Benesse House

Benesse House cradled on the idyllic Naoshima island in west-central Japan functions both as a hotel and a museum. The expansive complex which consists of four different buildings, intended to blend increasingly into the natural environment of Setonaikai National Park as the years go by, was entirely designed by Tadao Ando. It is meant to be appreciated with the entire body, with long ramps, stairs, and passages to traverse, and with natural light from outside pouring in through apertures, weaving together the indoors and outdoors. Sleep peacefully in the Park guestrooms in one of the rare wooden buildings designed by Ando. The Park rooms with private verandas look out across the lush green lawn dotted with open-air artwork to the Inland Sea, with the mountains of Shikoku standing against the blue sky on the far shore. Inside, there are art spaces created by the artists and an exclusive lounge for guests at Park to enjoy the self-serve drinks. Indulge in a French gourmet set dinner at Terrace Restaurant (Umi no Hoshi) Etoile de la mer, or savor an eclectic kaiseki of local Setouchi ingredients at Museum Restaurant Issen, based on your preference and seats availability.