Go'o Shrine
A unique shrine on Naoshima, blending ancient Japanese spirituality with a striking contemporary art installation by Hiroshi Sugimoto.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy the art and serene atmosphere.
Go'o Shrine
Best Time
Enjoy the art and serene atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique shrine on Naoshima, blending ancient Japanese spirituality with a striking contemporary art installation by Hiroshi Sugimoto.
"Absolute masterpiece by Hiroshi Sugimoto, one of the most celebrated Japanese artists worldwide."
🎟️ Art House Ticket
Purchase the Art House Project ticket for full access to the basement installation.
🚶♀️ Climb to the Shrine
Be prepared for a climb up steps to reach the shrine, but it's generally manageable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wild Boar Theme
Discover the shrine's unique connection to wild boars, symbols of protection and healing. Cute boar charms are a popular souvenir.
+1Hiroshi Sugimoto Installation
Experience the contemporary art installation by renowned artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, transforming an old shrine.
Blessings for Legs
Pray for strong legs and recovery, as the shrine is dedicated to Wake no Kiyomaro, who was healed by boars.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Artistic Shrine Experience
Access and Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Art House Ticket
Purchase the Art House Project ticket for full access to the basement installation.
🚶♀️ Climb to the Shrine
Be prepared for a climb up steps to reach the shrine, but it's generally manageable.
🐗 Boar Charms
Look for unique wild boar charms, popular souvenirs for good luck and protection.
🖼️ Admire from Outside
Even when the interior is closed, the shrine's exterior and surrounding art are worth seeing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Art House Ticket
Purchase the Art House Project ticket for full access to the basement installation.
🚶♀️ Climb to the Shrine
Be prepared for a climb up steps to reach the shrine, but it's generally manageable.
🐗 Boar Charms
Look for unique wild boar charms, popular souvenirs for good luck and protection.
🖼️ Admire from Outside
Even when the interior is closed, the shrine's exterior and surrounding art are worth seeing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Go'o Shrine is praised as a unique artistic gem, blending ancient tradition with modern art by Hiroshi Sugimoto. While the underground installation is a highlight, some find it narrow and the paid portion less impressive than the free grounds. It's considered a must-visit for art lovers on Naoshima.
"Great little art house by the legend Hiroshi Sugimoto. Seems like most people actually miss this one.
Tip: when the the temple is “closed” you can still admire the building. You just can’t enter the basement."
Sebastian Gudmand-Høyer
"This is a part of the art House Project. We came with the five house ticket pass. It's a really nice retreat from the village and city... Green and a little home up a hill. It's an old shrine with a contemporary installation. Be sure to visit 'under' it for a fun surprise. Worth it."
J Matthew Thomas
"Absolute masterpiece by Hiroshi Sugimoto, one of the most celebrated Japanese artists worldwide. Repurposing an old and decaying shrine into a contemporary artwork with minimal impact to the original environment just shows the level of attention to art in Naoshima. Must visit, as it is included with the general Art Site Ticket."
Juaniko Moreno
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Go'o Shrine is located on Naoshima Island. You can reach Naoshima by ferry from Uno Port (Okayama) or Takamatsu Port (Kagawa). From the ferry port on Naoshima, you can rent a bicycle or take a local bus to reach the shrine.
Yes, Go'o Shrine is part of the Art House Project. Access to the underground installation requires a ticket, often included in a multi-site Art House Project pass.
Renting a bicycle is a popular and convenient way to explore Naoshima, allowing you to visit multiple art sites at your own pace. Buses are also available.
Absolutely! Naoshima is very accessible by public transport (ferry and bus) and bicycle, making it easy to visit Go'o Shrine without a car.
Travel time to Naoshima varies depending on your starting point. Ferries from Uno Port typically take about 20 minutes, while ferries from Takamatsu Port take around 50 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The shrine grounds are generally accessible, but to enter the contemporary installation in the basement, you will need a ticket. This is often part of the Art House Project ticket.
Tickets for the Art House Project, which includes Go'o Shrine's installation, can usually be purchased at the information center or at the individual art sites.
The cost of the Art House Project ticket can vary, but it typically offers good value if you plan to visit multiple sites on Naoshima. Check the official Naoshima Art Site website for current pricing.
Discounts may be available for students or group bookings. Purchasing a multi-site pass is often the most economical option.
While the shrine grounds may be accessible, the hours for the underground installation are specific. It's best to check the official Naoshima Art Site schedule for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 ⛩️ Onsite Experience
Go'o Shrine is unique for its blend of an ancient Shinto shrine with a contemporary art installation by Hiroshi Sugimoto, and its theme of wild boars, symbolizing protection and healing.
The 'under' part refers to the contemporary installation by Hiroshi Sugimoto, which is located beneath the shrine and features glass steps descending underground.
Visitors pray at Go'o Shrine for strong legs, recovery from leg ailments, and general protection, linked to the legend of Wake no Kiyomaro.
Yes, you can often find cute wild boar charms and other small souvenirs at Go'o Shrine, which are popular among visitors.
There are steps to climb to reach the shrine, but most visitors find it to be a manageable ascent.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique architecture, the wild boar motifs, and the contemporary art installation. The glass steps in the underground section offer a distinctive photographic opportunity.
Photography rules can vary. It's advisable to check for signage or ask staff before taking photos inside the underground installation.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended for the underground installation. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the shrine's architecture.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and art installations. Always check local regulations and shrine policies before flying a drone.
Look for the various wild boar statues and charms around the shrine. These make for charming and thematic photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider renting bicycles to explore Naoshima, which can be an adventure in itself for families. The Art House Project ticket might be worthwhile if your children have an interest in art, but be mindful of the potentially narrow spaces in the underground section.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Ensure you purchase the Art House Project ticket to fully experience the underground space. This ticket often grants access to other unique art houses on the island, making it a comprehensive art exploration.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Engaging with the shrine's legends about healing and protection can add a deeper layer to your visit. The unique wild boar theme is also a memorable aspect that solo travelers often appreciate for its distinctiveness.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Go'o Shrine: Sugimoto's Vision
The most striking element is the underground installation, accessed via a ticket. Visitors descend a series of glass steps, creating a unique and somewhat claustrophobic experience that leads to a serene, minimalist space. This juxtaposition of the ancient shrine above and the modern art below is what makes Go'o Shrine a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Sugimoto's work often explores themes of time, memory, and spirituality, and the Go'o Shrine installation is no exception. It invites contemplation and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling art sites on the island.
The Legend of the Wild Boars and Healing
+1This unique theme is evident throughout the shrine, from the statues and amulets to the popular wild boar charms sold as souvenirs. These charms are believed to bring good luck and protection.
+1Visitors often feel a sense of spiritual connection to the shrine's protective symbolism. The presence of the wild boar motif adds a distinctive and memorable character to the Go'o Shrine experience, setting it apart from other temples and shrines.
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Social
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