A place where I blew JPY 50,000 in under an hour without buying a single luxury item. I didn't even have time to finish looking around
Seriously terrifying
You ask me why? I don't know either. I really held back, too ><
Bring your passport to the tax refund counter on B1 to get a coupon for foreign visitors~
The drugstore on that floor also has a surprising number of popular niche products. They had quite a lot of color-depositing shampoo in stock, too (?
HEP FIVE | Review by Di
Other Reviews by Di
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Teshima Art Museum
Perched on a little hill in Karato, Teshima that overlooks the Seto Inland Sea sits an art museum made by Rei Naito (artist) and Ryue Nishizawa (architect). At 40x60m wide and 4.3m high, this smooth, concrete shell is made without a single column and emulates a single droplet of water after its first hit the ground.
Listen, it’s the sound of the wind
When water is given life, the wind also takes shape
What would it look like?Between the lush green terraced rice fields and the deep blue sea, a white, drop-shaped concrete building stands on a small hill
Striking yet harmonious
Blending perfectly into its surroundingsAfter taking off my shoes and stepping inside the museum
My first impression was—silence
There were only hushed conversations and the sounds of insects and birds nearby
A peaceful kind of silence, I think
The wind blows through the ribbon hanging from the opening above as you listen to nature’s whispers
And to your own voice
Watching the droplets on the ground move, over and over again
I couldn’t help but start wondering where life ultimately comes from
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Unlike traditional museums, the Teshima Art Museum doesn’t house many works by famous artists, yet it was the place where I felt most at ease during my entire Setouchi Triennale trip
Definitely don’t miss it~ (It’s also a great place for a nap
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★A few tips for the peak festival season★
▪︎Avoid Naoshima’s closing day
▪︎Be sure to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale to increase your chances of getting your preferred time slot (the same goes for rental cars; otherwise, your only chance may be to take the first ferry)
▪︎If you choose to take the bus, I highly recommend buying a one-day pass through the app
The navigation and bus schedules in the official app are astonishingly accurate
▪︎If you’re making a round trip from Takamatsu, arriving at the port 1–2 hours early to wait for the ferry is a rule for survival!!! -
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Chichu Art Museum
Across Naoshima you’ll find art installations that blur the line between art and nature. The island is also home to Chichu Art Museum, a gallery designed by world renowned architect Tadao Ando.
The use of points, lines, and planes is taken to the extreme.
The exposed-concrete building designed by Tadao Ando is not only a work of art,
but its use of skylights is also truly textbook-level.
Sunlight streaming through the skylights replaces some of the track lighting used in most traditional exhibition spaces.
Besides the architecture, the works inside are also well worth seeing!
(Be sure to book early during the art festival~) -
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Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
With its curving design inspired by white waves, this striking hotel stands out in Kobe’s bay area. Located on Kobe Port’s Naka Pier, it is surrounded by the sea on three sides, offering four distinct views to the east, west, south, and north.
Sitting on the balcony outside the room, enjoying the breeze and a late-night snack, with an hour-long Ferris wheel light show that never repeats—who knew it could be this chill?
The harbor view is truly spectacular.
The honey black tea in the lobby is also delicious! -
