Sakushima

Nishio city

An island of art, floating in Mikawa Bay.

Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea is one famous "island of art,” but Mikawa Bay in Aichi Prefecture is also home to an island with an artistic theme. The small island of Sakushima has a population of about 250, and an outer circumference around 11 km. This idyllic island has no traffic signals or convenience stores. This atmosphere alone offers a valuable experience. Around 2000, the island began to take on a variety of art projects. More than 20 artworks now dot the harbor, the coast, and the village.

Art exerts a commanding presence amid nature.

What about some recommendations for art, then? East House by Yuki Minamikawa is a hands-on piece incorporating stairs allowing viewers to climb to the top of the work. The white box reflects the sea beautifully. Gull’s Parking Lot by Takahito Kimura is located nearby, on the seaside. Sakushima is also known as the “Island of Winds," and boasts many legendary names for wind. Ohirune House, again by Yuki Minamikawa, is a popular work among both young and old as a photography spot. Entering the box lets you view a mysterious seascape that is cut off and framed squarely.

After exploring the island, visit Cafe Monpemaruke, located in a historic house

Sakushima contains a lot more than art to look forward to. It has a lot of nature, of course, as well as the island’s mascot goats Non & Billy, and the wishing stone of Bentenjima, said to grant wishes. After you’ve enjoyed the island’s sights, visit Cafe Monpemaruke, which was created through renovation of an old local house. Have a taste of homemade Japanese sweets and dishes made with local Sakushima produce. You might come for the art, but Sakushima also gives you the chance to experience Japanese island life. Get some distance from the rapid pace of modern life and spend a leisurely day here.

For reference

Sakushima 

Address

Sakushima Hirako, Isshiki-cho, Nishio-shi, Aichi-ken
Phone

0563-72-9607 (Nishio City Hall, Sakushima Promotion Division) 
Website

http://sakushima.com/

Cafe Monpemaruke 

Address

47 Sakushima Tateiwa, Isshiki-cho, Nishio-shi, Aichi-ken
Opening hours

10:00 am to 4:30 pm 
Closed

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, in January, in February and whenever the shopkeeper is not around. 
Website

http://sakushiba.blog102.fc2.com/

Access

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 1-hour flight from Haneda Airport.

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 100-minute flight from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport.

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 75-minute flight from Sendai Airport.

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 65-minute flight from Matsuyama Airport.

Nishio Station is 90 minutes via the Meitetsu rail line from Central Japan International Airport Station.

Isshiki Sakana Hiroba (the water taxi stop) is 20 minutes by taxi from Nishio Station. Sakushima is 25 minutes by water taxi from Isshiki Sakana Hiroba.