You’re standing in a concrete hallway that feels more like a bunker than a museum. The air is cool. The light is... weird. It’s not just "museum lighting"; it’s deliberate. This is the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery Time Corridors, and honestly, it’s one of the most confusingly beautiful places on Naoshima.
If you’ve ever looked at a black-and-white photo of the ocean and felt like you were staring into the edge of the universe, you’ve probably seen Sugimoto’s work. But this place? It’s not just a room with pictures on the wall. It’s a full-on architectural collaboration between Sugimoto and Tadao Ando, the king of "exposed concrete and silence."
Opened in March 2022, this gallery basically took over what used to be part of the Benesse House Park. They expanded it because, apparently, Sugimoto had too much "time" to talk about. Literally.
What is the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery Time Corridors, anyway?
Most people think of galleries as places you walk through for 20 minutes before hitting the gift shop. You can’t really do that here. For one, you need a reservation. Don't just show up expecting to stroll in; they’re pretty strict about the time slots.
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The "Time Corridors" concept is meant to link Naoshima with Sugimoto’s other massive project, the Enoura Observatory in Odawara. It’s about the "nature of time." Sounds deep, right? Basically, Sugimoto is obsessed with how we perceive history and the physical world.
The space itself is a mix of Ando’s signature smooth concrete and Sugimoto’s varied interests. You’ve got his Seascapes (those iconic 1:1 horizon photos), his Architecture series where he purposefully blurs famous buildings, and even some optical glass sculptures that look like they fell off a spaceship.
The Glass Tea House "Mondrian"
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the glass box sitting outside in the water. It’s called the Glass Tea House "Mondrian". It’s traveled all over—Venice, Versailles—but it finally landed here on Naoshima for good.
It’s a literal glass cube where traditional tea ceremonies happen. Seeing it against the backdrop of the Japanese coastline is... well, it’s a vibe. It bridges that gap between hyper-modern materials and a ritual that’s hundreds of years old.
How the Experience Actually Works
Here’s the thing: your ticket (usually around 1,500 yen if you buy it online) actually includes tea and a sweet. It’s not just a "here’s your tea, now leave" situation. You sit in a lounge designed by the New Material Research Laboratory (Sugimoto’s firm).
The tables are made of massive slabs of ancient yakusugi cedar. We're talking trees that were alive when people were still wearing tunics and carrying swords.
- Book Ahead: Use the Benesse Art Site website. If you're staying at the Benesse House hotel, you usually get in for free and don't need a specific slot, but check your booking details first.
- The Walk: It’s located near the Benesse House Park area. If you’re coming from the Yellow Pumpkin (the Yayoi Kusama one), it’s a bit of a hike uphill or a quick shuttle bus ride.
- The Light: One section of the gallery is incredibly dark. Like, "I might walk into a wall" dark. Give your eyes a minute to adjust. Once they do, the low-contrast photographs start to pop. It's meant to be seen that way.
Why Does This Gallery Matter?
In the art world, Sugimoto is kind of a big deal because he doesn't just "take photos." He uses an 8x10 large-format camera and exposures that last for hours. He’s trying to capture the essence of a thing rather than just a moment in time.
In the Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery Time Corridors, you see his transition from a photographer to a multi-hyphenate artist. He’s doing architecture, garden design, and sculpture.
A Quick Reality Check on the "Time" Theme
Some visitors find the "Time Corridors" a bit pretentious. I get it. If you aren't into minimalist, contemplative art, you might just see a bunch of blurry buildings and grey water.
But there’s something about the way the light hits the prisms in the lounge. At certain times of the day, the sunlight hits these glass blocks and splashes rainbows across the grey concrete. It’s a reminder that the building itself is a clock.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Timing: They’re usually open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. That’s a tight window. Most people spend about 30 to 45 minutes here, including the tea.
- The Go'o Shrine Connection: If you like what you see here, you have to go to the Art House Project in the Honmura district. Sugimoto designed the Go'o Shrine there too. It has a glass staircase that goes underground. It’s the "prequel" to this gallery.
- Don't Rush the Tea: The matcha and the seasonal Japanese sweet are part of the art. The lounge is quiet. It’s one of the few places on the island where you’re forced to just sit and look at the trees.
Honestly, Naoshima can get crowded and hectic with all the "Instagram spots." The Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery Time Corridors feels like the antidote to that. It’s quiet, it’s dark, and it makes you think about how long a thousand years actually is.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Calendar: Benesse Art Site facilities often have "maintenance days" where everything closes. Don't book your ferry until you've checked their specific opening calendar for the month.
- Reserve Online: On-site tickets are slightly more expensive (around 1,600 yen) and often sell out during the Setouchi Triennale or holiday weekends.
- Pack Light: There aren't many places to stash big bags in these galleries. Leave your luggage at your hotel or the lockers at Miyanoura Port.
- Watch the Weather: The Glass Tea House is outdoors. If it’s pouring rain, you can still see it through the glass walls of the gallery, but the walk over will be a bit damp.
Ultimately, this isn't just a museum visit; it's a mood. If you're going to Naoshima, give yourself the hour to sit with the ancient wood and the glass cubes. You've come all this way; don't rush the experience.