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Yayoi Kusama Yellow Pumpkin

4.5
·2k reviews·Naoshima, Japan

Yayoi Kusama's iconic Yellow Pumpkin sculpture, a vibrant polka-dotted masterpiece on Naoshima Island.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light is magical

CrowdMedium
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La salle des tableaux

Yayoi Kusama Yellow Pumpkin

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light is magical

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Yayoi Kusama's iconic Yellow Pumpkin sculpture, a vibrant polka-dotted masterpiece on Naoshima Island.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"The liveliness of the people visiting the pumpkin made this an interesting art piece."

Vertical photo
TIP

Stay Overnight! 🏨

Day trips are rushed. Staying overnight lets you see more art and enjoy the island's tranquility.

Rent a Bike 🚲

Essential for exploring the island. E-bikes are recommended for tackling hills.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin

Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin

Southern shore of Naoshima Island

An iconic, large polka-dotted squash sculpture by Yayoi Kusama, a must-see on Naoshima.

Benesse House Museum

Benesse House Museum

Naoshima Island

A unique museum integrated with a hotel, showcasing contemporary art with stunning sea views.

Chichu Art Museum

Chichu Art Museum

Naoshima Island

An architectural marvel by Tadao Ando, housing works by Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting to Naoshima

Naoshima is an island, so reaching the Yellow Pumpkin requires ferry travel. Plan your ferry times carefully, as they don't run late into the evening. Consider staying overnight to fully explore the island's art.

Island Transportation

Public transport on Naoshima is limited to buses and rental bikes. While e-bikes are available, cycling can still be challenging, especially to reach the pumpkin from certain directions. Factor in travel time between art sites.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light is magical
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Benesse House Museum Cafe (ベネッセハウス ミュージアムカフェ) 📍Japan 〒761-3110 Kagawa, Kagawa District, Naoshima, 宮ノ浦 #japanesefood #buymeal #tiktokfood #japan #takamatsu #kagawa #shikoku #naoshima #yayoikusama #kusamayayoi #benessehousemuseum #ベネッセハウスミュージアム #바이밀 #밥사줄게 #틱톡푸드 #나오시마 #틱톡푸드크리에이터 #틱톡파트너크리에이터 #일본여행 #다카마쓰 #베네세하우스뮤즘 #日本旅行 #日本料理 #日本 #香川 #さぬき #高松 #四国
@buymeal
54.6K likes • 174.9K views

Stay Overnight! 🏨

Day trips are rushed. Staying overnight lets you see more art and enjoy the island's tranquility. Reddit

Rent a Bike 🚲

Essential for exploring the island. E-bikes are recommended for tackling hills. Reddit

All you need to visit in Naoshima Japan. lnsta:@zoevya
@zoevya
6K likes • 64.6K views
Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Yellow Pumpkin’, installed on the shore of Naoshima island in Kagawa Prefecture, has been swept away by Typhoon No. 9 😔⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ 🔄 @avant.arte, #YayoiKusama's #YellowPumpkin
dazed
32.1K likes • 1M views

Check Weather Forecast ☁️

The pumpkin has been damaged by typhoons; check conditions before you go. Instagram

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking and cycling to get around. Reddit

DONUTS INSPIRED BY YAYOI KUSAMA’S FAMOUS YELLOW PUMPKIN. @dghntmcr has created some special black and yellow donuts to celebrate the opening of @yayoikusama_ exhibition at @factory_international this week. Sulin is an artist herself and first fell in love with Yayoi’s work at her London exhibition- admiring her hallucinatory paintings, sculptures and immersive environments. Available for pre ...
themanceats
602 likes • 33.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Stay Overnight! 🏨

Day trips are rushed. Staying overnight lets you see more art and enjoy the island's tranquility. Reddit

Rent a Bike 🚲

Essential for exploring the island. E-bikes are recommended for tackling hills. Reddit

Check Weather Forecast ☁️

The pumpkin has been damaged by typhoons; check conditions before you go. Instagram

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a lot of walking and cycling to get around. Reddit

Capture the Moment :camera_with_flash:

The pumpkin is a popular photo spot, be patient for your turn. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Yellow Pumpkin an iconic and visually striking art piece, though some question its placement. The experience is often enhanced by the lively atmosphere of visitors and the surrounding natural beauty. Many recommend staying overnight to fully appreciate the island's extensive art offerings.

"An alright pumpkin. It's cool enough as an art piece, but I don't get its placement. It doesn't really feel relevant to the surroundings, and it seems any sculpture could have been there in its place. What I found more intriguing than the artwork itself was how people behave around it. The patient and curious visitors queuing up to take photos, and the variety of fun and silly poses. In my eyes, it was therefore the liveliness of the people visiting the pumpkin that made this an interesting art piece."

Njål Armin

"This is my second encounter with the yellow pumpkin becos my first was in Fukuoka . A few years ago the pumpkin was damaged by the heavy waves so it was temporarily moved to Fukuoka Art Museum.

Coming to Naoshima could be a bit tiring but seeing the real piece of artwork is priceless.

We had to get a local shuttle bus to come here and we regretted not staying overnight but it couldn’t be helped because my friends had to get a plane back leaving us only time for just a day trip.

Strongly suggest to stay overnight night as there are so many wonderful art museums to see. Don’t make the mistake that we did !!!"

Cherry Yip

"Yellow pumpkin is the icon of Naoshima! An unique and powerful presence at the southern shore of the island. Why not come and take a look while you’re waiting for the free shuttle to the museums?"

Young Lee

What People Like

Iconic art installation
Unique island setting
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Questionable placement
Limited transport
Day trip rush

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

To reach the Yellow Pumpkin on Naoshima, you'll typically take a ferry from Uno Port (Okayama Prefecture) or Takamatsu Port (Kagawa Prefecture). The ferry ride itself offers scenic views. TikTok+1 Once on the island, you can use the local bus system or rent a bicycle to get to the pumpkin's location on the southern shore. Reddit

Naoshima has a limited bus service, but many visitors find renting a bicycle, especially an e-bike, to be the most convenient way to explore the island and its art sites. Reddit Be prepared for some hilly terrain. Reddit

Yes, there are direct ferry services to Naoshima from Uno Port in Okayama and Takamatsu Port in Kagawa. It's advisable to check the ferry schedules in advance as they can vary. TikTok

While a day trip is possible, many visitors regret not staying overnight due to the abundance of art and the desire to fully experience the island. TikTokReddit A day trip might feel rushed, especially if you want to visit multiple museums. TikTok

The ferry ride from Uno Port to Naoshima takes approximately 15-20 minutes, while from Takamatsu Port it's about 50-60 minutes. Travel time on the island depends on your chosen mode of transport and destinations. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Yellow Pumpkin sculpture itself is an outdoor installation and is generally accessible without a specific ticket. However, access to the pier it sits on may be restricted due to weather or maintenance. Reddit

As an outdoor sculpture, the Yellow Pumpkin doesn't have set opening hours. It can be viewed at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photography. TikTok

Yes, major art museums on Naoshima, such as the Benesse House Museum and Chichu Art Museum, have separate entrance fees. It's recommended to check their official websites for current pricing and any special exhibition fees. TikTok

For the museums on Naoshima, it's often advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid long queues. Some tickets might be available online or at the museum entrance. TikTok

While there isn't a single ticket covering all attractions, consider purchasing passes that might bundle entry to specific museums or offer discounts if you plan to visit multiple art sites. Check the official Naoshima tourism or Benesse Art Site websites for details. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Many visitors find late afternoon, especially near sunset, to be the most magical time for photographing the Yellow Pumpkin, as the light can create a beautiful glow. TikTokReddit Weekday mornings can also offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed for the outdoor Yellow Pumpkin sculpture. However, inside the museums, photography rules can vary, with some areas prohibiting flash or any photography. Always check signage. TikTok

Visitors often take photos of the pumpkin from various angles, with the sea and sky as a backdrop. People also enjoy capturing the unique poses and interactions of other visitors around the artwork. TikTokReddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in sensitive areas like art installations and national parks to ensure safety and preserve the environment. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing the Yellow Pumpkin. For museum interiors, a camera with good low-light performance might be beneficial. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are a few cafes and restaurants on Naoshima, including one at the Benesse House Museum, which offers meals with sea views. TikTok Options can be limited, so it's wise to check operating hours or consider packing snacks. TikTok

Dining options on Naoshima are somewhat limited but offer a unique experience. You can find cafes and restaurants, some of which are part of the art museums or accommodations. TikTok Expect Japanese cuisine and some international options. TikTok

You can find local Japanese dishes, seafood, and some Western-inspired meals. The cafe at Benesse House Museum is noted for its food. TikTok Some visitors also enjoy themed treats inspired by the art, like Kusama-themed donuts. Instagram

Prices for food on Naoshima can be moderate to high, especially at restaurants within the art facilities. Packing some snacks or enjoying simpler meals at local eateries can help manage costs. TikTok

Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally acceptable and can be a good way to save money, especially if you're spending a full day exploring the island. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Naoshima offers a unique artistic adventure for families. While the Yellow Pumpkin is a fun visual for kids, the island's museums might require more engagement. Consider the Art House Project for a more interactive experience, as some houses feature playful installations. TikTok Renting e-bikes can make family cycling more manageable, but ensure children are comfortable and safe. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options can be limited and spread out. TikTok The open spaces and sea views can also be a hit with younger visitors.

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting Naoshima can be done on a budget by prioritizing outdoor art and utilizing public transport. While museum entry fees add up, the Yellow Pumpkin and other outdoor sculptures are free to view. TikTok Consider packing your own food and snacks to save on dining costs. TikTok Renting standard bicycles instead of e-bikes can also reduce expenses, provided you're prepared for the physical exertion. Reddit Staying overnight in more basic accommodations or even camping (if available) could be more economical than staying at the Benesse House.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Naoshima is a photographer's dream, with the Yellow Pumpkin being a prime subject. Aim for golden hour for dramatic lighting on the sculpture and surrounding landscapes. TikTokReddit Explore different angles and compositions, incorporating the sea and sky. Instagram Don't forget to capture the unique atmosphere of the Art House Project and the architectural brilliance of the Chichu Art Museum. TikTok Be mindful of photography restrictions inside museums and always respect other visitors' experiences. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Naoshima

Naoshima Island is renowned as a global art destination, transforming from an industrial island into a vibrant hub for contemporary art and architecture. The island's unique integration of art with nature and its stunning coastal scenery make it a truly special place. The Benesse Art Site Naoshima is the driving force behind this transformation, featuring a collection of museums, outdoor sculptures, and art houses scattered across the island. TikTok

Key attractions include the Chichu Art Museum, an architectural masterpiece by Tadao Ando built mostly underground to preserve the island's natural beauty, housing works by Claude Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell. The Benesse House Museum itself is a hotel and museum complex, offering overnight stays amidst art. Beyond these major institutions, visitors can explore the Art House Project, where traditional Japanese houses have been converted into art installations, offering an intimate and immersive experience. TikTok

The Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Naoshima, a vibrant polka-dotted sculpture that has captivated visitors for years. While it has faced challenges, including being swept away by a typhoon, its presence on the pier has become synonymous with the island's artistic identity. Instagram+1 The island's commitment to art extends to its infrastructure, with art installations found even at ferry ports and bus stops, ensuring a constant artistic encounter. TikTok

Navigating Naoshima: Transport & Logistics

Getting to and around Naoshima requires some planning, as it's an island accessible primarily by ferry. The most common departure points are Uno Port in Okayama Prefecture and Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture. TikTok+1 Ferries run regularly, but it's crucial to check the latest schedules, especially if you're on a tight timeline or planning a day trip. TikTok

Once you arrive on Naoshima, public transportation is limited to a local bus service and rental bicycles. The buses connect major art sites, but their routes and frequency might not cover every corner of the island. Reddit Many visitors opt for bicycle rentals, which offer more flexibility. E-bikes are highly recommended, as the island has some steep inclines that can make cycling challenging otherwise. Reddit Be aware that cycling routes might not always be straightforward, and some areas might be inaccessible by bike. Reddit

Given the dispersed nature of the art installations and the time required for travel between them, many visitors strongly suggest staying overnight on Naoshima. Reddit This allows for a more relaxed exploration, the opportunity to visit museums at different times of day, and to truly soak in the island's unique atmosphere without the pressure of catching a ferry back. Reddit

The Enduring Appeal of Yayoi Kusama's Pumpkins

Yayoi Kusama's polka-dotted pumpkins are among her most recognizable and beloved works, symbolizing themes of infinity, nature, and the artist's personal experiences. The Yellow Pumpkin, in particular, became an iconic fixture on the shore of Naoshima Island, its vibrant presence a beacon for art lovers. TikTokInstagram Installed on a pier, it offered a unique dialogue between the artwork, the sea, and the sky, creating a memorable visual experience for visitors. Instagram

The sculpture's placement on Naoshima was significant, aligning with the island's transformation into a world-class art destination. It served as a welcoming landmark, often the first major art piece visitors encountered upon arrival or a point of interest while waiting for island transport. Reddit The artwork's simple yet powerful form, combined with Kusama's signature polka dots, made it instantly recognizable and highly photogenic, contributing to its widespread popularity on social media. TikTokInstagram

Despite its enduring appeal, the Yellow Pumpkin has faced natural challenges. In 2021, it was unfortunately swept away by strong winds and waves during a typhoon, highlighting the vulnerability of outdoor art installations. Instagram+1 While this event was a setback, it also underscored the sculpture's powerful connection to its environment and the resilience of art. The incident also sparked discussions about the placement and preservation of such significant artworks. Instagram

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