opened in time for the Setouchi Art Festival in 2010, the Lee Ufan Museum is one of the more recent additions to Naoshima. The museum features works by the Korean contemporary artist Lee Ufan, who was born in Korea but has been working and teaching in Japan. On display are large installations made of stone, concrete and huge slabs of iron, as well as a number of painting from earlier in his career.
The museum building was designed by the Japanese architect Ando Tadao, who also designed the other museums on the island, namely the nearby Benesse House and Chichu Art Museum. Just like his other works on the island, the Lee Ufan Museum building mixes geometrically shaped reinforced concrete with nature and open spaces that accentuate the artwork displayed within.

007 Museum

The 007 Museum is dedicated to the James Bond novel "The Man with the Red Tattoo" by Robert Benson. The story is set partially on Naoshima; however, it was never made into a movie. The museum aims to bring attention to the novel with the hope that it will eventually be adapted to film.
Exhibits include fan art and scenes from "The Man with the Red Tattoo" and a short movie titled "From Naoshima with Love", which was filmed on Naoshima and nearby Takamatsu. In addition, there are posters and paraphernalia from actual Bond movies, especially from the movie "You Only Live Twice", so far the only James Bond movie set in Japan.
 

September - December

Information not available

Advertisement