How to Get to Takamatsu. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

The closest key international airports to Naoshima are Kansai International Airport (KIX) near Osaka and Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) near Nagoya. Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo are also major international gateways.

Flight Details:

Airlines: Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, France's National airline, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific.
Routes: Direct flights to KIX or HND/NRT from major global hubs. Domestic flights connect to Takamatsu Airport (TAK) or Okayama Airport (OKJ).
Price Fluctuations: Highest prices during cherry blossom, Golden Week holiday period in japan, Obon, autumn foliage, and New Year. Book 3-6 months in advance.

Airport Facilities & Resources

All major Japanese airports provide comprehensive facilities for travelers, promoting a comfortable arrival and onward journey.

Amenities:

Currency exchange and ATMs.
Free Wi-Fi access.
Duty-free shops, diverse restaurants and cafes.
Tourist information centers with English-speaking staff.

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club (Dollarflightclub.com) helps find cheap flights.

Flight Comparison

Skyscanner (Skyscanner.com) compares flight prices.

Car Rentals

DiscoverCars.com (Discovercars.com) for rental cars.

Airport Transfers to Naoshima

From KIX Osaka & NRT/HND Tokyo:

From KIX: JR Haruka Limited Express to Shin-Osaka, then Shinkansen to Okayama (approx. 1 hour).
From NRT/HND: Narita Express (N'EX) or Keikyu Line to Tokyo Station, then Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama (3.5-4 hours).
From Okayama: JR Uno Line to Uno Station (45-60 min), then short walk to Uno Port.
From Uno Port: Ferry to Naoshima (Miyanoura Port) (15-20 min).

From Takamatsu Airport TAK & Okayama Airport OKJ:

From TAK: Limousine bus directly to Takamatsu Port (approx. 40 min).
From Takamatsu Port: High-speed ferry (25 min) or car ferry (50 min) to Naoshima (Miyanoura Port).
From OKJ: Limousine bus to Okayama Station (approx. 30 min).
From Okayama: Follow same steps as from KIX to reach Naoshima.

Travel Tip: Japan Rail Pass

Cost-Effective Travel

Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass if your overall itinerary features extensive train travel across Japan.

Unlimited Train Use

This pass has a value option for tourists planning extensive train travel throughout Japan, including Shinkansen services.

Coverage Check

Confirm if your Shinkansen route and local JR lines are covered by the pass for your chosen itinerary.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Japan's rail system operates with high efficiency. The Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major cities across the country.

Routes:

Okayama Station: A major Shinkansen hub on the Tokaido-Sanyo line for reaching Naoshima.
From Okayama: Board the JR Uno Line to Uno Port (approx. 45-60 minutes local train ride).
Uno Port is a short walk from Uno Station. This forms the most common land route to Naoshima.

Long-Distance Buses

Highway buses connect major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto to Okayama or Takamatsu. These buses typically cost less than the Shinkansen.

Bus Travel:

Buses take longer than Shinkansen.
Overnight buses are available, potentially saving on accommodation costs for a night.
Booking in advance for bus routes is recommended.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

Renting a car for journey on Japan's main islands (Honshu or Shikoku) is possible. Road quality and safety are generally excellent.

Driving Info:

Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention is necessary. Obtain it in your home country.
Roads: Well-maintained. Driving is on the left side. Road signs are in Japanese and The english language.
On Naoshima: Bringing a car onto Naoshima is not common. This island is small, parking is limited.

Naoshima Car Access

While car boats to Naoshima exist, visitors typically do not use them in order to exploring the island itself. Bicycle or local bus is best.

Visitor Advice:

Consider driving to Uno Port or Takamatsu Port.
Park your car there.
Take the passenger ferry across to Naoshima.

Driving & Parking on Naoshima

Bringing a car onto Naoshima itself is not common for tourists.
Parking facilities on the island are limited.
The island's small size and narrow roads make car use impractical for visitors.

Exploring Naoshima is best done by bicycle or local bus.
While car ferries exist, they are less frequently used by visitors.
Most visitors park their cars on the mainland.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services to Naoshima

Ferries serve as the main way to reach Naoshima. They connect the island to the mainland and nearby art islands. Naoshima has two main ports: Miyanoura Port (the main gateway) and Honmura Port.

Ferry Routes:

Uno Port (Honshu) to Miyanoura Port: Popular route. Car ferries (approx. 20 min) and passenger-only ferries (approx. 15 min).
Takamatsu Port (Shikoku) to Miyanoura Port: High-speed ferries (25 min) and car ferries (50 min).
Takamatsu Port to Honmura Port: High-speed ferry (30 min), less frequent. Convenient for Honmura village.

Ferry Connections & Arrival

Ferries also connect Naoshima (Miyanoura Port) to the nearby art islands of Teshima (Ieura Port) and Inujima. These serve for day trips to other art sites.

Arrival Details:

Always check the latest ferry schedules online. Schedules change due to season, day of week, or weather.
Immigration: No new procedures upon arrival at Naoshima's ports, cleared at initial entry to Japan.
Connections With locals: Naoshima Town Bus stop, bicycle rental shops, tourist information center at Miyanoura Port.

Uno Port Ferry

From Uno Port (Okayama Prefecture, Honshu) to Miyanoura Port (Naoshima).

Takamatsu Port Ferry

From Takamatsu Port (Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku) to Miyanoura Port (Naoshima).

Island Connections

Ferries also connect Naoshima to Teshima and Inujima for art exploration.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

A ¥1,000 International Tourist Tax (Departure Tax) typically includes itself in your international flight or ferry ticket price when departing Japan. No additional fees are usually collected at the departure point.

Departure Guidelines:

International Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure for check-in, security, and immigration.
Ferries from Naoshima: Arrive at Miyanoura or Honmura Port 15-30 minutes before departure.
Timely arrival is especially important during peak season to secure your spot.

Facilities for Departing Travelers

Major Japanese airports offer many facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shopping and lounges. Ferry ports on Naoshima are smaller but provide basic amenities.

Port Amenities:

Miyanoura Port: Larger terminal building with a souvenir shop, cafe, waiting areas, and restrooms.
Honmura Port: More basic, but features a waiting area.
Double-check your onward travel arrangements (trains, flights) before departing Naoshima.

Departure Reminder:

Consider potential ferry delays because of the weather when planning connections.

How to Get to Takamatsu