Tucked away in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea lies Teshima Island, an emerging travel gem that blends sustainability, contemporary art, and quiet island life. Unlike its better-known neighbors Naoshima and Shodoshima, Teshima remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering travelers a tranquil experience infused with natural beauty and artistic innovation. The island is best known for the Teshima Art Museum, a water-drop-shaped structure that feels more like a living organism than a building—where art and nature fluidly interact.
Teshima has transformed from a site of industrial waste scandal to a symbol of environmental renewal. With support from the Benesse Art Site, the island now hosts a series of installations that reflect themes of time, ecology, and memory. The surrounding rice terraces, lovingly restored by locals, add to the island’s charm and reinforce its focus on sustainable living. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation here, inviting slow travel and genuine connection with the landscape.
For those seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, Teshima offers a rare blend of introspection and inspiration. Expert curators and architects like Ryue Nishizawa have helped shape the island into a quiet powerhouse of eco-cultural tourism. Whether you’re an art lover or a mindful traveler, Teshima invites you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the joy of simplicity.
