25 May 2025

Iconic Gardens, Historic Villages and Art Islands

Today it was all about art and heritage in one of Japan’s most stunning cities. Arriving at Takamatsu, most guests had the opportunity to explore Ritsurin Garden – renowned for being one of Japan’s best gardens before immersing themselves in the museums and art galleries of Takamatsu.

While some visited the 300-year-old Shikoku Mura (Village), an open-air museum complete with rope bridge, others went to view the magnificent art of Naoshima Island. A modern-day art wonder created by the Benesse Corporation in 1990 for an island that was depopulating, with the original CEO and creator now living in New Zealand on Waiheke Island.

We visited the House Project, The Benesse Museum and the Chichu Art Museum along with the iconic pumpkin sculptures of Yayoi Kusama. This evening we enjoyed a magnificent Captain’s farewell dinner and Casey's amazing slide show, wrapping our incredible 18-day Japan’s National Parks, Art & Culture.

Images © C. Perry, Heritage Expeditions