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Naoshima Art Island Excursion Day Tour
Joined 2018
This is a wonderful day exploring the art on Naoshima, one of three islands creating a contemporary art experience set amidst the rice fields and mountains on the island and merging with the rural setting in the surrounding Seto Inland Sea. It features architecture by Tadao Ando.
We will ferry from Uno Port to Naoshima and travel by local bus, or if you would like, hire bicycles and cycle around to visit the Chichu Art Museum and other art project installations in the town.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
TBC
- Optional meeting recommendations: Okayama Station(7:30 am) Uno Port (9:00 am) Naoshima (time and location TBC)
Uno Port
meet for ferry transit to Island
**Please note I would be happy to greet you at your preferred location e.g. hotel or station but this will affect the necessary meeting time.
**The itinerary is dependent on the timing for Chichu Museum access which must be made in advance and affected by available designated entry time. The following is the ideal timeline but may be shuffled as appropriate.
MIyanoura Port
Arrive and hire electric cycle(s) to begin our art exploration adventure!
Modern art in an underground building, with a garden inspired by Monet's Water Lilies. Chichu houses a small but impressive collection of works by artists including Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. This is the highlight of a visit to Naoshima.
Hiroshi Sugimoto Museum
Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery was conceived to connect Naoshima and Enoura, which can be said to be the starting point of Sugimoto's creative activities since Sugimoto's longtime efforts in Naoshima led to the creation of his ultimate work as an artist, "Enoura Observatory" in Odawara. The museum, called Valley Gallery, is Ando’s ninth building on the island.
Bennesse Museum
This building is also designed by Ando, Benesse House, the structure itself is sculpture-like. It is a museum-hotel that is home to works by famed artists Hiroshi Sugimoto, Gerhard Richter, Shinro Ohtake, Richard Long, David Hockney, and others.
Chichu Museum
Arguably the island’s centerpiece, it is modern art in an underground building, with a garden inspired by Monet's Water Lilies. Chichu houses a small but impressive collection of works by artists including Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria. This is the highlight of a visit to Naoshima.
Lunch
lunch at Chichu Cafe - a tasty selection with a nice sea view
Kusama Yayoi Giant Pumpkin installation
photos of the signature installation at the pier.
Art House Project
a collection of abandoned houses and workshops scattered throughout the village, within walking distance of one another, that have been converted into venues and art installations by artists from Japan and around the world.
It began as an opportunity to interject modern art into the lives of the islanders and the local area. And to connect their daily lives with the resonance of times past olden times. The result doesn’t completely live up to Fukutake’s dreams as the art remains somewhat separate from the residents’ lives, each house having become a mini-museum. But it has injected life into the villages.
Conclusion
Conclude tour and ferry basck to Uno Port
Ending Point
TBC
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
entries, lunch, and transportation (you and the guide)
Art House Project = ¥1050
Chichu = ¥2,100 *free for children 15 and under
Hiroshi Sugimoto Museum = ¥1,500 *Includes Tea ticket (Tea and Sweets)
Benesse Museum = ¥ 1,300 * Free admission for children of 15
**Important
-–Chichu Museum requires advance booking and availability may be affected by that timing.
––**I require reimbursement for my 2-hour transit from Hiroshima where I am based to and from the ferry port.
¥15000 in cash in JPY on the day - thank you for your understanding
The ferry charges ¥300 each way and electric bicycles ¥1500 for the day.
Tour Important Information
You need to be of reasonable fitness. The cycles are electrically assisted and provide great flexibility for the itinerary and we move at a comfortable pace.
Once I send a requested tour offer I hold that date for 36 hours. Please note that I supply tours for several companies and I will close that date to enquiries via other providers for that period; if a booking is not made I reopen my availability. I am contractually obliged to accept bookings made for dates open on a provider site calendar; as such, I cannot guarantee availability until a booking is set. Thanks for your understanding.
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 2018
About Tour Guide Hugh C.
Hi!
Thanks for reviewing my profile.
I am Australian, from Sydney originally but my life with Japan and its culture and history spans 30 odd years and I have been a Hiroshima resident for 18 of those 30 years.
I joined GoWithGuide just recently but be assured I have led many tours in Hiroshima and more widely throughout metropolitan and regional Japan, sharing conversations about the unique society, its fascinating culture and history. I also have written several tourism blogs for inbound tour companies and also the Hiroshima Prefectural Tourism Bureau.
I speak fluent Japanese and I have immersed myself in the experience of living here in modern and traditional culture and spent many years studying martial arts Aikido and Iaido. I also have a strong interest in Buddhist teachings. My Japanese calligraphy work over the years has been received recognition and several awards and commissions both in Japan and elsewhere.
I'm looking forward to spending a great experience sharing the culture and history of Hiroshima with you.
Reviews
“Hiroshima Pub Crawl”
We had an absolutely fantastic time on the pub crawl! The event was so well-organized, and Hugh did an amazing job of keeping the energy high and everyone engaged. Each stop had a great vibe, with a perfect mix of lively atmospheres and unique drink selections. It was clear Hugh had researched the venues beforehand, as each spot offered something special and felt thoughtfully chosen to enhance the experience. It was a great way to meet people from all over and enjoy the local nightlife without worrying about where to go next. The restaurant we went to for dinner was an experience inside of an experience. We’ll definitely be doing this again next time we're in town! Thanks, Hugh!
Hugh C.
No, no. Thank YOU, Dan for choosing to spend your valuable time with me!
“A Canny Day in Hiroshima”
We had an incredible day of sightseeing with Hugh, whose vast knowledge of Japan and engaging storytelling made our visit to Miyajima and Hiroshima truly memorable. He was not only entertaining but also exceptionally helpful, always willing to answer our questions and provide insights. Hugh’s passion for sharing the culture and history of Japan was evident throughout the tour, making every stop feel meaningful and unique. His approachable and friendly demeanor put both of us at ease, and we never felt rushed as he tailored the experience to suit our interests. The okonomiyaki restaurant he took us to for lunch was an experience that a first-time visitor would never know existed. He even went above and beyond, at the end of our tour he walked us to the airport limo station and guided us through purchasing tickets. It was such an inspiring and seamless experience—if we ever return to the area, we wouldn’t hesitate to book with him again. Thanks, Hugh!
Hugh C.
Thanks Dan, it was my pleasure but this appreciation truly is the reward and inspires attention to the experience.
“Thank you, Hugh!”
We were fortunate to spend October 25th of this year with Hugh on a one-day tour of Naoshima. Not only did he guide us through museums and art installations, but he also introduced us to the island’s lesser-known corners and took us to the best local coffee spots.Hugh was incredibly accommodating, ensuring our day trip was comfortable and enjoyable. He went above and beyond, picking us up from our hotel in Okayama and dropping us off at the end of a long, fulfilling day.Having lived in Japan for decades, Hugh is deeply immersed in its culture. He has a fascinating life story and is an accomplished calligrapher, martial artist, painter, and overall intellectual. Our day with him was not only filled with art but also enriched by fascinating conversations and stories.Hugh had carefully planned our itinerary to ensure we made the most of our time on the island, and we are grateful for his thoughtful approach, especially since this was our only opportunity to experience Naoshima. If you're looking for a guide who speaks both English and Japanese, and who not only shares insightful information about exhibits but also offers a deep understanding of Japanese culture and customs, Hugh is an excellent choice. Be sure to book his time in advance!
$292/ per group
More tours by Hugh C.
A Canny Day in Hiroshima
The overall plan for a day in Hiroshima: Join me on a very memorable stroll through the history and culture of the "shrine island", designated one of the three most scenic sites in Japan and a World Heritage SIte, before returning to Central Hiroshima to tour Peace Memorial Park, it monuments and museums or, if desired, I am happy to discuss customising your tour to include other attractions.
Hiroshima Classical Walking Tour
A lovely relaxed half-day tour where we’ll share a comfortable three-stage walking tour as we stroll through Hiroshima’s classical Japanese landscaped gardens. Visit Hiroshima Castle and explore the interior Museum, before a tour of the fascinating modern history of Hiroshima including the A-Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Park.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima's History
An in-depth tour of the fascinating history of Hiroshima including the A-Bomb Dome, and the monuments and museum in Peace Memorial Park, followed by lunch as per what might be your available preference but I recommend Hiroshima okonomiyaki, a scrumptious layered savoury pancake.
