On an Art Scavenger Hunt in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea

I visited these islands and also based myself in Takamatsu City this past summer. Indeed the art and experience was as wonderful as described. I would say though that anyone also visiting should consider staying as mentioned on one of the islands for at least a night as it would probably offer a more intimate feeling (sadly, I did not realize to do so, but when I hopefully return some day, I surely will). Also, the August temperatures and humidity were often overwhelming here (as well as most places in Japan), so don't try to pack too much into one day if going at this time. But for a great side trip into the cooler mountains, head down to the Iya Valley about 90 minutes by train south of Takamatsu. Its very beautiful and quite idillic, with hidden traditional villages and neat vine bridges. I found great info about visiting Iya on their local tourism website: https://www.iyatime.com/

Thank you. Just like another comment posted. This is by far your best dispatch.

Sebastian, this is your best piece yet.

The last two paragraphs of this piece really resonate with solo travelers. It's a conflicting confluence of exhilaration and loneliness that can sometimes net out as a state of somber peacefulness. It is not a bad feeling at all. If anything, it gives you clarity of mind and it allows you to be fully present in the moment rather than being distracted and seeing the world through blurred peripheral vision. Indeed some of the most memorable moments of any trip are not the destinations, which can often times be quite disappointing, but, rather, the interstitial moments and the unexpected little epiphanies.

This was lovely, and I for one enjoy the voice of the traveler (as opposed to a bodiless traveling entity). I would recommend making the trip outside of a Triennial: as noted here, the Chichu Museum on Naoshima is unforgettable – very, very much worth a trip in itself – and a few very happy days can be spent between Naoshima and Teshima. I went to the Triennial last spring and found that for the most part, the temporary works on view were far less interesting than the ones that can be seen (mostly) year-round, with less crowds, and when it’s easier to find good hotels and guesthouses.

In July, 2019 my 16 year old daughter and I found our way from North Carolina to the islands as part of a two week trip to Japan. Wonderful place and a highlight of our trip. Electric bikes are a great way to tour the islands. A local non-profit provided a free tour guide, who was memorable. https://www.kagawasgg.com/. I would love to return.

My trip to Naoshima was life-changing. I hope to return to the Triennial.

Thanks for this piece. I feel that you understood what the Triennale and this region was about.

more pictures Sebastian more pictures, I'm traveling with you sitting here!

2022. I must come. I WILL come. Thank you for a glimpse of what might be. Ah Japan!

The wonderful NYT concept of visiting/documenting 52 places/year would be better served by a traveler not actually seen until the end of that year, one who otherwise appears only as a disembodied narrative voice. "Traveling" should be the operative word here; not "traveler." Otherwise it becomes too obviously personal and detracts like an author who's overly visible in their own pages.

For starters, read Donald Richie’s memoir, “The Inland Sea,’ or take in the film version.

Thank you for a wonderful overview of your visit. Japan is my most favorite country on the planet. Even though the art installation may not be there for my next visit, I will be sure to go to this area and enjoy all of the things you suggested.