Kurashiki and Naoshima, 8/26/2023, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Japan
We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our expedition in Japan. Surrounded by rice fields, we visited the traditional village of Kurashiki, stopping by the canal, the tiny craft shops, traditional Japanese houses, and the Ohashi House.
After a nice lunch on board, we went back to explore the wonders of Naoshima Island by ferry. Artist Yayoi Kusama displays one of her most famous pieces of art here: a giant pumpkin!
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
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Takamatsu has a special place in the hearts of all Lindblad explorers. The Ritsurin Garden was fabulous. It had koi fish swimming in all the ponds, waterfalls, and traditional houses. The Shikoku Mura open air museum was beautiful, and the bonsai farm was absolutely amazing with the skills of bonsai masters’ trimmings of 150-year-old bonsai on display! It is impossible to describe the sound of the water running across the stones, the smell of the gardens, or even the endless kindness of the people offering Udon to each guest to sample. You must visit to fully appreciate this wonderful place. See you again soon Takamatsu!
Today was for art lovers. Naoshima is a small island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. Art and nature meet in ways both cutting edge and deeply traditional, creating a destination visited by art-loving pilgrims from around the world. The modernist Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, designed Benesse House (benesse means living well). Opened in 1992, it functions as both a hotel and a museum. His architecture is very much a part of the artwork. In a gallery displaying Bruce Nauman’s “100 Live and Die,” there is an oculus to the sky that if you squint just a little, it transforms into a Japanese parasol, perfect for a hot summer day. The Ohara Museum of Art is the result of a successful relationship between an entrepreneur and a Japanese artist assembling an outstanding collection of work. Korakuen Garden is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, one of the country’s treasures, with lush lawns, ponds, hills, bamboo groves, tea houses, streams, and a view of Okayama Castle. Captain Heidi Norling, resplendent in Japanese dress (a birthday gift from her team) introduced her crew. We all toasted the captain with happy birthday wishes.
Gardens. Art. Gardens as art. Japan has perfected this concept, as we have learned upon this amazing voyage. Today was no different. Everyone visited different areas with different focuses, but all were rewarded. Castles towering over gardens. Sculpted trees. Picturesque scenery. And even a pumpkin. It was a wonderful final day filled with gardens, art, and gardens as art.