My Lodge Naoshima

The view is nice, but getting to the tiny hut means climbing lots of steps on a badly lit path. There’s little to no service: nobody greeted us or put the bags we’d sent ahead in the room. A backpack is manageable, but hauling a suitcase up would be tough. The photos can give the wrong impression, so check the room’s square meter size before booking. My Lodge is more or less an overpriced youth hostel. The fridge was off, so check everything. Once you’re up there, there’s no food choice except the very average restaurant dinner at ¥4000 plus per person or more. If that’s too much, eat down below.

The place is beautiful, quiet and minimalist, with great food and a couple of sweet cats living at the hotel. It’s a short but steep walk up the hill, and the view makes it well worth it. We walked up with a couple of older women, and they managed just fine.

The hotel is in a nice location, but it needs a deep clean. Staff weren’t helpful when we arrived and seemed to lack service skills. Our room walls had stains all over, and the chair had a big, disgusting stain.

Breakfast is served in a stylish café-lounge, with fresh seasonal food and good coffee. It’s a nice way to fuel up before a day at Benesse House, the Chichu Art Museum or the Ando Museum. Staff are courteous and knowledgeable, and happy to share directions, bike rental information or recommendations for dinner and galleries. MY LODGE Naoshima is only minutes from Miyanoura Port, with elevated views and a convenient central location. It feels both peaceful and handy as a base for the island’s museums, architecture and outdoor installations. The modern, tasteful design uses natural materials and clean lines, and fits the creative feel of the art island. Rooms are bright and thoughtfully arranged, and many have stunning views over the Seto Inland Sea. The bed is cosy, the linens crisp, and the calm atmosphere made it easy to rest after a long day immersed in art. It’s more than just somewhere to sleep, and a great choice for comfort, style and proximity to what Naoshima has to offer.