Naoshima Ryokan Roka
Naoshima

In the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima Island has long been a pilgrimage for art lovers, with its open-air museums and installations by the likes of Yayoi Kusama and Tadao Ando. However, tucked away in a tranquil cove, just a short stroll from the island’s museum-laden core, lies a hidden gem that offers a far more intimate encounter with the island’s unique spirit: Naoshima Ryokan Roka.

A ryokan reimagined for the modern traveller, Roka elegantly balances the heritage of Japan’s inn culture with the contemporary art that the island is so famous for. From the moment you arrive, the sense of peace that permeates this haven is palpable. The ryokan’s understated design draws heavily on natural materials of wood, stone and paper, and is subtly infused with elements that will immediately strike art lovers: minimalist and elegant, yet deeply thoughtful.

Roka’s aesthetic speaks softly, through the sleek lines of its interiors and the harmonious blend of old and new. Its eleven rooms, each thoughtfully designed, offer a serene, contemplative atmosphere, while large windows frame stunning views of the surrounding lush landscape. The rooms’ understated furnishings, tatami mats, futons and sliding paper doors, are paired with carefully curated artworks, offering homage to Naoshima’s vibrant art scene without overshadowing the tranquility of the space.

Guests will find that it’s not just the rooms that captivate, but the exceptional food at Roka. The ryokan's cuisine is rooted in the freshest ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea, delicately prepared with seasonal offerings. Each meal is a fine array of flavours: from exquisite sashimi to simmered seafood and seasonal vegetables, the kaiseki dinners are an art form in themselves and every element of this experience is designed to engage all the senses.

Roka’s open-air baths are the ultimate retreat after a day of exploring Naoshima’s artistic marvels. After a long soak, you’ll feel the tension of the outside world slip away, leaving only a deep sense of relaxation. The ryokan’s owners and staff are warm and welcoming, offering personal service that makes you feel like a part of their home rather than a guest in a hotel.

Naoshima Ryokan Roka is more than just a place to stay, it is a place that offers a sensory journey through both art and tradition, where time slows down and you become accustomed to the rhythm of the island. It’s a space where simple acts of resting, eating and soaking in beauty is enough to replenish both body and soul.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson