Customer Guidelines:
This tour utilizes public transportation. Please be aware that seats are not reserved.
Please ensure you arrive promptly at the designated meeting time.
Please be aware that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience high levels of congestion.
The schedule may be subject to sudden changes or shorter visit durations due to reasons such as traffic congestion.
Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).
In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.
Please personally take responsibility for your valuables.
Note: These guidelines are provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation.
From Osaka or Kyoto, you can take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station, then transfer to the JR Uno Line to Uno Station. From Uno Port, ferries run directly to Miyanoura Port or Honmura Port on Naoshima. This route combines high-speed rail with sea travel, making it the most common and efficient way to reach the island.
A two-day, one-night itinerary is recommended to allow ample time to fully experience Naoshima's various art sites. This includes the Benesse House Museum, Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and the 'Art House Project' scattered throughout Honmura. This allows for a more relaxed appreciation of the island's unique artistic atmosphere and natural scenery.
When exploring Naoshima by electric bicycle, you can easily reach the Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and the 'Art House Project' dotted around Honmura. Ebikes offer flexibility to travel between sites, allowing you to delve deeper into every artistic corner of the island and its surrounding natural beauty.
The 'Art House Project' transforms old houses in Naoshima's Honmura district into unique art spaces. Representative works include the flowing water installation illuminated by LEDs in 'Kadoya,' the light and shadow experience designed by James Turrell in 'Goda-jyo,' and the glass staircase at 'Ota-Ke.' Each piece is deeply integrated with the building and local history, offering an immersive viewing experience.
Benesse House Museum is not just a museum but also combines accommodation facilities, allowing you to experience art in a natural setting. Works by various artists are displayed both inside and outside the museum, including Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin installations. Notably, some outdoor art pieces are illuminated at night, creating a completely different atmosphere than during the day, offering a unique nighttime art experience for overnight guests.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Naoshima. Spring offers mild and pleasant weather, ideal for cycling and enjoying outdoor art installations. Autumn provides cool temperatures, soft sunlight, and beautiful scenery, especially suitable for photography. Avoiding the summer heat and potential weather disruptions in winter will ensure a more comfortable travel experience.
Cycling makes it convenient to explore various photo-worthy spots on Naoshima. Must-visits include the 'Red Pumpkin' by Miyanoura Port, the classic seaside landmark 'Yellow Pumpkin,' various large sculptures outdoors at Benesse House Museum, and the installations around the 'Art House Project' scattered in Honmura. Each location offers unique appeal.
Your accompanying English-speaking guide will provide professional and comprehensive assistance for your Naoshima journey. This includes detailed explanations of the background stories of each artwork, the artists' concepts, and Naoshima's history and culture, leading to a deeper understanding of the art. The guide will also assist with transportation connections, offer local recommendations, and provide real-time support to ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable.