直島を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、直島に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 直島の基本情報
- 香川県にある瀬戸内海の小さな島
- 「アートの島」として、多くの美術館や屋外アート作品がある
- 主要な観光スポット
- 地中美術館：クロード・モネの絵などを展示する地下美術館
- ベネッセハウス：ホテルと美術館が一体化した施設
- 家プロジェクト：本村地区の古民家や神社がそのままアート作品に
- 草間彌生の「黄かぼちゃ」「赤かぼちゃ」：撮影スポットとして人気
- 「I♥Yu」：アートの要素を取り入れた公衆浴場
- 島へのアクセス
- フェリーで、岡山県の宇野港や香川県の高松港から行くのが一般的
- 島内はレンタサイクルやバスで移動できる
- 瀬戸内国際芸術祭
- 3年に一度開催される国際的な現代アートの祭典直島を含む瀬戸内海の複数の島々で展示が行われる
- 春・夏・秋の3シーズンに分けて開催されることが多い
２人が直島について話しています。
瀬戸内海の芸術の島・直島の魅力、美術館、草間彌生のアート作品、アクセスなどを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, have you ever heard of Naoshima? I saw some photos online, and now I’m really curious about it.
Of course! Naoshima is pretty famous, especially among people who like modern art. Are you thinking about going there?
Yeah, I’m considering it for my next trip. From what I understand, it’s known as the “art island,” right?
That’s right. Naoshima is actually world-famous for its art museums and outdoor installations. The whole island feels like an art gallery.
That sounds amazing. Do you know how the island became so focused on art?
It started as an industrial place, but in the late 1980s, the Benesse group began turning it into a center for art and nature. Now, it’s a model for how art can help revitalize a community.
Interesting! So what are the main places I should visit?
The most famous is probably the Chichu Art Museum. It’s built underground and shows works by Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. You need to book in advance because it’s really popular.
I’ve seen photos of that huge yellow pumpkin by the sea. Is that on Naoshima too?
Yes! That’s Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin. It’s one of the island’s symbols. There’s also her Red Pumpkin near the port. Both are great for photos.
Besides museums, are there any other art experiences?
Definitely. There’s the Art House Project in the Honmura area, where old houses and even a shrine have been transformed into art spaces. Every building is unique.
That’s so creative! How do people get around the island?
Most people use rental bikes or the local bus. The island isn’t too big, so you can visit several spots in one day, but staying overnight is even better to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Is Naoshima popular with foreign tourists as well?
Yes, it’s very popular internationally. Many overseas visitors come, especially during the Setouchi Triennale, the big art festival held every three years.
What about the best time to go? I want to avoid crowds but still enjoy nice weather.
Spring and autumn are perfect. The weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is quiet but a bit cold.
Are there places to stay, or do people usually just do a day trip?
You can do both. There are hotels like Benesse House, which is also a museum, as well as guesthouses and inns. Booking early is a good idea, especially during busy seasons.
Is there anything else unique about Naoshima?
I’d say the way art, nature, and local life come together is really special. Even the public bathhouse, “I♥Yu,” is a work of art you can experience!
That sounds so different from Tokyo. Is the local food good?
Yes! There are nice cafes and small restaurants serving local seafood and simple Japanese dishes. Eating by the sea is a nice experience, too.
Thanks, Key. I’m even more excited to visit Naoshima now. I think it will be a great trip to enjoy art, nature, and maybe find some inspiration!
概要 / Overview
「直島」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
直島
Location and Access
Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea in Japan. It belongs to Kagawa Prefecture. You can reach Naoshima by ferry from Uno Port in Okayama or from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa. The island is easy to get around by bicycle, bus, or even by walking.
Art Island
Naoshima is famous all over the world as an “art island.” Many people visit to see its modern art museums, unique buildings, and outdoor art. The most famous artwork is the big Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama. There is also a Red Pumpkin near the port. These colorful pumpkins are popular spots for photos.
Museums and Art Projects
The Chichu Art Museum is one of the most famous museums on Naoshima. It is built underground and shows works by Monet and other artists. Benesse House is both a museum and a hotel, so you can stay overnight and enjoy art at the same time. In the Honmura area, you can find the Art House Project, where old houses and even a shrine are turned into art.
Nature and Atmosphere
Naoshima is also loved for its beautiful sea views and quiet nature. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable. The local people are friendly and welcome visitors warmly. Naoshima is a special place where you can enjoy art, nature, and a relaxing time.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「直島」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Naoshima?
Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, known for its modern art and museums.
2: Where is Naoshima located?
Naoshima is in Kagawa Prefecture, between Honshu and Shikoku in the Seto Inland Sea.
3: How can you get to Naoshima?
You can reach Naoshima by ferry from Uno Port in Okayama or from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa.
4: Why is Naoshima called the “art island”?
Naoshima is called the “art island” because it has many art museums, outdoor sculptures, and unique buildings.
5: What is the most famous artwork on Naoshima?
The most famous artwork is the big Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, which stands by the sea.
6: What is the Chichu Art Museum?
The Chichu Art Museum is an underground museum showing works by artists like Claude Monet.
7: Can you stay overnight on Naoshima?
Yes, there are hotels, guesthouses, and even a museum hotel called Benesse House.
8: What is the best season to visit Naoshima?
The best seasons to visit Naoshima are spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable.
9: Is Naoshima popular with foreign tourists?
Yes, many people from Japan and other countries visit Naoshima every year.
10: What can you do on Naoshima besides see art?
Besides enjoying art, you can relax by the sea, try local food, and enjoy the island’s peaceful nature.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, have you ever heard of Naoshima? I saw some photos online, and now I’m really curious about it.
ねえKey、直島って聞いたことある？ネットで写真を見たんだけど、すごく興味がわいてきたんだ。
Of course! Naoshima is pretty famous, especially among people who like modern art. Are you thinking about going there?
もちろん知ってるよ！直島は、特に現代アートが好きな人の間でかなり有名だよ。もしかして行こうと思ってるの？
Yeah, I’m considering it for my next trip. From what I understand, it’s known as the “art island,” right?
うん、次の旅行先に考えてるんだ。たしか「アートの島」として有名なんだよね？
That’s right. Naoshima is actually world-famous for its art museums and outdoor installations. The whole island feels like an art gallery.
そうそう。直島は美術館や屋外アートで世界的に有名なんだ。島全体がアートギャラリーみたいな感じだよ。
That sounds amazing. Do you know how the island became so focused on art?
すごいね。どうしてそんなにアートに力を入れる島になったのか知ってる？
It started as an industrial place, but in the late 1980s, the Benesse group began turning it into a center for art and nature. Now, it’s a model for how art can help revitalize a community.
もともとは工業の島だったんだけど、1980年代後半にベネッセグループがアートと自然の拠点にし始めたんだ。今ではアートで町おこしに成功した例として注目されてるよ。
Interesting! So what are the main places I should visit?
面白いなあ！じゃあ、絶対行くべきスポットってどこ？
The most famous is probably the Chichu Art Museum. It’s built underground and shows works by Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. You need to book in advance because it’s really popular.
一番有名なのは地中美術館かな。地下に作られてて、モネやジェームズ・タレル、ウォルター・デ・マリアの作品があるよ。人気だから事前予約が必要なんだ。
I’ve seen photos of that huge yellow pumpkin by the sea. Is that on Naoshima too?
海辺にある大きな黄色いカボチャの写真を見たことあるんだけど、あれも直島なの？
Yes! That’s Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin. It’s one of the island’s symbols. There’s also her Red Pumpkin near the port. Both are great for photos.
そうそう！あれは草間彌生の「黄かぼちゃ」だよ。島のシンボルのひとつなんだ。港の近くには「赤かぼちゃ」もあるよ。どっちも写真映えするよ。
Besides museums, are there any other art experiences?
美術館以外にも、他にアートを楽しめるところってある？
Definitely. There’s the Art House Project in the Honmura area, where old houses and even a shrine have been transformed into art spaces. Every building is unique.
もちろん。本村エリアの「家プロジェクト」は、古民家や神社までアート作品に生まれ変わってるんだ。一つ一つ全部雰囲気が違うよ。
That’s so creative! How do people get around the island?
すごく独創的だね！みんな島の中はどうやって移動してるの？
Most people use rental bikes or the local bus. The island isn’t too big, so you can visit several spots in one day, but staying overnight is even better to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
レンタサイクルか町営バスを使う人が多いよ。島自体はそんなに大きくないから、1日でいろいろ回れるし、泊まって夜の雰囲気を楽しむのもおすすめだよ。
Is Naoshima popular with foreign tourists as well?
直島って外国人にも人気なの？
Yes, it’s very popular internationally. Many overseas visitors come, especially during the Setouchi Triennale, the big art festival held every three years.
うん、海外でもすごく有名だよ。特に3年に1回の瀬戸内国際芸術祭の時期は、たくさん外国人も来るよ。
What about the best time to go? I want to avoid crowds but still enjoy nice weather.
一番いい時期っていつ？人混みは避けたいけど、気候のいいときに行きたいな。
Spring and autumn are perfect. The weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is quiet but a bit cold.
春と秋がベストだよ。気候がちょうどいいし、景色もきれい。夏は暑いし混むし、冬は静かだけどちょっと寒いんだ。
Are there places to stay, or do people usually just do a day trip?
宿泊施設ってあるの？それともみんな日帰りなのかな？
You can do both. There are hotels like Benesse House, which is also a museum, as well as guesthouses and inns. Booking early is a good idea, especially during busy seasons.
どっちもできるよ。ベネッセハウスみたいな美術館と一体になったホテルもあるし、ゲストハウスや民宿も多いよ。混む時期は早めの予約が安心かな。
Is there anything else unique about Naoshima?
直島ならではの面白いものって他にもある？
I’d say the way art, nature, and local life come together is really special. Even the public bathhouse, “I♥Yu,” is a work of art you can experience!
アートと自然と地元の暮らしが一体になってるところが特にユニークだよ。銭湯の「I♥湯」もアート作品として体験できるんだ。
That sounds so different from Tokyo. Is the local food good?
東京とは全然違う雰囲気だね。食べ物も美味しいの？
Yes! There are nice cafes and small restaurants serving local seafood and simple Japanese dishes. Eating by the sea is a nice experience, too.
うん！カフェや小さなレストランもあって、地元の魚介や素朴な和食が楽しめるよ。海を見ながら食べるのも最高だよ。
Thanks, Key. I’m even more excited to visit Naoshima now. I think it will be a great trip to enjoy art, nature, and maybe find some inspiration!
ありがとうキー。直島に行くのがますます楽しみになってきたよ。きっとアートも自然も満喫できて、いい刺激になりそう！
概要 / Overview
直島
Location and Access
Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea in Japan. It belongs to Kagawa Prefecture. You can reach Naoshima by ferry from Uno Port in Okayama or from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa. The island is easy to get around by bicycle, bus, or even by walking.
場所とアクセス
直島は、日本の瀬戸内海にある小さな島です。香川県に属しています。直島へは、岡山県の宇野港や香川県の高松港からフェリーで行くことができます。島内は自転車やバス、徒歩でも簡単に移動できます。
Art Island
Naoshima is famous all over the world as an “art island.” Many people visit to see its modern art museums, unique buildings, and outdoor art. The most famous artwork is the big Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama. There is also a Red Pumpkin near the port. These colorful pumpkins are popular spots for photos.
アートの島
直島は「アートの島」として世界中に知られています。現代美術館やユニークな建物、屋外アートを見に多くの人が訪れます。中でも有名なのは、草間彌生の大きな黄かぼちゃのアートです。港の近くには赤かぼちゃもあります。これらのカラフルなかぼちゃは写真スポットとしても人気です。
Museums and Art Projects
The Chichu Art Museum is one of the most famous museums on Naoshima. It is built underground and shows works by Monet and other artists. Benesse House is both a museum and a hotel, so you can stay overnight and enjoy art at the same time. In the Honmura area, you can find the Art House Project, where old houses and even a shrine are turned into art.
美術館とアートプロジェクト
地中美術館は直島で最も有名な美術館の一つです。地下に建てられていて、モネなどの作品が展示されています。ベネッセハウスは美術館でありホテルでもあり、泊まりながらアートを楽しむことができます。本村地区には家プロジェクトがあり、古民家や神社までもがアート作品になっています。
Nature and Atmosphere
Naoshima is also loved for its beautiful sea views and quiet nature. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable. The local people are friendly and welcome visitors warmly. Naoshima is a special place where you can enjoy art, nature, and a relaxing time.
自然と雰囲気
直島は、美しい海の景色や静かな自然も魅力の一つです。春と秋は気候が良く、訪れるのにおすすめの季節です。地元の人々は親切で、観光客を温かく迎えてくれます。直島はアートと自然、そしてリラックスできる時間を楽しめる特別な場所です。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Naoshima?
直島とは何ですか？
Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, known for its modern art and museums.
直島は日本の瀬戸内海にある小さな島で、現代アートや美術館で有名です。
2: Where is Naoshima located?
直島はどこにありますか？
Naoshima is in Kagawa Prefecture, between Honshu and Shikoku in the Seto Inland Sea.
直島は瀬戸内海の本州と四国の間、香川県にあります。
3: How can you get to Naoshima?
直島へはどうやって行けますか？
You can reach Naoshima by ferry from Uno Port in Okayama or from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa.
岡山県の宇野港や香川県の高松港からフェリーで直島に行くことができます。
4: Why is Naoshima called the “art island”?
なぜ直島は「アートの島」と呼ばれているのですか？
Naoshima is called the “art island” because it has many art museums, outdoor sculptures, and unique buildings.
直島にはたくさんの美術館や屋外彫刻、ユニークな建物があるため、「アートの島」と呼ばれています。
5: What is the most famous artwork on Naoshima?
直島で最も有名なアート作品は何ですか？
The most famous artwork is the big Yellow Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, which stands by the sea.
一番有名なアート作品は、海辺にある草間彌生の大きな「黄かぼちゃ」です。
6: What is the Chichu Art Museum?
地中美術館とは何ですか？
The Chichu Art Museum is an underground museum showing works by artists like Claude Monet.
地中美術館は、クロード・モネなどの作品を展示する地下に作られた美術館です。
7: Can you stay overnight on Naoshima?
直島で宿泊することはできますか？
Yes, there are hotels, guesthouses, and even a museum hotel called Benesse House.
はい、ホテルやゲストハウス、さらにベネッセハウスという美術館ホテルもあります。
8: What is the best season to visit Naoshima?
直島を訪れるのに一番良い季節はいつですか？
The best seasons to visit Naoshima are spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable.
春と秋が気候も良く、直島観光に最適な季節です。
9: Is Naoshima popular with foreign tourists?
直島は外国人観光客にも人気ですか？
Yes, many people from Japan and other countries visit Naoshima every year.
はい、日本人だけでなく、毎年多くの外国人観光客も直島を訪れます。
10: What can you do on Naoshima besides see art?
直島ではアート鑑賞以外にどんなことができますか？
Besides enjoying art, you can relax by the sea, try local food, and enjoy the island’s peaceful nature.
アートを楽しむ以外にも、海辺でくつろいだり、地元の料理を味わったり、島の静かな自然を楽しむことができます。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
installation : 名詞
意味: （芸術作品としての）インスタレーション、設置、取り付け。A piece of modern art that is made for a particular place or arrangement; also, the act of putting something in place.
（直島の屋外や建物の中に展示された現代アート作品を指す）
例文：
- The museum has a new installation by a famous artist.
「その美術館には有名なアーティストによる新しいインスタレーションがあります。」 - Many outdoor installations can be found on Naoshima.
「直島では多くの屋外インスタレーションを見ることができます。」 - This installation uses light and sound to create a special effect.
「このインスタレーションは光と音を使って特別な効果を生み出しています。」
revitalize : 動詞
意味: 活性化する、再生する。To make something stronger, more active, or more successful again.
（アートによって島全体が活性化・再生されたことを指す）
例文：
- Art helped to revitalize the island community.
「アートが島のコミュニティを活性化しました。」 - The project aims to revitalize the local economy.
「そのプロジェクトは地域経済の再生を目指しています。」 - New events can revitalize a quiet town.
「新しいイベントが静かな町を活気づけることがあります。」
in advance : 副詞句
意味: 事前に、前もって。Before something happens or before a particular time.
（美術館の入場など、混雑するため事前予約が必要なことを指す）
例文：
- You should book your ticket in advance.
「チケットは事前に予約した方がいいです。」 - Please call in advance if you want to visit.
「訪問したい場合は事前にお電話ください。」 - I bought my ferry ticket in advance to avoid waiting.
「待たないようにフェリーのチケットを前もって買いました。」
guesthouse : 名詞
意味: ゲストハウス、簡易宿泊施設。A small, inexpensive hotel or private house offering accommodations to guests.
（直島で宿泊できる施設の一つで、リーズナブルでアットホームな雰囲気）
例文：
- We stayed at a cozy guesthouse on Naoshima.
「直島の居心地の良いゲストハウスに泊まりました。」 - A guesthouse is usually cheaper than a hotel.
「ゲストハウスはホテルより安いことが多いです。」 - The owner of the guesthouse was very friendly.
「そのゲストハウスのオーナーはとても親切でした。」
inn : 名詞
意味: 旅館、宿屋。A small hotel, often in the countryside or a traditional Japanese-style accommodation.
（直島での滞在先として紹介される、日本の伝統的な宿泊施設）
例文：
- We spent the night at a traditional Japanese inn.
「私たちは伝統的な日本の旅館に泊まりました。」 - Many inns offer local food and a relaxing atmosphere.
「多くの旅館は地元料理とくつろげる雰囲気を提供しています。」 - The inn had a beautiful view of the sea.
「その旅館は海の美しい景色がありました。」