If you like to experience art while you’re on holiday, by all means come to Shikoku. The art spots of Shikoku are enjoying growing popularity year by year.

In particular, Naoshima Island is visited by art lovers from around the world. The Benesse House and Chichu Art Museum, designed by architect Tadao Ando, figure centrally in the various modern art activities held on the island. The deep connection between art and the island is a unique trait of Naoshima. For example, the old traditional homes on the island have been transformed into installation art pieces in the "House Project" which has resulted in artworks located throughout the island. Exploring all the works of art naturally results in a simultaneous stroll around the island.

The Setouchi International Art Festival, the grand event of the summer, had its beginnings in art projects like the ones on Naoshima. The art festival will be held from July 19 to October 31 2010 on seven of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea, and in the area around Takamatsu Port. The purpose of the festival is to use art as a guide to show visitors the healing beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, and to introduce the unique culture and lifestyle of the island people. There are ferries available to provide transportation between the islands. Experience art at a slow island pace.

The islands of the inland sea are not the only places in Shikoku where art is waiting. One such place is the Otsuka Museum of Art. Famous paintings from around the world, including Guernica and the Mona Lisa, are reproduced in painstaking detail on ceramic panels and put on display in this vast gallery. The panels are said to be able to maintain accurate coloring for over 2000 years, and one of the goals of the museum is to preserve the original artworks in an indestructible format for future generations. The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum has a unique history. It was originally 20th century sculptor Isamu Noguchi’s atelier, and it features over 150 sculptures, a display space designed by Noguchi himself, the artist’s home, a sculpture garden he designed himself, and the entire museum as one single environmental sculpture. (Advance reservations required to tour the museum.)

For furniture lovers, the George Nakashima Memorial Gallery, featuring materials and works on display by the late furniture designer, can’t be missed. The name George Nakashima is synonymous with chairs. It is a worldwide rarity to have the opportunity to see so many George Nakashima chairs in one place. While not an art gallery per se, the Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden is a must-see. The garden was constructed in the memory of the work of the late botanist, Tomitaro Makino. There are nearly 3000 different kinds of plants within the garden. However, the sketches of plants that Tomitaro Makino drew are works of art. The fine details and artistic balance of the work are particularly eye-catching. Art lovers are sure to have their hearts stolen by the display.