Naoshima, Japan
Benesse House Oval
Hilltop art pavilion
Naoshima, Japan
Renovated
2016
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Local LuxeOutside the door
The house
Benesse HouseHilltop art pavilion
This six-room pavilion functions as a private residential gallery, completely closed off from daytime museum visitors.
“secure a night at the hilltop Oval for its striking circular design, or at Ryokan Roka, which has 11 spacious, minimalist rooms”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Tadao Ando's subterranean cylinder encircles an elliptical reflecting pool beneath the open sky.
Remarkable
Guests explore Naoshima's contemporary art collections and outdoor sculptures in solitude after hours.
What they say
Also in Michelin, Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The Oval building is the most unusual in terms of the architecture, centering around a dark pool…framing views of the sky.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Footpaths lead through Setonaikai National Park down to gravel beaches, where open-air sculptures stand along the shoreline.
The rooms
Rooms look straight out over the Seto Inland Sea, and suites hold site-specific murals created directly on the walls.
The spa
Therapists use botanical oils for facials and aromatherapy massages, and three-hour sessions include spinal clay packs.
At the table
Continental breakfast is set out in the private lounge, where window tables look across the Seto Inland Sea.
A true highlight for art lovers is Benesse House, which has 65 rooms in four distinct buildings on a quiet, seaside property dotted with sculptures.
How it began
Publisher Tetsuhiko Fukutake partnered with the island's mayor in 1985, reviving a declining industrial outpost by embedding art spaces into the hills.
Naoshima
More like this
Benesse House Park
“Hillside art pavilion”
Benesse House Beach
“Shoreline museum pavilion”
Naoshima Ryokan Roka
“Contemporary art ryokan”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.