[1 Night] A Ryokan Brimming with Contemporary Art: Naoshima Roka

Art Unites with Tranquil Terrain and Serene Seaside on the Island of Naoshima

Rising from the Seto Inland Sea in northern Kagawa Prefecture, the island of Naoshima has become a veritable mecca of contemporary art for visitors from Japan and abroad. It is also the central hub venue for the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival held once every three years across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, drawing crowds from all over Japan and the world.

The ferry Naoshima, modeled on the artwork of Yayoi Kusama

Today, contemporary art installations dot the landscapes of islands throughout the Seto Inland Sea, but this development all began on Naoshima. In 1992 the Benesse House was opened, combining art museum and inn. It ushered in a new era of art in the Seto Inland Sea region. Time seems to pass more slowly on Naoshima, and art abounds everywhere.

“Pumpkin” by Yayoi Kusama – an iconic Naoshima landmark

Roka – A Space to Soak in the Essence of Japanese Tradition

Part of the mission of Roka is to elevate the Seto Inland Sea region as a world-class travel destination. Its owner Shintaro Sasaki comes from a family well-versed in traditional vacation lodging hospitality, as he is also the fourth generation proprietor of a traditional onsen resort at Okayama’s Yunogo hot springs. He has carefully curated his guest rooms to communicate the tranquility of island life.

Modern elements form perfect harmony with the traditional Japanese warmth of wood

Roka’s front garden is similarly filled with meticulous touches that make it both traditional and distinctive. The mountain backdrop and raked gravel surface are classic aspects of the karesansui dry garden style, but a micro rice field within the garden is a unique symbol of plenty.

The ryokan’s “Sanshi Suimei” dry garden melds seamlessly with the unique local landscape

A More Intimate Art Experience

Okayama native and Roka proprietor Shintaro Sasaki was an avid oil painter in his high school art club. As an adult, he has been involved in organizing local art festivals. He has also made Roka a base for young, up-and-coming contemporary artists exhibiting and selling their work. His vision is a deeper and more intimate experience of art than can be found at any gallery or museum.

Sasaki has long been a part of the art world

At the ryokan’s cafe/bar Moya, two works are prominently displayed. One is by Baltimore-based American artist Amani Lewis, the only non-Japanese artist featured on the premises. The other, by Kyoto-based Shinagawa Ryo, is a strategically-composed statement piece that comes directly at the viewer with its bold beauty.

Sasaki chose these two works because of the contrast between them, and the emergent and inspirational novelty viewers could experience by viewing them side by side.

Works by Amani Lewis (left) and Ryo Shinagawa (right)

Works by up-and-coming artists are also on display in the guest rooms, for an experience wholly unlike that found at an art museum. Rather than viewing each piece for a brief moment before moving on to the next, Roka offers the opportunity to truly take them in at your leisure. (Exhibits are replaced every six months.)

Works by Yuzuho Matsuoka on display in the Roka Suite (exhibit is changed twice each year)

Institution as Art

The Roka ryokan could even be called a work of art in its own right. This Wabunka plan includes an art tour with in-depth commentary all about its architecture as well as the exhibits on display.

On the facility art tour: a piece by Shohei Yamamoto

Discovering the background of each work and artist on the tour brings a deeper and more intimate appreciation of the beauty behind them. Learn all about highlights and perspectives that might not be immediately obvious on a viewing.

The outdoor irori hearth where guests can relax and enjoy themselves

The artwork isn’t the only aesthetic highlight of the facility. Gorgeous traditional architecture capitalizes on the beauty of natural materials such as cedar, stone, washi paper, and clay. Central to the layout is the ryokan’s iconic irori hearth, symbolizing gathering, communion, and quality time in nature.

Relaxing in the Roka Suite

After check in, step into your room: the 106-square-meter Roka Suite, complete with a spacious living room, open-air bath, and terrace. There is simply nothing like relaxing in the Roka Suite’s luxury, enjoying art and quiet time with loved ones to your heart’s content.

The lush garden viewed through the expansive windows

The Charm of the Seto Inland Sea Region through its Food

Dining is sure to be yet another highlight of your stay at Roka, thanks to its in-house Restaurant EN, staffed by chefs trained at Kyoto’s top-class culinary establishments. Delight in their skills through Japanese cuisine that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, made from fresh catch from the Seto Inland Sea and other seasonal ingredients.

Dinner (left) and breakfast (right) samples (exact meal contents vary)

Dinner is a kaiseki course of intricate dishes centered on catch from the Seto Inland Sea (exact contents vary depending on the month). Dessert is a Wabunka-exclusive signature art cocktail loaded with seasonal fruit (non-alcoholic options also available).

The bonus dessert drink exclusive to Wabunka guests (contents vary depending on the season)

Breakfast is available in Japanese or American style. The former consists of clay pot rice, miso soup, and grilled fish. The latter is served with eggs, ham, and soup.

A Ryokan that Transports You Far from the Everyday, into a World of Art

Even the logo of Roka reflects the owner’s vision: square representing the irori hearth, and circle symbolizing travelers. The breaks in the points of intersection between the two suggest the ephemeral nature of travel, with its new encounters and its partings.

Enjoy an intimate art experience where time seems to slow to a stroll

Art transcends borders and cultures, and brings people together. Experience its power on the island of Naoshima at Roka, and let this extraordinary brush with creativity and inspiration become a memory you’ll cherish for a lifetime.