Naoshima Full-Day Customized Tour
Joined 2023
You will explore the magical art island of Naoshima! Even you are not so art lovers you will definitely enjoy this one-of-a-kind tour. First, you will be visiting the museum area including Chicyu art museum and meet the iconic yellow pumpkin along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. At the Art House Project area, you will feel closer to Naoshima's life by strolling several installations in the historical castle town. You will surely become a fan of this magical island!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Miyanoura port on Naoshima
Miyanoura Port
Outdoor art works welcome you at the port. The Marine Station “Naoshima”, Red Pumpkin, Naoshima Pavilion
Chichu Art Museum
The museum, designed by Tadao Ando, is itself an extraordinary art piece, built mostly underground to preserve the beautiful natural scenery. Claude Monet’s famous late works are displayed in natural light, allowing the view of the art to change with the weather and time of day—a truly unique way to appreciate these masterpieces. Artworks by James Turrell and Walter De Maria are also on permanent display. Tickets must be reserved through the museum's official website. We can take a break at Chichu Café, which offers stunning views of the Inland Sea. The itinerary will be adjusted based on the timing of your museum reservation; if it’s in the afternoon, we’ll visit other areas in the morning.
Benesse House Museum/ Lee Ufan Museum
Benesse House Museum, built in 1992, was the first to combine accommodation with the concept of "coexistence of nature, art, and architecture." Staying here allows for a unique experience, including exploring the museum at night and using the free hotel shuttle. However, staying is not essential to enjoy Naoshima. If you do stay, we can skip Benesse House Museum and focus on the nearby Lee Ufan Museum, a serene, minimalist space where Lee Ufan’s works blend with Tadao Ando’s architecture and the Valley Gallery. The stylish café at Benesse House is also a great spot for lunch if we're lucky enough to find a table.
Art House Project
The old, vacant houses in the castle town, once home to local pirates, have been transformed into contemporary art installations. Walking around, you can experience the history of Naoshima up close, with creative installations inspired by the town's heritage. The ANDO MUSEUM, as well as a new museum currently under construction, are located in this area. There are also a few cozy cafés where we can stop for snacks and relax.
Naoshima Bath / Naoshima Pavillion / Red pumpkin
At the end of your journey, you can relax in the artistic public bath created by Shinro Ohtake. Some say it’s the best art experience on Naoshima! If you’re feeling shy, we can explore iconic Red Pumpkin and Naoshima pavillion.
End of the tour
Miyanoura port
Ending Point
Miyanoura port on Naoshima
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
transportation fee
lunch (you and the guide)
entrance fee: we may not visit all of the following facilities.
・Chichu Art Museum: 2,500~ yen,
・Benesse House Museum:1,300~ yen,
・Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery: Time Corridors 1,500 yen (Tea and sweets are included)
・Lee Ufan Museum:1,200~ yen
・Art House Project: 1,200~ yen multi-site
・ANDO MUSEUM: 600~ yen
・Naoshima Bath:660 yen
Tour Important Information
There are two ways to get to Naoshima, one from Uno Port in Okayama and the other from Takamatsu Port in Kagawa Prefecture, but for a taste of island travel, I recommend taking the lovely ferry from Takamatsu Port. Takamatsu Station and Takamatsu Port are very close, and there are many accommodation facilities. To come to Takamatsu station, transfer to the Marine Liner at Okayama station and travel one hour through the Seto-ohashi Bridge.
From Okayama station to Uno Port, you can ride a local train but if you have luggage and more than one person, it is more convenient to take a taxi, which costs about 8,000 yen.
If you stay at Benesse House on Naoshima, you can enjoy the night views of art works. You also have the privilege of riding the hotel bus connecting the other sightseeing area, which is more convenient.
This tour is not available on Mondays because many facilities are closed on Naoshima.
If you stay at the Benesse house hotels you can use hotel bus transportation freely. If you don't, it is convenient to reserve a taxi for a big group to see more art sites. I highly recommend to book early because there aren't many taxis on Naoshima.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Mika S.
My name is Mika, a local guide living in Takamatsu city. I have been an English teacher, but the Setouchi International Art Festival awakened me to the joy of guiding. The more I learn about the Seto Inland Sea region, the more I am impressed by its life, history, architecture and art works. So, I would like to show you the spectacular scenery that you may have missed in guidebooks alone, and the sights that have yet to be introduced in guidebooks.
In Kagawa Prefecture, island tours are also very popular, such as Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima, which are sacred places for contemporary art, and I think you can better understand the connection between the history of the islands and art by touring with a guide.
Of course, I would also like to introduce fresh harvest from the Seto Inland Sea, delicious local food, and shopping for folk crafts in the Takamatsu shopping arcade, which will satisfy you fully as a highlight of your journey.
Reviews
Kevin M.
“Great Takamatsu tour ”
Mika met us and dropped us off at our cruise ship! We spent 2-3 hours in Ritsurin Gardens , biggest in Japan ! Quite beautiful and we did tea with Mika! We had Oudon noodles for lunch and visited the Yashima temple and Takamatsu castle. It was a great day spent with Mika a retired teacher. Thank you Mika ! Kevin & Lisa , Rich & Cindy
Mika S.
Thank you for your wonderful review! I’m so glad you had the chance to explore the highlights of Takamatsu at a leisurely pace. Spending the day with such delightful company and engaging in lively conversation made the experience even more enjoyable. Wishing you smooth and memorable travels at every port! Mika
Charles S.
“Lovely Guide, Lovely Day”
Mika listened to our preferences and planned a delightful day for us that was amply filled but not overwhelming. Her English is excellent and her local knowledge was impressive. Thank you for a memorable visit!
Mika S.
I am deeply thankful for your warm words. I truly had a wonderful day with you both. It was a pleasure to see you enjoy the local shops, restaurants, and historical sites! Wishing you the rest of your journey filled with enjoyable memories. Mika
L I.
“Shodoshima Island Tour”
Our group of 8 had a wonderful experience touring Shodo island. The island is beautiful and rich in culture, and we were able to see and learn about things that were very unique to this area. Mika worked very closely with our group to determine our needs and interests before the tour. As our visit was during a popular time for tourists, Mika really assured that we maximized the use of our time while there. I would highly recommend her services for Shodoshima or Takamatsu area.
Mika S.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure to guide your group and share in the friendly atmosphere created by your close family friends who have known each other for so long. I learned a lot from you, too! Thank you for being a fantastic group leader and making it so easy to customize the tour. I hope to welcome you back to explore more of the beautiful islands in the Seto Inland Sea someday!
$280/ per group
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Discover the charm of Takamatsu city, where you can explore historic castle ruins, stroll through the stunning Ritsurin Garden, and enjoy the lively shopping arcade that once thrived as a castle town. For added adventure, Plan B includes a visit to the captivating Shikokumura open air Museum and the tranquil Yashima Temple.
![SETOUCHI, full Day Naoshima island, Benesse Art Site Tour [All Season]cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/l8JQn_w6K0WqZQJD-EpYjc-YRlnphtoYB7-HVUZbOrY/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/3743/65406.jpg)
SETOUCHI, full Day Naoshima island, Benesse Art Site Tour [All Season]
I would love to show you the very heart of Naoshima. It is an unique island and the main part of Benesse Art Site. Chichu Art Museum(JPY2060/person), Benesse House Museum(JPY1030/person), Lee Ufan Museum(JPY1030/person), Ando Museum(JPY510/person) and Art House Project ( 6 sites, JPY1030/person)（Random order). By town bus. Fresh local lunch is available during tour.
