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.
Valley Gallery and Lee Ufa Museum outdoor artworks
Valley Gallery
Set within a serene valley considered a sacred boundary, the Valley Gallery centers on the themes of prayer, rebirth, and harmony with nature. Its small shrine-like building and open, double-walled structure invite quiet introspection while allowing visitors to feel the movement of light, wind, and time. The artworks, closely connected to local history and nature, resonate with the surrounding landscape, creating a space for spiritual reflection and a renewed awareness of the richness of life.
Lee Ufan Museum – Outdoor Artworks
Nestled in a gentle valley between hills and sea, the Lee Ufan Museum features minimalist sculptures that harmonize with their natural surroundings. Created by Lee Ufan and set around a Tadao Ando-designed semi-underground structure, the outdoor works encourage silent contemplation. With simple materials like stone and steel, the sculptures emphasize stillness and space, offering a peaceful dialogue between nature, art, and architecture.
Benesse House 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 spend more time on the nearby Lee Ufan Museum. The stylish café at Benesse House is also a great spot for lunch with a great view of Seto inland sea.
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. There are also a few cozy cafés where we can stop for snacks and relax.
Naoshima New Museum of Art
Opened in May 2025, this stunning hilltop museum designed by Tadao Ando showcases contemporary Asian art in harmony with nature. The building itself blends beautifully with the landscape, and the opening exhibition features impressive works by top Asian artists like Takashi Murakami and Cai Guo-Qiang. With ocean views, site-specific artworks, and thoughtful design, it's a peaceful and inspiring place to visit on Naoshima. The cafe itself is worth visiting for art and view.
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 and hotel pick-up if near the port
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
Yana B.
“Amazing tour and amazing guide”
Mika is a very diligent person who takes the task at hand very seriously and makes something great out of it! She was always super responsive to my questions and concerns, which I really appreciated. She if very kind and lovely! I am very happy I found her to guide. She also has great English if anyone might be concerned. Thank you so much for everything Mika, very grateful to you!
Mika S.
It was such a pleasure to guide guests who have visited so many museums and experienced art around the world, and yet still deeply appreciated the Chichu Art Museum and Teshima Art Museum—and what they mean to the local community. Please come back for more art experiences on the islands of the Seto Inland Sea!
Widdy H.
“Very Intelligent and Beautiful Guide!”
I was fortunate to have Mika as my guide. I contacted Mika about 1 year ago before my actual visit of Kotohira, Kagawa on May 7, 2025. She was so kind and patient helping me with the itinerary, diligent in researching the sites I wanted to visit and suggesting sites based on my interests. I finally met her, and I had the most wonderful experience, it was one of the best days I had in Japan. I visited touristic, non touristic sites and museums thanks to Mika. She speaks perfect English and lived in the US when she was young. Mika is educated, cultured, very nice and pleasant. I would hire her again if and when I visit Kotohira again in the future. Widdy
Mika S.
I'm so delighted that the itinerary we planned together worked out perfectly. The Iya Valley felt much closer to Kotohira Town, and the beautiful nature and hidden community were truly astonishing—especially with the help of a local driver who made the tour feel even more personal. I would also like to thank you for your kind words and the 5-star review. It truly gave me confidence and encouragement as a guide. Anytime you're near Kagawa, I’d be more than happy to guide you again.
Betty C.
“Lovely trip to Shodoshima ”
Mika is an amazing, accommodating, and thoughtful guide. She came up with a great itinerary that balanced key points of interest of Shodoshima with works of art for Setouchi Triennale, which was what I requested. She communicates often before the trip and even after to share recommendations, etc. I highly recommend Mika as a guide.
Mika S.
Thank you so much for your warm review! I’m truly honored to have introduced you to some of the artworks of Setouchi Triennale 2025, along with the nature, community, and craftsmanship of soy sauce and olives on Shodoshima. Please come back during the colorful fall season to enjoy more art and explore the other side of the island. Whenever your travels bring you near Far East Asia, you are always welcome. Mika
$276/ per group
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SETOUCHI, full Day Naoshima island, Benesse Art Site Tour [All Season]
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