Teshima Art Island Excursion Day Tour
Joined 2018
This is a wonderful day exploring the art on Teshima, 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. We will ferry from Uno Port to Teshima and travel hire (electric assisted)bicycles and cycle around to visit the Teshima 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
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.
Ieura Port
Arrive and hire electric cycle(s) to begin our art exploration adventure!
TESHIMA ART MIUSEUM
We start with the main attraction on Teshima is the Teshima Art Museum, one of the most intriguing contemporary artworks in Japan. Standing amongst terraced rice fields, the simple concrete structure may not appear much from the outside but in fact but this is entirely deceptive and as much a part of what some feel is a transformative experience; once inside and experience the breadth of the interior and indescribable stillness and quiet and stimulates its visitors encourages and a rare moment of peaceful contemplation.
La forêt des murmures
This is one of two very experiential works by Christian Boltanski that we will visit
We cycle up Mt. Danyama to arrive in a small wood populated with countless installed wind chimes, tinkling in the breeze. On strips of transparent material hanging from each bell are the names of loved ones written by past visitors. The sound of the wind chimes summons up the mystery of the soul, paying homage to the memory of those individuals, expressing both the vitality and transience of human life.
The Needle Facxtory
Repurposed abandoned sewing needle factory active for around a quarter century, the artist's vision - the resonance of the relationship between the hull form boats used for sea bream net-fishing, but was never employed for this purpose, and the abandoned factory evokes the era when they were made and inhabited and the places and people associated with them,
LUNCH
at one of the venues on the island as discussed and agreed on
Yoko House
a transformation of an aging house located in the Leura District. The property and its various artworks have been renovated so the exterior is covered in red-tinted glass, distorting the viewer’s experience of the outside. It features-a stone garden with a pond, and a cylindrical tower installed so that the art spaces seem to expand symbolically to cover the entire site, VISION> a philosophical zone that simultaneously calls to mind thoughts of both life and death.
The concept behind the work was "To make a 'library', in a faraway place, where you could hear the heartbeats of people from all over the world."; Les Archives du Coeur is designed to immerse the viewer in a shared human experience.
Cafe
Stop by at the Teshima Art Museum cafe for rest and refreshments and reflect on the day's experience.
Conclusion
conclude the tour of the island and return by ferry to Uno Port
I will be happy to escort you to your lodging or back to Okayama
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
The approximation of costs depends on the number of museums we visit. Museum entries all = ¥520 (except Teshima Art Museum ¥1540)
+ plus lunch and ferry
**Important
-–Teshima Art 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 ¥1030 each way and electric bicycles ¥1500 for the day.
Tour Important Information
You need to be of reasonable fitness. The cycles are electric assisted and we move at a comfortable pace.
Some venues have been affected by the pandemic and availability and hours can vary without warning. We will discuss and ascertain the best itinerary of venues.
***Teshima Museum closed days as follows:
Tuesdays (March 1 - November 30)
Tuesdays to Thursdays (December 1 - last day of February)
*Open on national holidays but closed the next day.
*Open on Tuesdays when Monday falls on a national holiday but closed on the next day.
***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.
Friday to Mondays Only **currently The Needle factory is only open on weekends.
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!
$286/ 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.
