Day Trips & Excursions: Naoshima

Nearby Destinations

Explore other art islands like Teshima and Inujima, or mainland cities like Okayama and Takamatsu, all within a day's journey.

These locations offer diverse experiences, from more contemporary art and industrial heritage to traditional Japanese gardens and castles.

Accessible Locations

Teshima: Home to the Teshima Art Museum and rural landscapes.
Inujima: Known for its Seirensho Art Museum and Art House Project.
Okayama: Features Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden.
Takamatsu: Has Ritsurin Garden and Takamatsu Castle.

Planning Your Excursions

Efficient transport and careful scheduling make for enjoyable day trips.

Transportation Options

Ferries connect Naoshima to Teshima, Inujima, Uno Port, and Takamatsu. Train travel from Uno Port connects to Okayama and beyond.

Connections

Teshima & Inujima: Ferries from Miyanoura Port. Schedule checking is advisable.
Okayama: Ferry to Uno Port, then JR Uno Line train to Okayama Station.
Takamatsu: Direct high-speed ferry from Miyanoura Port.

Travel Styles & Time

Independent travel is typical for these destinations. Public transport in Japan is efficient.

Suggested Pace

Teshima: A full day (6-8 hours) for main art sites.
Inujima: A half-day (3-4 hours) for its compact sites.
Okayama/Takamatsu: A full day (6-8 hours) for city exploration.

Beyond the Art Islands

Natural Escapes

The Seto Inland Sea is a natural park, with scenic views.
Ferry rides display countless small islands and calm waters.
Islands feature small beaches; Teshima has rural landscapes and rice terraces.
Seasonal changes bring cherry blossoms in spring and subtle autumn foliage.

Cultural Journeys

Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden explore feudal history.
Ritsurin Garden and Takamatsu Castle offer historical insights.
Teshima Island presents a pronounced rural feel with agricultural areas.
Historical shrines and temples in Okayama and Takamatsu offer spiritual insights.

Multi-Day Extensions

Setouchi Art Island Immersion:Add a day for Teshima and Inujima.
Mainland City Exploration:Add 1-2 days for Okayama or Takamatsu.
Kyoto or Osaka Connection:Easy Shinkansen access from Okayama.
Hiroshima & Miyajima:Also accessible by Shinkansen from Okayama.

Okayama Station:A major Shinkansen hub.
Takamatsu:Gateway to the wider Shikoku island.
"Art Setouchi" Route:3-5 days for Naoshima, Teshima, Inujima.
"Western Japan" Route:Combine with Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima.

Planning Tip

When planning multi-day extensions, check ferry and train schedules in advance for smooth transitions. Booking accommodations for each new location is also important. For booking day trips and experiences, consider browsing GetYourGuide's day trip options.

Day Trip Destinations at a Glance

Nearby islands and cities offer unique attractions for your Naoshima visit.

Teshima Island

Major art island with the Teshima Art Museum and more rural landscapes than Naoshima.

Inujima Island

Smallest art island, features the Seirensho Art Museum, a repurposed copper refinery.

Okayama City

Mainland city with Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden, a top landscape garden.

Naoshima's Natural Beauty

Beyond the art, Naoshima and its surroundings offer serene natural settings.

Landscape Features

The Seto Inland Sea area is a protected natural environment.
Ferry rides offer scenic views of islands and boats.
Coastal areas and Teshima's rural landscapes offer stunning sea views.

Cultural Richness

Expand your cultural exploration to historical sites and rural settings nearby.

Historical & Rural Insights

Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden feature feudal history.
Teshima Island displays extensive agricultural areas and a rural feel.
Shrines and temples in Okayama and Takamatsu hold cultural significance.

Extended Stay Opportunities

Setouchi Art Island Immersion:3-5 days on Naoshima, Teshima, and Inujima.

Mainland City Blend:Add Okayama or Takamatsu to your trip.

Western Japan Adventure:Combine with Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima.

Okayama Station:A Shinkansen hub for onward journeys.

Takamatsu:Gateway to further Shikoku exploration.

Route Flexibility:Customize your journey with art and history.

Travel Advice

Consider extra days to fully experience the Setouchi art islands at a relaxed pace.
Balance your art island visit with city culture in Okayama or Takamatsu.
Use Japan's efficient Shinkansen network for easy connections to other major cities.
Check ferry and train schedules for smooth transitions between destinations.
Secure accommodations in each new location you visit.

Getting Around & Staying Informed

Connecting with locals and staying informed enhance your trip.

Communication Options

Data-only SIM cards or eSIMs offer convenient mobile access. Portable Wi-Fi hotspots also provide reliable internet.

Connectivity & Language

Local SIM cards from NTT Docomo, au, or SoftBank are available. For eSIMs, consider Airalo.
Free Wi-Fi at airports, stations, hotels. Portable Wi-Fi devices, like those from Solis Wi-Fi, offer coverage.
Translation apps (Google Translate) are useful for language barriers. Learn basic phrases with platforms like Rosetta Stone.

Japanese Phrases

Common Expressions

Hello: Konnichiwa (Koh-nee-chee-wah)
Thank you: Arigato gozaimasu (Ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mas)
Excuse me/Sorry: Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-sen)

Business Hours & Schedules

Operating hours vary for different establishments on Naoshima and mainland Japan.

Typical Operating Hours

Shops: Generally 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; smaller shops may vary.
Restaurants: Lunch 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, Dinner 5:00 PM-9:00 PM.
Museums: Typically 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, often closed Mondays.

Money & Banking

Accessing funds is straightforward with widely available ATMs.

Financial Access & Holidays

Banks: Weekdays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
ATMs: Many operate 24/7 at convenience stores and post offices.
Major holidays (Golden Week, Obon, New Year) see crowds and higher prices.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Greetings & Attire

A slight bow is a common greeting. Dress modestly and neatly, covering shoulders and knees at shrines.

Dining Practices

Tipping is not customary. Slurping noodles shows enjoyment. Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice.

Photography & Taboos

Respect museum photography rules. Ask permission before photographing people. Remove shoes indoors.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Challenges:Naoshima's hilly terrain and stairs at some art sites pose challenges.
Accessible Attractions:Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum have some accessible routes.
Ferry Travel:Main ferries to Naoshima are generally accessible.
"Red Pumpkin":This iconic sculpture is easily accessible.

Visual/Hearing Impairments:Specific services may be limited; inquire directly.
Resources:Japan Accessible Tourism Center for general advice.
Airport Lounge Access:For airport services, consider Priority Pass for lounge access.
Flight Compensation:For delayed or cancelled flights, Compensair may provide assistance.

Evening Transport

Plan your day's activities considering the limited evening transport on Naoshima. This helps make sure you return to your accommodation without difficulty.

Day Trips & Excursions