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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical

Yayoi Kusama Yellow Pumpkin
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Yayoi Kusama's iconic Yellow Pumpkin sculpture, a vibrant polka-dotted masterpiece on Naoshima Island.
"The liveliness of the people visiting the pumpkin made this an interesting art piece."

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Chichu Art Museum
Naoshima Island
An architectural marvel by Tadao Ando, housing works by Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Naoshima
Island Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Check Weather Forecast ☁️
The pumpkin has been damaged by typhoons; check conditions before you go.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and cycling to get around.
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.
Rent a Bike 🚲
Essential for exploring the island. E-bikes are recommended for tackling hills.
Check Weather Forecast ☁️
The pumpkin has been damaged by typhoons; check conditions before you go.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking and cycling to get around.
Capture the Moment :camera_with_flash:
The pumpkin is a popular photo spot, be patient for your turn.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.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.
Be prepared for some hilly terrain.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.
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.
A day trip might feel rushed, especially if you want to visit multiple museums.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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Weekday mornings can also offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are a few cafes and restaurants on Naoshima, including one at the Benesse House Museum, which offers meals with sea views.
Options can be limited, so it's wise to check operating hours or consider packing snacks.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.
Expect Japanese cuisine and some international options.You can find local Japanese dishes, seafood, and some Western-inspired meals. The cafe at Benesse House Museum is noted for its food.
Some visitors also enjoy themed treats inspired by the art, like Kusama-themed donuts.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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Naoshima
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.
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. 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.
Navigating Naoshima: Transport & Logistics
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. 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. Be aware that cycling routes might not always be straightforward, and some areas might be inaccessible by bike.
Given the dispersed nature of the art installations and the time required for travel between them, many visitors strongly suggest staying overnight on Naoshima. 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.
The Enduring Appeal of Yayoi Kusama's Pumpkins
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. 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.
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. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit