Sketch village scenes alongside visitors and locals. Get an intro to oil painting—or pick up a new technique—in the studio. Find the scenic spots on a bicycle tour with a resident photographer. Give your imagination a workout with a creativity-building project.
Art Island Center’s art sessions, lessons, and tours are a perfect complement to Naoshima’s museums. Join regular activities with locals, or sign up for a private lesson or tour that’s tailored to your group.
A highlight of our studio program is the opportunity to connect with locals: the programs are not only taught by island residents, but islanders themselves participate. Naoshima is a unique island with visitors from around the world, offering a perfect opportunity for exchange and learning.
・Both beginners looking to try something new as well as those with arts experience are welcome.
・We try to tailor activities to the participants. We love hearing what you're interested in pursuing.
・Instructors are artists living on Naoshima.
・A wide range of tools and materials are available in the studio for your use.
・Regular activities are mostly led in Japanese and English. Group activities are available in Japanese or English. Activities conducted in Mandarin Chinese may be possible—please contact us.
Regular Classes and Activities
Sketch in Place
Up to 8 participants • Ages 12+ • 90 minutes
Learn about the history of Miyanoura, the gateway village to Naoshima, while sketching the townscape. Learn (or practice) the principles of drawing from life, including perspective, light, and shading. We'll primarily use pencils, but other drawing materials like charcoal will be available, along with paper and drawing boards. (This is mainly an outdoor activity, but in adverse weather, we will draw indoor settings and still life scenes instead.)
All materials provided. Visiting participants (non-Naoshima residents) receive a professional-quality sketchbook, pencil, and eraser.
Visitors: ¥4,000, including materials.
Naoshima residents: ¥1,000 per session.
Painting Studio
Up to 6 participants • Ages 14+ • 90 minutes
Create artwork using acrylic and oil paint as well as pastels.
In this class, we discuss themes and ideas while building skills with the materials. Our emphasis is less on creating "good pictures" and more on shaping an idea with paint. That said, new techniques will frequently be introduced. Beginners welcome.
Those who simply wish to paint on their own, rather than following the day's prompt, are welcome to do so.
All necessary supplies will be provided, though participants can bring their own materials as well. Supplies can also be purchased from the shop.
Visitors receive a small sketchbook with paper suitable for pastels and paint, plus a small set of professional pastel pencils.
Visitors: ¥4,500, including materials.
Naoshima residents: ¥1,500 per session.
Community Activities
These activities are for Naoshima residents only.
Group Activities
Planning a trip to Naoshima? Book a private group lesson or activity that fits your interests and schedule.
We strongly recommend booking two weeks or more ahead of time.
Sketch in Place
3 to 8 participants • Ages 12+ • 120 minutes
Learn about the history of Miyanoura, the gateway village to Naoshima, while sketching the townscape. Learn (or practice) the principles of drawing from life, including perspective, light, and shading. We'll primarily use pencils, but other drawing materials like charcoal will be available, along with paper and drawing boards. (This is mainly an outdoor activity, but in adverse weather, we will draw indoor settings and still life scenes instead.)
All materials provided. All participants receive a professional-quality sketchbook, pencil, and eraser.
¥4,500 per person.
Painting Studio
3 to 6 participants • Ages 12+ • 120 minutes
Create artwork using acrylic and oil paint as well as pastels.
In this lesson, we will start by discussing themes and ideas, before diving into material and technique. Our emphasis is less on creating "good pictures" and more on shaping an idea with paint. That said, the class can also be adjusted for groups looking for a more technique-oriented experience, and tailored to your skill level.
The class emphasizes drawing from life, with subjects including figures, still life settings, and portraits.
All necessary supplies will be provided, though participants can bring their own materials as well. Supplies can also be purchased from the shop.
Participants receive a small sketchbook with paper suitable for pastels and paint, plus a small set of professional pastel pencils.
¥5,000 per person.
Book Art
3 to 6 participants • Ages 12+ • 120 minutes
Dive in to the world of hand bookbinding in this flexible course. Make notebooks using several simple techniques, build a scrapbook to carry all the tickets and ephemera you collect on the island, or create and bind an artist book incorporating stamps and intaglio prints.
¥4,500 per person.
Family Art
For families with children age 5+ • 1-2 hours
Drawing from our regular programs for kids on Naoshima, we will create an art lesson that's tailored to your family.
Activities include painting, drawing, printmaking, crafts, clay modeling, jewelry making, and more, and are fun for adults and kids to enjoy together. You can request something specific, or tell us generally what your family likes to create and we will make a recommendation.
At least one parent or guardian must be present for the lesson. One-hour lessons are recommended for young children; two-hour lessons are best for kids age 10 and older.
Starting at ¥5,000 per family.
Naoshima Photo Tour
3 to 10 participants • Ages 13+ • 3 to 5 hours
Discover the best photography spots on Naoshima on this fun bicycle tour conducted by a local photographer. Visit intriguing historic buildings, snap stunning panoramic views, and find quirky local secrets that most visitors either can’t reach or don’t notice. From deserted tunnels to hidden beaches, there’s a lot to explore on Naoshima, and we’ll help you find it.
Bicycles must be arranged separately. Particularly on weekends and during the busy season, we recommend reserving bicycles ahead of time from one of the rental shops. Some hotels and guesthouses also provide bicycles, though you should confirm this in advance. We are happy to tailor the tour to accommodate visitors with accessibility needs.
3-hour (¥4,500 per person) and 5-hour (¥6,500 per person) tours are available.
How to Register
You can sign up for an available space in a scheduled lesson by emailing us, contacting us via Line, or by visiting the shop. You can also use the contact form below. Please note that activities fill up quickly.
Official LINE Account
info@artisland.jp
Group Registration
While it's not always possible, we strongly recommend booking group activities at least two weeks in advance. Same-day or next-day reservations are generally not possible, and options are limited on short notice.
When you contact us, please provide your contact information as well as your preferred schedule and activity. We'd love to hear about your group's previous experience with the types of activities you're interested in, and what you're hoping to get out of your time with us. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences, but please note that some options may not be available due to staffing or other constraints.
・Activities can be customized based on age and interest.
・Most activities are available in Japanese & English. Please inquire about painting and drawing lessons in Mandarin Chinese.
・Prices include all supplies.
・If your group is smaller than the minimum number of participants for an activity, you can still register. However, the price will be the per-person rate times the listed minimum number of participants. (For example, Painting Studio for two people would be ¥15,000.)
・Groups must include at least one adult (age 18+).
・Payment may be made online or in person, via cash or card.